The memoir offers a unique glimpse into the life of Scotty Moore, who played a pivotal role as Elvis Presley's first guitarist and manager. Through personal anecdotes, Moore shares his experiences during the early days of rock 'n' roll, detailing the rise of Elvis and the music industry in the 1950s. Readers will gain insight into the creative process behind iconic songs and the challenges faced in the spotlight, highlighting the bond between Moore and Presley that shaped their legendary careers.
Based on unprecedented, original research and interviews with insiders, this authoritative investigative biography of Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997), Elvis Presley's lifelong manager, includes new revelations and insights into the music industry's most notorious and mysterious manager. Investigative journalist and music writer James L. Dickerson looks at topics such as Parker's illegal entry into the United States, his work as a carny with Royal American Shows, and his management of country singer Eddy Arnold, his partnership with Hank Snow, and how he manipulated Elvis Presley and his family to seize control of the singer's career, destroying career in the process.. The book, which covers Parker's life and career from birth to his death, examines Parker's greed, his indebtedness to behind-the-scenes players in Las Vegas, his gambling addiction, and his fear of deportation played a role in ruining Elvis's career. Because Colonel Parker was always there with Elvis, gazing ominously over his shoulder, the book presents behind-the-scenes glimpses of the entertainer's career that you will read nowhere else, thanks in part to the author's personal and professional relationship with Elvis's first guitarist, Scotty Moore, with whom the author wrote two revealing books.
The narrative explores the life of Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman, highlighting her remarkable talent and beauty as one of the leading actresses of her generation. It delves into her personal struggles, including her mother's battle with breast cancer and the emotional turmoil of her divorce from Tom Cruise, with whom she adopted two children. The juxtaposition of her professional achievements against these personal challenges paints a poignant picture of resilience and determination.
Presenting the Mississippi's shameful racist history of lynching, arson, denial of rights, false imprisonment, and other heinous crimes, this title includes a narrative that explores how Mississippi became a safe haven for the most violent and virulent racists, who were immune to prosecution for their crimes.
Screening Adoptive and Foster Parents: A Guide for Students and Professionals combines the best of psychology and social work experience into a definitive guide for screening adoption and foster home applicants. Based on professional experience and research data, this book provides information on evaluating unhealthy parenting attitudes, interview techniques, and psychological testing.
Along with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Lillian "Lil" Hardin (1898-1971) was arguably the third most crucial figure in the creation of popular jazz, but today her important contributions are almost entirely unknown.Born in Memphis, with strong roots in Mississippi, Lil was, by her early twenties the most sought-after jazz pianist in Chicago, playing first with Freddie Keppard's watershed Creole Jazz Band and later with King Oliver's world-famous Creole Jazz Band. She was already well established in Chicago as a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader before she met and married Louis Armstrong (1898-1971) in 1924.Beyond her musical contributions to Louis as a songwriter, arranger, and pianist, Lil launched, guided and promoted his solo career. Her tireless efforts and musical craftsmanship (she was the only one in Louis's band who could read music) made possible his now legendary Hot Fives and Hot Sevens recordings. Later, after Louis divorced her in 1938, she established her own successful solo career. In 1931, in Harlem, she spearheaded the first all-female jazz band. It is a distinction that makes her the perfect role model for today's "Me Too" generation. Over the years, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee and others recorded her songs.
