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Jim Reeves: His Untold Story
Velvet-voiced Jim Reeves was not only one of the world's most popular (and enduring) recording stars, he was one of the most fascinating. Now, in this truly intimate and scrupulously well-researched biography, (the Kindle version the equivalent of the 672-page printed book), author Larry Jordan sets the record straight, dispelling rumors and misinformation that have swirled around Reeves for decades. More than 11 years in the writing, this riveting bio is based on hundreds of interviews with the people who knew Jim best, as well as his personal diaries and private correspondence. Jordan's brisk, though richly detailed narrative style tells an engrossing story, taking you virtually day by day through Jim's life. There are many intriguing - even explosive - revelations here, in a portrait that is honest, though sometimes painful; poignant, yet full of good humor. More than 150 rare photos depict the private as well as public side of the unforgettable "Gentleman Jim." "Country Music People" magazine says "rarely can a book have been as eagerly awaited as Larry Jordan's 'Jim His Untold Story...'" Billboard reports "Though the author is a Reeves fan, he didn't put the singer on a pedestal... The book is a balanced account of Reeves' life and career..." The chairman of the Belmont Award, says "I believe this book could be in the major leagues with [Pulitizer Prize winners]. It is an excellent biography..." Winner of a prestigious Hollywood Book Award. Also order the NEW companion 2-CD 144-minute documentary called "JIM THE NEW RECORDINGS," (based on the book) featuring 42 songs by Jim, including 20 NEW overdubs of RCA masters fans have not heard before, NEW unreleased songs, NEW interviews with Jim, plus comments by the author. (Total 86 tracks). To order it, just search Amazon by typing in the ASIN #, which is "B008YO11H0" or search by the title, "JIM THE NEW RECORDINGS."
- GenresMusic
674 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2011
25 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Larry Jordan
1 book3 followersLibrarian's Note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database, this author is entered with 4 spaces.
Larry Neal Jordan began writing professionally when he was only 15, and has worked as a speech writer, fundraiser and political consultant in three Congressional campaigns. Since 1992 he has been the editor and publisher of Midwest Today, a glossy regional magazine. For the past 14 years, Jordan has also produced a weekly radio show heard on 52 stations across ten states. His work has been widely quoted, including by ABC radio, CBS-TV, BBC-TV, Family Circle, Soap Opera Digest, Catholic Digest, and a multitude of other media around the world. He has been praised by respected journalists ranging from Tom Brokaw to Walter Cronkite, and political figures. President Bill Clinton read an extensive article Jordan wrote called "The Troubling Legacy of Ronald Reagan," called it "very impressive," said "I'm glad I had an opportunity to read it," and "I agree with much of it, as you may guess." Commenting on a different article by Larry Jordan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "your analysis and argument hits the mark. I only wish others paid more attention to the evidence which is there for all to see of what is really happening." In 1998, Larry wrote the 7,000-word booklet that accompanied the Bear Family 4 CD boxed set, "Jim Reeves and Friends: Radio Days, Vol. 1." In 1999, he co-produced the Soundies/BMG CD "Jim Reeves Unreleased Hits." In 2003, Jordan launched an indie label, VoiceMasters, which has issued CDs featuring previously unreleased recordings by Jim Reeves, with plans for other artists as well. (CDs are sold on Amazon.) In 2010, in collaboration with H&H Music in the UK, VoiceMasters also released the "Jim Reeves Anthology," a DVD containing 22 live video performances by Reeves. Jordan also wrote an essay for a book of photos by famed Opry photographer Les Leverett.
Larry's hobbies include collecting antique clocks, fountain pens and restored radios. A big rail buff he also enjoys jazz, Big Band, and Southern Gospel in addition to country music. He and his wife of 22 years, Julie Campbell-Jordan, have one daughter, Sara Elizabeth, who is finishing her degree in American Studies. For his book called "Jim Reeves: His Untold Story," Larry taped interviews with over 500 people around the world who knew Jim and/or Mary Reeves, and has produced a 314,000-word book that is encyclopedic in its detail on the fascinating life of this unforgettable singer.
Larry Neal Jordan began writing professionally when he was only 15, and has worked as a speech writer, fundraiser and political consultant in three Congressional campaigns. Since 1992 he has been the editor and publisher of Midwest Today, a glossy regional magazine. For the past 14 years, Jordan has also produced a weekly radio show heard on 52 stations across ten states. His work has been widely quoted, including by ABC radio, CBS-TV, BBC-TV, Family Circle, Soap Opera Digest, Catholic Digest, and a multitude of other media around the world. He has been praised by respected journalists ranging from Tom Brokaw to Walter Cronkite, and political figures. President Bill Clinton read an extensive article Jordan wrote called "The Troubling Legacy of Ronald Reagan," called it "very impressive," said "I'm glad I had an opportunity to read it," and "I agree with much of it, as you may guess." Commenting on a different article by Larry Jordan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "your analysis and argument hits the mark. I only wish others paid more attention to the evidence which is there for all to see of what is really happening." In 1998, Larry wrote the 7,000-word booklet that accompanied the Bear Family 4 CD boxed set, "Jim Reeves and Friends: Radio Days, Vol. 1." In 1999, he co-produced the Soundies/BMG CD "Jim Reeves Unreleased Hits." In 2003, Jordan launched an indie label, VoiceMasters, which has issued CDs featuring previously unreleased recordings by Jim Reeves, with plans for other artists as well. (CDs are sold on Amazon.) In 2010, in collaboration with H&H Music in the UK, VoiceMasters also released the "Jim Reeves Anthology," a DVD containing 22 live video performances by Reeves. Jordan also wrote an essay for a book of photos by famed Opry photographer Les Leverett.
Larry's hobbies include collecting antique clocks, fountain pens and restored radios. A big rail buff he also enjoys jazz, Big Band, and Southern Gospel in addition to country music. He and his wife of 22 years, Julie Campbell-Jordan, have one daughter, Sara Elizabeth, who is finishing her degree in American Studies. For his book called "Jim Reeves: His Untold Story," Larry taped interviews with over 500 people around the world who knew Jim and/or Mary Reeves, and has produced a 314,000-word book that is encyclopedic in its detail on the fascinating life of this unforgettable singer.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 14, 2020
Meticulously detailed and fascinating read.
August 6, 2020
Quite a story....
I've always enjoyed his music and 56 years after his passing, got to read his story. It would make essential reading, for anyone drawn to the entertainment world. It's just darned, hard graft.I can sympathise, with Reeves, and others, for their extremes under such pressure. He did better than I would have done. The comparison of Reeves, to the biblical King David is a fair one. My experience of some religious folk, who are to sanctimonious to be human, have left a mark on me. Did Jim miss his calling ? Who knows ? The holier than now folk, have caused many to miss it.
I've always enjoyed his music and 56 years after his passing, got to read his story. It would make essential reading, for anyone drawn to the entertainment world. It's just darned, hard graft.I can sympathise, with Reeves, and others, for their extremes under such pressure. He did better than I would have done. The comparison of Reeves, to the biblical King David is a fair one. My experience of some religious folk, who are to sanctimonious to be human, have left a mark on me. Did Jim miss his calling ? Who knows ? The holier than now folk, have caused many to miss it.
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June 10, 2013
A true page-turner,absolutely fascinating is the life of James Travis "Jim" Reeves---(August 20,1923-July 31,1964).I personally love this singer and have waited a lifetime to read his biography and Larry Jordan has done an excellent job writing this over more than eleven years. It is the definitive Jim Reeves biography.Mr.Jordan interviewed hundreds of people who knew Reeves personally over many years,including Mary Reeves(Mrs. Jim Reeves) whom he was friends with for thirty-three years.It is worth every penny and minute spent reading it.I've seldom enjoyed a biography more than I enjoyed reading this one.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews