Large Time: On the Southern Music Beat 1976-1986

by Bill King

Bill King covered the Southern and Georgia music scenes from 1976 to 1986, writing about a broad range of acts that included classic rock, new wave, country outlaws, mainstream Nashville, soul music, modern R&B and disco, and even a little gospel. “LARGE On the Southern Music Beat, 1976-1986” includes expanded versions of some of King's favorite interviews with Southern acts from that era, along with previously unpublished stories behind the stories. You’ll find chats with The Allman Brothers, James Brown, R.E.M., Dolly Parton, Isaac Hayes, the B-52s, B.B. King, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Roy Orbison, Randall Bramblett, Jimmy Buffett, Barbara Mandrell, The Brains, the Dregs, Tanya Tucker, Stillwater, the Swingin’ Medallions, the Tams, Chips Moman, Brenda Lee, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amy Grant, Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Millie Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Daniels, Phil Walden, Buddy Buie, Bill Lowery and more. It’s all Southern music!

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2024

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Reviews

[Mark Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read, and I am thankful that the author put these articles into a compendium. King's journalistic connections to Southern music icons like James Brown, Phil Walden, and members of the ABB provide a behind the scenes, unguarded access to stars who were just getting started, had arrived, or were on the downslide. King was able to draw out the very human side of interviewees, and they reflected honestly on their challenges, successes and failures, particularly Walden, who was the original "Comeback Kid." I highly recommend this engaging, entertaining, and penetrating look at those who once occupied the top rank in the pantheon of Southern music heroes.