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These Are My People
What would it be like to be a part of country music history? Singer/songwriter and manager Merle Kilgore could have told you. He awed his fans with tales of his life in the music business, always with a supporting cast of impossibly famous friends. At age fourteen Merle carried the guitar for Hank Williams Sr. Four years later he wrote his first song, and Webb Pierce turned it into a million-seller. He double-dated with Elvis Presley, wrecked hotel rooms with Johnny Cash, held seances with Johnny Horton, and convinced Audrey Williams to put Hank Jr. on the road at fourteen-years-old. Merle became a prolific songwriter, entering the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He co-wrote his signature accomplishment, Ring of Fire with June Carter Cash. This work is listed by CMT as one of the top four all-time country music songs. These are just a few of the amazing stories of Merle's life, showcased in These Are My People, written by his grandson Mark Rickert. The book also has 30 black and white photos.
262 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 8, 2017
The book was well-written. I just wasn't interested in Merle Kilgore
September 27, 2016
Merle Kilgore was a minor country music celebrity who had a hand in some major careers. He was one of those guys who happened to be in the right place at the right time and as a result he witnessed and/or participated in some of the biggest moments in country music history.
Kilgore, a larger-than-life character, was something of a go-getter. As a teenager he carried Hank Williams, Sr.’s guitar. He met a young Elvis Presley. He worked at various times as a DJ, music performer, master of ceremonies, and early in his career had his own regional TV show. He is credited as a co-writer of the Johnny Cash hit Ring of Fire (Kilgore also served as bestman at the wedding of Johnny Cash to June Carter). He spent years as the opening act for Hank Williams, Jr. before retiring from performing to become Hank Jr.’s full time business manager.
This book, written by his grandson, is a collection of anecdotes and stories told by and about Merle. Reading “These are My People” is a bit like sitting around on the back porch listening to a favorite uncle tell tall tales. You get the impression that there’s probably a little exaggeration going on - that the truth is getting stretched just enough to make the stories more interesting - but it doesn't take away from the fun of the stories.
The book is fun and interesting. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the early days of country music.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley.
Kilgore, a larger-than-life character, was something of a go-getter. As a teenager he carried Hank Williams, Sr.’s guitar. He met a young Elvis Presley. He worked at various times as a DJ, music performer, master of ceremonies, and early in his career had his own regional TV show. He is credited as a co-writer of the Johnny Cash hit Ring of Fire (Kilgore also served as bestman at the wedding of Johnny Cash to June Carter). He spent years as the opening act for Hank Williams, Jr. before retiring from performing to become Hank Jr.’s full time business manager.
This book, written by his grandson, is a collection of anecdotes and stories told by and about Merle. Reading “These are My People” is a bit like sitting around on the back porch listening to a favorite uncle tell tall tales. You get the impression that there’s probably a little exaggeration going on - that the truth is getting stretched just enough to make the stories more interesting - but it doesn't take away from the fun of the stories.
The book is fun and interesting. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the early days of country music.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley.
December 10, 2016
These are My People.
A story of Merle Kilgore.
Written by his grandson, Mark Rickert
This book is a collection of stories about The Louisiana Hayride, Hank Williams Sr., Webb Pierce, and Faron Young thru the memories/stories of Merle Kilgore. We learn that Elvis Presley bombed in his first performance on the Louisiana Hayride, suffering from stage fright. Elvis returned to the stage after a pep talk from Merle and et al. It is sad that a man would abandon his wife in a crowd and go backstage to see Elvis on his last Louisiana Hayride performance. Why didn’t he take his wife with him backstage? It is no wonder they later divorced. I never realized there were that many differing stories regarding the writing of the song “Ring of Fire”.
I found a major faux pas regarding the location of the original acetate recordings of “There’s a Tear In My Bear”. Although it is pronounced “Bernie”, it is spelled “Boerne” Texas. This is important to us Native Texans.
Merle carried Hank Sr’s guitar, managed Hank Jr’s. career. He had 6 wives and a long career in Country Music. 3 stars. Interesting read.
A story of Merle Kilgore.
Written by his grandson, Mark Rickert
This book is a collection of stories about The Louisiana Hayride, Hank Williams Sr., Webb Pierce, and Faron Young thru the memories/stories of Merle Kilgore. We learn that Elvis Presley bombed in his first performance on the Louisiana Hayride, suffering from stage fright. Elvis returned to the stage after a pep talk from Merle and et al. It is sad that a man would abandon his wife in a crowd and go backstage to see Elvis on his last Louisiana Hayride performance. Why didn’t he take his wife with him backstage? It is no wonder they later divorced. I never realized there were that many differing stories regarding the writing of the song “Ring of Fire”.
I found a major faux pas regarding the location of the original acetate recordings of “There’s a Tear In My Bear”. Although it is pronounced “Bernie”, it is spelled “Boerne” Texas. This is important to us Native Texans.
Merle carried Hank Sr’s guitar, managed Hank Jr’s. career. He had 6 wives and a long career in Country Music. 3 stars. Interesting read.
December 17, 2016
I received this story from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is collection of stories regarding singer-songwriter Merle Kilgore. This name will not be familiar with you unless you are a die hard country music fan or musician. He worked with everyone from Hank Williams to Elvis Presley. His stories and life is remarkable. This will not be a book for everyone. However, some will find it quite enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews