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Between Wyomings
Sometimes the distance between your mind and your heart adds up to three months, 10,000 miles and 30 years of rock and roll. Sure. It's easy enough to say you trust God, that you are a new creation completely severed from the old. But as author and Grammy-winning producer Ken Mansfield confesses, sometimes it takes a change of scenery to move you beyond the mire of the past to a deeper, more intimate faith. In Between Wyomings , Mansfield embarks on an emblematic three-month road trip determined to face off with the good, the bad, and the tragic of his life as a famed music producer to some of the biggest names in music history. Along the journey Mansfield colorfully recounts classic events in music history and personal experiences with icons such as Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Roy Orbison, Andy Williams, Don Ho, Willie Nelson?oh?and an obscure little band called The Beatles. With insight and humility, Mansfield chronicles 30 years of his life in the LA, London and Nashville music scenes. A rare account filled with honesty, hope, and often hilarity, Between Wyomings is an unforgettable story that will leave you wholly affected as Mansfield makes his way back "home" to the heart of God's love, mercy, and grace.
301 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Ken Mansfield
14 books6 followersKen Mansfield is the former manager of the Beatles’ Apple Record Company and an award-winning producer. Ken is an ordained minister and public speaker who appears at churches and colleges across the nation.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 14, 2020
WARNING: This book is not about Wyoming. Why, oh why, did they have to name the book THIS? If I had known what I was getting into, I would have never opened it.
November 27, 2011
Am interesting ride along inside the head of Mansfield, who produced rock and country albums for several companies over the past 40 years, and was the head of the Beatles label (Apple Records) in America. The artist stories are interesting in themselves, but the powerful conclusion of this book is what makes it special. There are times as you read that you will feel like Mansfield is a little self-glorifying...then he comes to the same conclusion in a touching, down-to-earth revelation of what life is really about. If you have an interest in classic rock and/or the music business you'll really enjoy the book more, as the stories will be lost on anyone who doesn't know who the central figures are.
November 14, 2020
WARNING: This book is NOT about Wyoming.
July 25, 2021
An unusual approach to a memoir but enjoyable nevertheless. The author's loyalty to his Lord is evident and a breath of fresh air.
December 15, 2009
preview copy so I can blog about it for Thomas Nelson. time to get reading!
Dear God, this book is long and tedious! I'm only on page 154 out of 292, and I am really struggling to continue. but I said I would, so here goes another try. (rolls eyes)
Ok, six months later I am finished, and here's my thoughts: ugh! I like travel narratives. I like spiritual/ Christian reflections. I even thought I would find the memories of an important person in the music industry interesting. Well, turns out that when you mix them all together in one self indulgent book, I do not like any of them. There was never enough information about any of the places he visited, although the descriptions got better as he headed back into his home turf in the Northwestern US. The Christian/ spiritual reminisces were weird musings--example, he says when he prays to Jesus, it's like Jesus is sitting there right beside him, and he can imagine seeing him. Okay, good for you, dude. and the musical memories? turns out that if they are the memories of someone who wasn't famous himself, just someone behind the scenes, and a lot of the memories are about groups I've never even heard of before, being younger than the author by quite a few years, it is just, like one other review I read said, like looking at someone else's yearbook. In this case, the yearbook of someone who is, probably justifiably, very proud of his accomplishments. or is until the end of the book, until he realizes they aren't important. or something. I really don't know. I don't mean any personal insult to the author, but I really did not like this book. I would not have finished it at all if I had not agreed to read and review it for the publisher, and as it was, it took me absolutely months to force myself back to it and to the end. I guess I like my travel narrative to be about travel, not someone's personal issues or opinions. definitely not nebulously swirled in with chapters of spiritual musings and arcane musical history and name dropping. ick.
Dear God, this book is long and tedious! I'm only on page 154 out of 292, and I am really struggling to continue. but I said I would, so here goes another try. (rolls eyes)
Ok, six months later I am finished, and here's my thoughts: ugh! I like travel narratives. I like spiritual/ Christian reflections. I even thought I would find the memories of an important person in the music industry interesting. Well, turns out that when you mix them all together in one self indulgent book, I do not like any of them. There was never enough information about any of the places he visited, although the descriptions got better as he headed back into his home turf in the Northwestern US. The Christian/ spiritual reminisces were weird musings--example, he says when he prays to Jesus, it's like Jesus is sitting there right beside him, and he can imagine seeing him. Okay, good for you, dude. and the musical memories? turns out that if they are the memories of someone who wasn't famous himself, just someone behind the scenes, and a lot of the memories are about groups I've never even heard of before, being younger than the author by quite a few years, it is just, like one other review I read said, like looking at someone else's yearbook. In this case, the yearbook of someone who is, probably justifiably, very proud of his accomplishments. or is until the end of the book, until he realizes they aren't important. or something. I really don't know. I don't mean any personal insult to the author, but I really did not like this book. I would not have finished it at all if I had not agreed to read and review it for the publisher, and as it was, it took me absolutely months to force myself back to it and to the end. I guess I like my travel narrative to be about travel, not someone's personal issues or opinions. definitely not nebulously swirled in with chapters of spiritual musings and arcane musical history and name dropping. ick.
June 19, 2011
Ken Mansfield is a Grammy winning producer and author of multiple books about his experiences. Between Wyomings is his newest book. It follows him and his wife through a 3-month road trip down memory lane. As they drive across the country visiting the places important to his life and listening to his iPod, he relates stories from his experience in the music industry. From stories about Ringo Starr coming over for Thanksgiving to helping Don Ho produce his best album, and working with the Beatles for years, Mansfield provides personal insights into the lives of the musicians and their somewhat famous producer. Intertwined with these musical insights are meditations and reflections on Mansfield's relationship with God, all written with musical terms.
I was fascinated by the writing in this book and its stories. I'm a music person, and I loved reading about the small details of how a particular song or album came together. And about how a certain song playing on Mansfield's iPod made him remember a certain experience because I'm the same way. I feel like almost every song is tied to a memory in some way and love to relive them through the music. I also loved the intermingling of personal reflections and explanations of Mansfield's journey in finding God with the help of his wife Connie. His writing throughout the book, whether talking about God or music, is written with musically eloquent terms that read like a piece of great music is played.
I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to learn more about his life and adventures. Thankfully the book is broken into small sections with stories laced into the individual sections so I could pick the book up, read a section, and do something else. Overall I loved this book and will probably pick up his other books if given the chance. I recommend this book to anyone that likes music and well written stories. 4 stars.
I was fascinated by the writing in this book and its stories. I'm a music person, and I loved reading about the small details of how a particular song or album came together. And about how a certain song playing on Mansfield's iPod made him remember a certain experience because I'm the same way. I feel like almost every song is tied to a memory in some way and love to relive them through the music. I also loved the intermingling of personal reflections and explanations of Mansfield's journey in finding God with the help of his wife Connie. His writing throughout the book, whether talking about God or music, is written with musically eloquent terms that read like a piece of great music is played.
I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to learn more about his life and adventures. Thankfully the book is broken into small sections with stories laced into the individual sections so I could pick the book up, read a section, and do something else. Overall I loved this book and will probably pick up his other books if given the chance. I recommend this book to anyone that likes music and well written stories. 4 stars.
June 29, 2009
“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.”
-Psalm 19:7-8
Setting the tone for his book "Between Wyomings: My God and an iPod on the Open Road", Ken Mansfield with the above scripture (The Message Bible) at once captures your attention.
Recounting his three month tour with his wife in their van (affectionately named Moses), Mansfield recounts, reflects, and relives his years in the music industry.
Describing his writing style as a 'christian on acid', his statements are wildly imaginative pegging the mindset of the entertainment industry as we all imagine it to be, somewhat disorganized but wondrously creative at the same time.
Mansfield recalls his life and moments with many of the entertainment industries most famous icons, those who have shaped history, such as: Beach Boys, the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Roy Orbison, Andy Williams, Don Ho, and Willie Nelson.
Especially interesting to me were his discussion with God as he searched to make sense of his life. This is the essence of his testimony as it is for all of us. Describing God, Mansfield writes:
"Oddly enough, I think the big reason I love Him so much is because He doesn't always knock before He enters. He loves to just storm into my deepest parts and start turning over tables, clearing spaces, and setting things free."
This is a very interesting and illuminating book, written with great honesty and humor. As you finish this book, you may find yourself grabbing your iPod, loading it up with a history of your life in 'music' and beginning a reflective story of your own.
-Psalm 19:7-8
Setting the tone for his book "Between Wyomings: My God and an iPod on the Open Road", Ken Mansfield with the above scripture (The Message Bible) at once captures your attention.
Recounting his three month tour with his wife in their van (affectionately named Moses), Mansfield recounts, reflects, and relives his years in the music industry.
Describing his writing style as a 'christian on acid', his statements are wildly imaginative pegging the mindset of the entertainment industry as we all imagine it to be, somewhat disorganized but wondrously creative at the same time.
Mansfield recalls his life and moments with many of the entertainment industries most famous icons, those who have shaped history, such as: Beach Boys, the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Roy Orbison, Andy Williams, Don Ho, and Willie Nelson.
Especially interesting to me were his discussion with God as he searched to make sense of his life. This is the essence of his testimony as it is for all of us. Describing God, Mansfield writes:
"Oddly enough, I think the big reason I love Him so much is because He doesn't always knock before He enters. He loves to just storm into my deepest parts and start turning over tables, clearing spaces, and setting things free."
This is a very interesting and illuminating book, written with great honesty and humor. As you finish this book, you may find yourself grabbing your iPod, loading it up with a history of your life in 'music' and beginning a reflective story of your own.
June 20, 2013
Ken Mansfield is an author, but he is also a Grammy-winning record producer. He has worked and rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, sure, but he didn't start out that way.
BETWEEN WYOMINGS is his journey from a podunk town in Idaho where he grew up to the big cities of LA, San Diego, London, and a few more along the way. As the journey goes along, he shares some of his past with us.
Ken has spent over thirty years on the road and now, as he and his wife as settled down in a stationary home, he is restless. So, he and his wife Connie go on a road trip that a little over three months, retracing monumental steps in their lives.
I'm a big country music fan, so a lot of his musings of his work with several big stars really caught my attention. However, it's sad, but so happens too often, that Ken let his success become his God. It will take alot of walking alone before he walks WITH God.
Written in a style where the pages flowed seamlessly, BETWEEN WYOMINGS will capture your attention, draw you in, and not let you go until the end. Ken's book sends a powerful message, but it's not preached to you, it's real and that makes all the difference for me.
BETWEEN WYOMINGS is his journey from a podunk town in Idaho where he grew up to the big cities of LA, San Diego, London, and a few more along the way. As the journey goes along, he shares some of his past with us.
Ken has spent over thirty years on the road and now, as he and his wife as settled down in a stationary home, he is restless. So, he and his wife Connie go on a road trip that a little over three months, retracing monumental steps in their lives.
I'm a big country music fan, so a lot of his musings of his work with several big stars really caught my attention. However, it's sad, but so happens too often, that Ken let his success become his God. It will take alot of walking alone before he walks WITH God.
Written in a style where the pages flowed seamlessly, BETWEEN WYOMINGS will capture your attention, draw you in, and not let you go until the end. Ken's book sends a powerful message, but it's not preached to you, it's real and that makes all the difference for me.
August 13, 2009
Between Wyomings: My God and an iPod on the Open Road by Ken Mansfield is an interesting book part biography part spiritual memoir. You ride along with Ken and his wife as they take a road trip cross country. And like all trips you have your highs and your lows, your exciting points and your “Are we there yet?” moments too. You get an inside look into the music industry of the 1960’s and 1970’s with almost all the big name players at the time. From Ringo jumping from house to house cutting turkey on Thanksgiving day. You also see some sad points too and some very really funny parts too.
As you travel with Ken you see how God has changed him and his outlook on life. Overall, I would say this is a good book especially if you are a fan of music of the 60’s throughout the 90’s some big names and some not so big. It could have been better I think 10,000 miles was a little too long of a trip. Yet overall it is an interesting journey with a man, his God, and an iPod full of music.
As you travel with Ken you see how God has changed him and his outlook on life. Overall, I would say this is a good book especially if you are a fan of music of the 60’s throughout the 90’s some big names and some not so big. It could have been better I think 10,000 miles was a little too long of a trip. Yet overall it is an interesting journey with a man, his God, and an iPod full of music.
January 18, 2010
I had a totally different impression of this book based on the summary, than I do now having read it. I was born in the 80's, so all that I know about the 60's I have learned from pop culture outlets. Its difficult to read about a person hitting rock bottom, especially as a result of a time and a culture that I haven't lived through.
A lot of what the author writes is quite poetic. He is excellent at describing events visually. He can paint a full picture of a scene or event in his poetic prose. His spirituality pours out on the pages. I am not a spiritual person, but I can usually appreciate and learn from reading about other peoples spirituality. In this book I felt more like I was being preached at rather than enlightened.
I am sure that this is a good book, just probably not for my age group or taste.
A lot of what the author writes is quite poetic. He is excellent at describing events visually. He can paint a full picture of a scene or event in his poetic prose. His spirituality pours out on the pages. I am not a spiritual person, but I can usually appreciate and learn from reading about other peoples spirituality. In this book I felt more like I was being preached at rather than enlightened.
I am sure that this is a good book, just probably not for my age group or taste.
June 14, 2009
The was Ken Mansfield's look into his journey through life with and without God. It is the story of a trip of discovery he, his wife connie and their van Moses made across country. Songs they are listening to bring back memories of his days in the music industry and the discovery he makes at the end of his journey. This is definately a must read. I am inspired to read his other two books,"The Beatles, The Bible and Bodega Bay" and "The White Book". I read this book a a book reviewer/blogger for Thomas Nelson Publisher blogging program.
August 22, 2010
I am sure that I am not the person that is the targeted audience for this book. I got in because I thought it was going to be more like one of my favorite books "Life is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss One Song at a Time" by Rob Sheffield where it would share how songs reminded a man of past events. But it was more a man talking about his walk with Jesus and tossing in some minor stories here and there that dealt with music.
September 21, 2021
Between Wyomings: My God & and iPod On the Open Road by Ken Mansfield (Thomas Nelson Inc. 2009) (Biography). Former Apple Records manager and later record producer for Waylon Jennings and other country music “outlaws” goes Christian. Essays and reminiscences; the best thing about this book is the title. My rating: 2/10, finished 9/1/2010.
July 19, 2009
I couldn't finish this book. The writing itself was great, very descriptive, but I couldn't seem to get into the story itself.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews