Nighthawk Blues

by Peter Guralnick

Peter Guralnick—in this, his only novel to date—draws on his rich storytelling skills and his intimate knowledge of music to create an an unforgettable character, and to give us an "engrossing, evocative" ( Washington Post ) look at the blues life.

The Screamin' Nighthawk is a legendary bluesman, an uncompromising musician, and a cantankerous old man awash in memories of road trips and one-night stands, recording sessions and barroom escapades, love affairs and driven, inspired, down-home music making. As Hawk travels back down Highway 61 to Yola, Mississippi, for what may be his last gig, the novel immerses us in the world of Hawk, his friends and family, the nursemaid manager he craftily evades, and the beautiful young blues singer who alone can crack Hawk's crusty exterior.

Genres: Music, Fiction

257 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Peter Guralnick is an acclaimed American music critic, author, and screenwriter best known for his deeply researched works on the history of rock and roll. He earned a master’s degree in creative writing from Boston University and soon began writing about blues, country, soul, and early rock music. His two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love, is considered a definitive account of the singer’s life. Guralnick also authored landmark biographies of Sam Cooke and Sam Phillips, earning praise from critics and musicians alike. He has written liner notes for legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich, winning a Grammy for his notes on Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club. His documentary scripts include Sam Cooke – Legend and Feel Like Going Home, directed by Martin Scorsese. Guralnick’s writing stands apart for its straightforward, unembellished style, earning him a reputation as one of rock’s most respected storytellers. He has taught at Vanderbilt University since 2005 and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010. His recent works include Looking to Get Lost and a forthcoming biography of Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick lives with his wife, Alexandra, and their family. His extensive archive is housed at the University of North Carolina’s Wilson Library.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing fictional effort from an outstanding nonfiction writer. None of the characters are particularly likable or compelling and the effort to capture the milieu of the music business of the time and rural Mississippi both fall flat. Stick to his biographies.

[Marsha Raasch · Rating 2 out of 5]

A look at one of the last itinerant blues men, as told through the eyes of a young white man who thinks he's "discovered" a hidden treasure. But bluesmen do as they will, as he discovered. Two stars because I really just slogged through the book without much connection to the characters.

[Jon]

Very entertaining novel about the world of blues musicians and researchers during the 1960s blues revival. If you're familiar with Guralnick's nonfiction writing about musicians, you'll find this much raunchier--in writing about fictional characters, Guralnick didn't have to be discreet. An incident in the book in which a record producer thinks a performer is asking for "sherry", when he really wants cherry ice cream, is based on a real-life backstage incident where Mississippi John Hurt was thought to be asking for "sherry" when he meant cherry chewing tobacco. Aren't you glad you know that?

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

More often a historian of popular music (including blues) Peter Guralnick here gives us a novel about an old, cantankerous, sometimes pitiable blues musician, a la Big Joe Williams (very much like him, actually). It's decent; Guralnick obviously knows what he's writing about. It doesn't really sparkle, though, and only blues lovers likely would be interested.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended up being pretty surprised by this one. Pretty well done. Intended as an affirmation of, and a bit of a corrective to, all those grand romantic notions of the blues. It's also full of inside jokes and written as only an enthusiast could. Does a pretty good job capturing how impenetrable the culture that created those original blues recordings is and is destined to remain.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't really get into the characters. Some of the blues players were entertaining, but Jerry was annoying and felt more forced than authentic.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable fictional account of the Screaming Nighthawk, a Delta blues man rediscovered during the 1960s. Well drawn characters and a nice feel for the music.

[Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm looking forward to checking out some of Guralnick's non-fiction now

[Lamya Al Zadjali]

I can't finish this book, I don't know why I bought it in the first place. I don't even remember when.