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Book - I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars - Gilly

Book -  I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars - Gilly magazine cover

My forthcoming book.

I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars.

Well at last I can announce that this much anticipated book will be available for your pleasure in November 2020.

It tells of the 5 trips I made to the States (85-94) and along with others, what we got up to, record finds, and more importantly who we met and the quality time with those people 'The Stars' that we met along the way. In most cases a first for anyone outside the USA.

From day one it has always been my intention to put into words these talented peoples legacy, and for their families going forward to know just what an impact they had on peoples lives here in the UK. Their musical creations, from singer, backing bands, label owners, and studio engineers, not only formed our lives but some could claim, gave us our lives.

This music that was sadly ignored on the day of it's creation in the States has stood the test of time, interest has grown world wide, and in part has found it's way back to the States.

Here are a few prominent features from each trip that I made

Trip 1 in this myself, Guy Hennigan, and Chris King, spent time with "Popcorn" Wylie and his wife Gloria. Pat Lewis held a party for us three, and in attendance were George Clinton, George McGregor, Don Davis, Belita Woods, Sandra Richardson. (Dance Fever) In this trip we spent time with Lorraine Chandler, Gino Washington, Casablanca,(James Stanford) Edward Wolfrum, Artie Fields, Barbara Acklin.

2nd trip, on my own. I stopped with "Popcorn" Wylie and his wife for a week. He took me over to meet Dave Hamilton, which eventually led through ACE/KENT a massive amount of unreleased stuff. Spent a few hours with Barney "Duke" Browner. Met "Popcorn's" mother his brother, and his cousin who was in the Superlatives.

Trip 3 myself and everyone' s favourite Andy Tats Taylor, on this trip we spent a week with Melvin Davis, found at the time the biggest mystery of Richard Searling's c/up the Rose Valentine and the Sisters Three song 'When He's Not Around' the now familiar name of Little Ann Bridgeforth 'What should I Do' spent quality time with Bettye Lavette, and meeting Tony Johnson of Tony and Tyrone.

Trip 4 myself, Tats, and Rob Wigley, spending a day with Johnnie Mae Mathews, her daughter Audrey (Kaiya) and Chuck, Johnnies son, of the ADC Band and drummer on the Black Nasty 45s. (you must have seen the video footage of 'I Have No Choice' taken that day)

Trip 5 myself and John Kingan, spending time with the owner of the SVR, Ranger, and FGS label, provisionally arranging the deal on Dave Hamilton's master tapes that eventually yielded up names such as James Lately, OC Tolbert, and so many more that got released through Ace.

There are a few UK stories involving the stars, I tell.

 

OK that's the run down on what to expect, it's an easy book to read (I know, I wrote it) Hoping to retail this at around £25-27 and from that I want to donate a modest amount to the Kettering General Hospital (stroke unit) something close to my heart, and something that might be a million years away from anyone's thoughts, right up until it happens.

 

For now I have set up a dedicated email address; gillybook@btinternet.com

I'm not looking for deposits, just a number indication for the final product which will be a hard back edition only. Containing about 60k + words and photos of which most won't have seen before. 



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Woodbutcher

Posted

Well you can count me in for a copy sir ... :thumbup:

Winsford Soul

Posted

This is the book I've been waiting for.  So pleased for you mate. If anyone's stories need telling they yours. 

Count me in 

Email sent. 

Steve 

Wilxy

Posted

That's a nailed on, copy for me please Gilly.....What an absolute Blast to have been in such revered company!

Good on you buddy!

Skegsoul

Posted

One for us please Richard 👍 xx

Andy Cullup

Posted

Put me down for a copy👍

Jaco

Posted

Yes please.

Andy Rix

Posted

Brilliant... I’m in

Andy

Twinroots

Posted

Looking forward to this..count me in

Nickg

Posted

Put me down for a copy please.

Thanks

Gilly

Posted

Didn't mention, the preface for this book was kindly written by Sharon McMahan, the lady that gave us 'I Have No Choice' a song she wrote at around 14 years of age. Thankyou Sharon 

Ficklefingers

Posted

Looking forward Gilly and can't wait.. I'll take three copies for myself, Sue and my bro-in-law, please..

Mammoth effort, but glad you stuck with it !! Respect my friend..

Gilly

Posted

I'll be glad when its all over mate, and so will Nicola 

Kenb

Posted

oooh yes- can't wait -i'm pleased you're able to publish this labour of love. I'll be down for a copy 

best

ken

muckyherbert

Posted

Count me in Gilly, I will send an e-mail with my personal details, cheers Gary

Ladymidnight

Posted

I’m in, can’t wait to read it.
/Carl

Soulfinger

Posted

Yes please. I'm really looking forward to this.

Douglaschip

Posted

Deffo must have for me - Adam

Soul Agent

Posted

Well done Sir.  I’m in.

Soul Shrews

Posted

Mailed ! 

Cheers Paul

pfreduk

Posted

Can't wait, please count me in. Well done Gilly.

Soulsickdog

Posted

One for me please Gilly.

Thejackos

Posted

Big achievement mate, emailed our interest....please add us to your growing list.

all the best Jacko and fi.

Thinksmart

Posted

Thanks, I will be ordering this. Best wishes, Mark

Speedlimit

Posted

Can't wait gilly count me in for a copy

 

Steve 

Blackpoolsoul

Posted

I am so looking forward to this mate and I don't normally bother with books

Just one thought though. you may be guilty of causing some separations at the end of this year.

I can just hear it right now "Darling, Christmas dinners ready"........ "STF up, you know I am reading my book"

Louise

Posted

Well done Gilly  it's been a long time coming but well worth the wait !  😉

Nice touch donating part of the proceeds to a good cause that's close to your heart literally 👏👏👏

Dave

John Muir

Posted

"Go on then you've twisted me arm"

Tony Turner

Posted

Yeah. I’ll take one please👍

Mark Oliver

Posted

Gilly likewise look forward to reading it

Fred Benson

Posted

One for me please Gilly, cheers

Marshman

Posted

Essential reading. Can't wait 👍

Pga1

Posted

Hiya, well done mate. Can you tell my wife to buy me a copy, cheers, pete

Soul-slider

Posted

I'm in! My missus will be getting me that for Christmas.

Roger Banks

Posted

We should be on the list already as I’ve asked Nicola to reserve but just reconfirming YES PLEASE 

 

xxxxx

Gilly

Posted

3 hours ago, Blackpoolsoul said:

I am so looking forward to this mate and I don't normally bother with books

Just one thought though. you may be guilty of causing some separations at the end of this year.

I can just hear it right now "Darling, Christmas dinners ready"........ "STF up, you know I am reading my book"

For those that may incur this problem, maybe I should make the book a little thicker, give the man a fighting chance 

6T's Mojoman

Posted

Looking forward to it, put me down for one please.

Keamus

Posted

Looks like a brilliant read. Count me in.

Keith Money

Posted

Hi Gilly,

Count me in, looking forward to it. I have emailed you as well.

Keith

Peebee

Posted

A copy for me please Gilly.

Phil Broadhurst

phil05@ntlworld.com

19 hours ago, Woodbutcher said:

Well you can count me in for a copy sir ... :thumbup:

 

Soulman58

Posted

Count me in - clearing space on the soul books shelf in my mind already.

Joe Kirby

Posted

Great news Gilly - chuffed to bits for you and can`t wait to read it pal!!

 

Gilly

Posted

The response so far, warms the heart, and makes ones eyes water. Thank you all x 

Lfcjunkie

Posted

Put me down for a copy please.... 

Thanks 

Dave L 





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