Jump to content

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. 



  • Up vote 37
  • Thanks 2

Members Comments

Recommended Comments



A few quotes from story one;

"We followed "Popcorn" into his home, he called out Gloria's name for her to come and say hello, she was this most beautiful lady, stunning, I think the word is."

 

"On entering the house on the far side of the family room were some French windows through which I could see a small garden that surrounded the swimming pool. Gloria made a point of saying that anytime we wished to take a dip then it was all ours. The temperature was well up that day and I must admit it was very tempting but by the poolside stood the family pet Alsatian, showing a full set of sharp white teeth and growling like he wanted to be included in "Popcorn's" latest composition as a backing vocalist. Maybe we would give the pool a miss today but thanks all the same."

Link to comment
Social source share

Just wondered....Will we be contacted by e.mail with order details nearer the time?? Or, will it be advertised via social media etc??...I'm quite happy with leaving a deposit as pre order if needed....just wondering as seems like it's gonna be popular!!...Thank you...Rob

Link to comment
Social source share

3 minutes ago, Lionelonthevinyl said:

Just wondered....Will we be contacted by e.mail with order details nearer the time?? Or, will it be advertised via social media etc??...I'm quite happy with leaving a deposit as pre order if needed....just wondering as seems like it's gonna be popular!!...Thank you...Rob

Dont worry mate you will get one, I will contact you via email 

Link to comment
Social source share

3 minutes ago, Britmusicsoulfan said:

I'd like to know when it's available!

 

read the main page and it tells you everything you need to know, and thank you 

Link to comment
Social source share

Thanks for the response in this matter, everyone who has used the dedicated email gillybook@btinternet.com there is gladly too many to reply individually, but it's all noted. 

 

                             thanks Gilly. I will be in touch 

Link to comment
Social source share

Would it be possible for someone to add the Andy Tats Taylor Johnnie Mae mathews youtube video from trip 4. Must have been an amazing adventure.

Thanks in anticipation Fiona ( jacko's other half).

Link to comment
Social source share

1 hour ago, thejackos said:

Would it be possible for someone to add the Andy Tats Taylor Johnnie Mae mathews youtube video from trip 4. Must have been an amazing adventure.

Thanks in anticipation Fiona ( jacko's other half).

I had intended to do that, it's still food for thought. Thanks Fiona, and me old boss Ady of course. 

Link to comment
Social source share

Hi Gilly, about time! You’ve spoken about doing this for a while now -so well done for getting it all down on paper! Another piece of Soul history for now and for those joining us in the future. Wishing you all the best With this - the interest Is there for it to be a success! Cheers Ray 

Link to comment
Social source share

I wish to buy 2 copies please. 

One for my brother Tony (which I will read as well) and one for donation to someone (anyone) on here who loves the music and would like to own it - but may just be struggling to justify the purchase in the current financial climate. 

Link to comment
Social source share





×
×
  • Create New...