New Book - The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story

Just landed details of a upcoming book, the release notes follow below

The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story

Set for November 1 Release

The Journey Behind the Book and the Legacy It Captures

McBryde Publishing is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story. Set for release on November 1, 2024, this book brings to life the incredible journey of The Embers, one of the most iconic bands in North Carolina's beach music scene. Co-authored by McBryde CEO Bill Benners, first-time author Chris Jones, and seasoned journalist Skip Crayton, this book is an intimate portrayal of founding drummer Bobby Tomlinson’s remarkable career and the band’s enduring legacy.

The Cover

The book’s cover captures the essence of Bobby Tomlinson’s passion and rhythm, spotlighting the energy that has driven The Embers for over 60 years. The dynamic image of a drummer at the center visually represents the perseverance, musical brilliance, and lasting cultural impact of beach music.

How the Book Came About

In 2010, Skip Crayton and Bill Benners began the journey of telling the untold story of The Embers, a band that became synonymous with beach music. Contracted by Bobby Tomlinson himself, their goal was to document his personal journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s history, brotherhood, and musical impact. Over the years, they captured exclusive video interviews with legends like Ammon Tharp, Charlie Brown, and Jackie Gore, collecting priceless memories along the way.

Crayton and Benners immersed themselves in the band’s world, traveling with The Embers, observing life on the road, and sharing in the quiet moments of camaraderie. They realized that what began as a book had grown into something more. In 2014, the project evolved into a documentary, The Embers: The Heart and Soul of Beach Music, which premiered on North Carolina Public Television in 2016 and has since become a beloved tribute to the band's legacy.

However, the idea of the book never faded. By 2023, with Bobby Tomlinson’s 84th birthday approaching, Crayton, Benners, and Tomlinson returned to their original vision. Chris Jones, a longtime fan of The Embers, joined the effort, bringing fresh energy and perspective. Together, the team revisited hours of interviews, audio, and video recordings—many of which had never been shared with the public.

Jones worked closely with Tomlinson to unearth untold stories and revisit cherished memories, capturing moments of joy, perseverance, and passion that had driven The Embers for over six decades. These forgotten and untold stories, combined with material from the documentary, form the heart of this book.

A Tribute to a Musical Legend

As Bobby Tomlinson celebrates his 84th birthday on October 1, 2024, McBryde Publishing is proud to release The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story in November. It’s more than just a book—it’s a tribute to the life and legacy of a man who kept the beat, not only for The Embers but for an entire generation of beach music lovers.

The book will be available through Amazon, Buybeachmusic.com, special events at all online bookstores. Look for more information and details about the release soon.

Those contributing to the book: Ammon Tharp, Blair Ellis, Bobby Tomlinson, Buzz Bolick, Charlie Brown, Clifford Curry, Craig Woolard, Dave Norket, Doug Strange, Donny Trexler, Durwood Martin, Frank Reich, Gerald Davis, H. Lee Brown, Jackie Gore, John Hook, John Thompson, Johnny Barker, Julian B. Fowler, Keith Houston, Mark Black, Paul Craver, Ralph Johnson, Tommy “T-Bird” Smith, Tom Chapman, and Wayne Free.