You Can Make It If You Try

[Guest Dan]

This book was raised on the Hytones thread a while back and I ordered a copy. Just finished it and I can already heartily recommend it.

Ted Jarrett was the man behind Excello records, and his songs were recorded by (among others) Jerry Butler, Roscoe Shelton, Earl Gaines, Bobby Bland, the brilliant Christine Kittrell and Herbert Hunter (whom he discovered).

Deals with his beginnings in typically poor circumstances, his pride at graduating from Fisk University, battles with strees and anxiety, dealing with racism and, of course, loads about the music business in Nashville.

Available here (go to the used and new section)

By the way, I can't be arsed to search for the Hytones thread but there was some discussion (from memory) about whether Bob Holmes was in the Avons or not. Some said he wasn't I think, but the book is clear he was.

[Guest Goldwax]

I'm looking forward to this landing on the mat. Hugh fan of all the Excello output from early R&B on.

Seems a strange choice of co - author. Ruth White seems to specialise in spiritual guidance books. Does it explain her involvement Dan?

[Guest Dan]

I'm looking forward to this landing on the mat. Hugh fan of all the Excello output from early R&B on.

Seems a strange choice of co - author. Ruth White seems to specialise in spiritual guidance books. Does it explain her involvement Dan?

dunno if it's the same ruth white jaco.

on the back it says she is a 50-year-veteran of the music business who has worked as a song plugger and copyright administrator. lives in nashville and is married to a country music singer called howard white?

[Chalky]

I've got this book but haven't read it yet must dig it out and read the bugger!!!

[Dave Rimmer]

I've got this book but haven't read it yet must dig it out and read the bugger!!!

Really is worth reading Chalky. Comes across as a bit 'I am', but having said that he made a success of his life in so many ways so probably has the right to be a bit 'I am'

[Chalky]

Really is worth reading Chalky. Comes across as a bit 'I am', but having said that he made a success of his life in so many ways so probably has the right to be a bit 'I am'

I'm reading a book at minute Dave, last book of three but heavy going taken me months and only half way through think I might dump it and take this one to work with me, away a bit this week

[boba]

This book was raised on the Hytones thread a while back and I ordered a copy. Just finished it and I can already heartily recommend it.

Ted Jarrett was the man behind Excello records, and his songs were recorded by (among others) Jerry Butler, Roscoe Shelton, Earl Gaines, Bobby Bland, the brilliant Christine Kittrell and Herbert Hunter (whom he discovered).

Deals with his beginnings in typically poor circumstances, his pride at graduating from Fisk University, battles with strees and anxiety, dealing with racism and, of course, loads about the music business in Nashville.

Available here (go to the used and new section)

By the way, I can't be arsed to search for the Hytones thread but there was some discussion (from memory) about whether Bob Holmes was in the Avons or not. Some said he wasn't I think, but the book is clear he was.

I was asking what Robert Holmes connection to the avons was. I don't see how he could "be" in the avons as a singer, though, as all their records are female group records with no male voices. Was he their manager or guitarist or something? Thanks.

[Ady Croasdell]

I was asking what Robert Holmes connection to the avons was. I don't see how he could "be" in the avons as a singer, though, as all their records are female group records with no male voices. Was he their manager or guitarist or something? Thanks.

He was their producer and often songwriter at least in the Excello/Reforee period.

[boba]

He was their producer and often songwriter at least in the Excello/Reforee period.

I knew that from the records as his name is listed there as producer or songwriter. But it was only on that last period in their careers -- e.g. not when they were on groove, for example. That's why I was interested in his connection to them -- e.g. was it just through his Ted Jarrett connection that he ended up producing them, or did he know them, was married to one of the members, performed with them etc.? Were the Avons even from Memphis? Thanks.