Southern Man: Music And Mayhem In The American South (A Memoir)

Southern Man is the memoir of Alan Walden, a life in music during one of the most racially turbulent times in American history. It presents the voice of Alan Walden, a remarkable, sensitive, humble, and brilliant man who helped nurture a musical renaissance. It is the story of a son of Macon, Georgia, and his passion for R&B and rock n roll at a time when it took wits and a Southern persistence to overcome the obstacles on the hard scrabble road to success. It also reveals the tragedy of loss, disappointment, and betrayal, along with the joy of victory, optimism, and hope, and taking a dream right over the mountain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: Outline Press Ltd

We established our reputations incredibly quickly. We treated our entertainers with the utmost respect. We ensured they received fair compensation. Other agents, promoters, and managers showcased the financial opportunities to them. We secured the necessary funds for them. We brought immense respect to African American artists in America. We elevated their prestige. We genuinely cared about our artists and the individuals who worked alongside us, and it was evident in our unwavering dedication to their well-being. When you listen to the music from that era, whether it's an Otis Redding record, Percy Sledge, or any artist associated with our shop, you're not merely hearing music; you're also experiencing the sound of iron being hammered and bricks being laid, particularly for African Americans who are currently in the music industry.

Southern Man is a memoir that chronicles a life in music during one of the most racially tumultuous periods in American history. It presents the voice of Alan Walden, a remarkable, sensitive, humble, and brilliant man; a boy from the country who, serendipitously, alongside his brother Phil and best friend Otis Redding, helped to nurture a musical renaissance. It is the story of a son of Macon, Georgia, and his passion for R&B and rock n roll at a time when it took wit and a Southern persistence to overcome the obstacles on the hard-scrabble road to success. The tragedy of loss, disappointment, and betrayal, alongside the joy of victory, optimism, and hope, and taking a dream right over the mountain.

That dream led him to work with and nurture the talents of a virtual who's who of Southern music, from Sam & Dave and Percy Sledge to Boz Scaggs and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Anyone who was alive during the golden age of R&B and Southern rock remembers the music, but Alan's narrative invites the reader to the center of the story, into the studio and on the road, to backroom deals and backroom brawls. It wasn't always a smooth ride.

In conclusion, Southern Man is a captivating memoir that offers a unique perspective on the music industry during a pivotal period in American history. Through the voice of Alan Walden, the reader is transported to the heart of the action, witnessing the struggles, triumphs, and personal connections that shaped the landscape of Southern music. The book's vivid storytelling and deep insights into the lives of the artists and the individuals who worked alongside them make it a must-read for music enthusiasts and historians alike.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 153 x 214 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911036715