Well worthy of reading for more than its Blind Willie Johnson chapter is Michael Corcoran’s new “Ghost Notes: Pioneering Spirits in Texas Music.” His pieces on artists including Johnson, Washington Phillips, Milton Brown and Bobby Doyle are deeply reported and lovingly written, and the art by Big Boys guitarist Tim Kerr is rich accompaniment. – Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle
“Ghost notes” is a musical term for sounds barely audible, a wisp lingering around the beat, yet somehow driving the groove. The Texas musicians profiled here, ranging from 1920s gospel performers to the first psychedelic band, are generally not well known, but the impact of their early contributions on popular music is unmistakable. This beautiful Tim Kerr-illustrated collection provides more background on the Texas from which these artists sprang, fully formed.
Readers will learn about the black gay couple from Houston who inspired the creation of rock ’n’ roll, as well as the true story of the origin of Western Swing. They will learn about “the first family of Texas music” and the birth of boogie-woogie, the dirt-poor singers and the ballad collectors who saved folk songs during the Depression, and the accordeonista whose musical legacy was never contained on recordings but was passed on by his protégé. The pioneers of modern times include the Dallas rapper who became the wordsmith of gangsta rap, the sheriff’s son from Dumas who produced the signature tunes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and the blind lounge singer Kenny Rogers called the greatest musician he’s ever known.
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Texas Christian University Press (March 25, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0875657435
ISBN-13: 978-0875657431
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.35 pounds
For wholesale orders: 979-845-1436 (use code “65” for discount)
$35, signed by author and illustrator (includes shipping to U.S.)
paypal to michaelcorcoran55@gmail.com.
About the Author
MICHAEL CORCORAN has been covering Texas music since 1984, first as an acerbic columnist for the Austin Chronicle, but more recently as a “rock ’n’ roll detective” (The Times of London) whose 2016 book/CD about gospel curiosity Washington Phillips received two Grammy nominations and was praised in the New York Review of Books. His 2012 book/CD on Arizona Dranes was also nominated for a Grammy. A recently-released project was the five-disc Sam Cooke: The Complete Years 1957-1960 (ABKCO), for which he wrote extensive liner notes.
Hello! Interested in ordering a copy of Ghost Notes from your website but cant seem to find the purchase link. As a former Austin resident and music lover, inconsistent then more consistent Chronicle reader from the early 80s, I was hoping to obtain an autographed copy. I’d rather buy a copy from you Corky than off Amazon, if possible. Please advise, and thanks in advance!
Thanks for reading, Olin. Signed copy of “Ghost Notes” is available for $37 via PayPal at michaelcorcoran55@gmail.com.
Thanks for the fast response Michael! I saw that before but didnt click there. Maybe this isnt the forum to ask but did you know Larry “Junior Medlow” Williams? He was a good friend from back in those days. Passed way too young, damn cancer… If youre around C-Boys, Steve has hung up a great and fair sized photo of him. At least it was there, it’s been awhile since I was there. BTW, I loved your book “All Over the Map”! Insightful, well presented and written. Excellent, never mediocre. Thanks for that one also!
Knew and loved Junior Medlow and the Bad Boys with Chris Duarte. They tore it up at the Black Cat.
Ah, the Black Cat. Amen to THAT! and RIP Junior… Odd thing to say, but his funeral in Lubbock was the most uplifting service, of any kind, that I have ever attended in my life.