My big news is that Illinois University Press will publish Faron’s biography next summer (2007), first in hard cover and then eventually in paperback. My final manuscript needs to be turned in by the end of June. I’m still looking for photographs for the book, and waiting for some permissions to be granted.
The year 1996 brought a triple whammy for me, first with the death of my nephew, then the suicides of Admiral Mike Boorda (the Chief of Naval Operations) and Faron. Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of my nephew’s funeral, and I post this article in Cody’s memory: http://ddiekman.tripod.com/id50.html. FARON YOUNG, FIFTY-ONE YEARS AGO: Faron and […]
FARON YOUNG, FORTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO: On April 24, 1958, Faron recorded “Alone With You,” a song that eventually spent an amazing 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard chart. Can you imagine the same song being number one for three months? Roy Drusky quit his disc jockey job in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and followed his […]
I am seeking photos to publish in the biography. If you have a photo you think might be appropriate for the book (not Faron-hugging-a-fan photos), and you own the publishing rights or have contact with the person who does, please send me a note of description. FARON YOUNG, THIRTY-FOUR YEARS AGO: Nashville’s first Fan Fair […]
This is a weekly newsletter about Faron Young and my progress toward publication of his biography, “Tell It Like It Is: The Faron Young Story.” Please forward to anyone who might be interested, and send an e-mail to al******@*****on.net if you have questions/comments about Faron. I’m currently reviewing the book contract, and I’ve sent the […]
The faculty board of the university press approved my biography project, and I’ll be receiving a contract shortly. (Then we will have to negotiate terms before signing it.) I’m told the board’s discussion began with one of the members saying, “I’m a huge fan of Faron Young.” One of the stipulations is that I have […]
FARON YOUNG, FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO: “I Miss You Already (And You’re Not Even Gone)” was climbing the charts in March 1957, on the way to its peak at number five. Faron recorded the song the previous summer. Marvin Rainwater had just come off a tour with the Wilburn Brothers and Faron, and they were sitting […]
FARON FIFTY-TWO YEARS AGO: In March 1954, PFC Faron Young and the Circle ‘A’ Wranglers went to New York City for the annual “Army Talent Patrol” contest. Faron had won the previous year, after which he transferred to Third Army Special Services and acquired his band. The Wranglers performed on the show. Fiddler Gordon Terry […]
My new title for Faron’s biography is “Tell It Like It Is: The Faron Young Story.” I wrote a response to the reports on my manuscript, and the whole set of documents will be presented to the university press’s faculty board at the end of March. The board’s approval would mean I’ll be offered a […]
This is a weekly newsletter about Faron Young and my progress toward publication of “Tell It Like It Is: A Biography of Faron Young.” I finally have an update on progress toward a publishing contract. The university press received the reports from its two readers, and the book will be presented for approval at the […]