Customer Reviews

Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Marshall Chapman has succeeded in writing a book that takes the reader along on the adventure of her life as a song writer and performer in Nashville and elsewhere. As you reach the end of each chapter you are compelled to sneak a peek at the next, and so you may stay up all night finishing the book. This book also offers a glimpse into the author's life from her birth into a well-to-do family to her successful career as a prolific writer of country and blues music. Humor and compassion are intimately blended. Highly recommended.

There are not many people who can write about the creative process, music, and coming of age as a woman in the South, but Marshall does it with wit and grace in a way that made me want to turn every page until I was through. Her perspective on songwriting, the music business and Nashville, from someone who was in the studio way back when with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings while in school at Vanderbilt and still making music after Waylon was gone is incredibly unique.

Run, don't walk, to your computer to order this book!

Marshall has written a fantastic account of how songs come to be, framing the incredible cast of characters which has surrounded her for all her years in Nashville. The photos of Andy Warhol, Arnold Schwarznegger et al really bring everything to life even more. on the must-have list for anyone interested in the triupmph of rock and roll over good breeding!

Marhall Chapman's account of her song by song journey to becoming one of the most innovative and thrilling country rock songwriter-singers is as funny and poignant a book as I've read in some time. From the trouble she got into in grade school for channeling Elvis in the hall to her defiance of Nashville songwriting formulae she kept raising the question, "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls?" Thank the lord that was the only thing she couldn't do because she sure did everything else. Each chapter of this memoir tells the story of the experience underlying one of her songs so the songs record her life in more ways than one. And some life it is, sometimes on the edge, sometimes ecstatic (when these were not one and the same), never boring. A reader who does not live through it with Marshall is missing something about the South, something about country rock music and something about life.

Marshall Chapman's book is like her music: funny, tough, poignant, real, alive and searingly honest. For those of us who grew up in the south in the 50's and 60's, it's a fond reminder of all that we experienced; for everyone else it's just a darn good read.

Not sure how I've lived in the same region all these years and been a fan of underground country, but hadn't heard of Marshall Chapman! Now I'll be on the look-out! I definitely enjoyed the book and think it's great that she has been able to share all these stories with us. She's lived a very colorful life and it's interesting enough to be enjoyable to others. She gets a little side-tracked at times, but I don't think we expect her to be an award-winning author. Great read!

Knowing that some of Marshall Chapman's songs had been used in the musical, "Good Ol' Girls" and that Lee Smith was mentioned in relation to this book, I just had to read it. Very inspired story of how some of her songs were born.. Interesting life.

The story behind the music... Marshall Chapman can write, sing, play guitar, and keep a person thoroughly entertained.

I knew Marshall Chapman when I lived in Nashville TN and worked in the music business there. I LOVE this book. Being raised in South Caroline myself and the same age as Marshall, I can definite relate to her growing up there. Having known Marshall, she writes just like she talks and tells a story. It brings a smile to my face and occasional laugh reading her story. Would recommend this to others in the music business or just enjoyable reading for anyone looking for a good story.

Can't wait to read it, Marshall!
Thanks for all of your support for women's basketball (esp. at Vanderbilt)!!