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From: Jerry
Date: October 17, 2003
I've just finished reading Rosetta Wills' book, and I understand why it was one of the finalists for a music book award. I'd highly recommend it to anybody who has made their way to this website. Along the way, you've probably read enough liner notes, or maybe Townsend's Bob Wills biography, or Al Stricklin's book, to make the insights in this book a real treat. But the best part is that Rosetta Wills has an eclectic love of music that gives her great perspective. I have always been amazed how diehard fans of a group (of any genre but most pronounced in rock, punk and rap), would be amazed that their narrow musical tastes are not shared by the group itself. Rosetta Wills understands the crucible that created rock and roll; how diverse styles mold a genre. The relationship between Ida Red and Chuck Berry's Maybelline is fascinating. She was there when it started, and she knows lots of the players, and that makes this a book about a lot more than just Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.