"Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story," published by the University of Illinois Press, can be found at http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/f07diekman. Those who would like a personalized autograph to paste in their books can request a paper bookplate from http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/Diekman.BookplateRequest.pdf. And I would much appreciate comments on Faron's biography to be posted to Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/3dsu2a.

FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-THREE YEARS AGO: Faron appeared as a guest on Nashville
Now on November 23, 1984. Ralph Emery commented, "I have never seen you so dressed up in my life," and asked if he had jury duty somewhere. Tennessee Ernie Ford, another guest on the show, said, "Looks like he's gonna go preach." Faron said, "I buy one suit a year, just in case somebody I know dies. I can be ready for them." He was on his way to the Opryhouse, just down the street from the television studio. "It'll be the first time I sang on the Grand Ole Opry in 21 years," he said. He planned to sing "Wine Me Up" and "It's Four in the Morning."

LETTERS:
Ray Emmett says, "We had a great time on Saturday night and it was really cool to have a full house.  People came from all over the country. Thanks for the chance to play some Faron Young music one last time."

Linda Kyle (Ray's daughter) asks, "Did anyone happen to record it as well? I sure would love to hear that."

Arie den Dulk asks from Holland, "Will the ET show in which you participated be put on line? I missed the broadcast as it started too early in the morning for me!"

Response: I don't know if the show was recorded. I didn't discuss a recording with anyone. And I didn't get enough good photos to post on my Web site. I was enjoying the moment and not thinking about preserving it.

Virgie Warren writes from Flushing, Michigan, "I heard the live show Sat.night and really enjoyed it."

Maheen Wickramasinghe in Canada says, "I have finished reading 3 chapters so far and wow!!! I can't tell you how entertaining this is! Diane, you sure have done an awful lot of research and interviews, my college tutor and I are enjoying it an awful lot! She is reading it all to me bless her heart. I just thought I'd let you know that my tutor is now learning about Faron! New Marty Robbins yahoo discussion group up and running! If anyone wants to join, please subscribe at martyrobbins-subscribe@yahoogroups.com."

Jerry Hill writes, "It was a real pleasure meeting you on Nov. 10th at the ET Record Shop downtown Nashville, and then again later that night for the show with all The Deputies. I was glad to see the huge turnout and the show was great! . . . I started reading your book the next day, Sunday, and couldn't put it down until I got so sleepy that I had to go to bed! I finished it the next day, I will no doubt give it time to "cool off" then I will re-read it! What a great show with Robin and his band and then all the former Deputies! It was a birthday for me to cherish! The first time I met Faron I was a teenager singing rock & roll on the promoter's live TV show in the San Francisco bay area, in Oakland at Jack London Square, KTVU which I think is now a Fox affiliate but still located in Jack London Square. The Saturday TV live show was followed by a Sat. night show at the Dream Bowl, a big hall that used to host big bands during the WWII years, and was located on a two lane highway between Vallejo and Napa, CA. I met Faron briefly at the TV show but got to talk to him at length in the dressing room at the Dreambowl. I would go on for two or three spots during the evening and Faron did two shows. I went out in front to stand with the other people for his second show. He did a few songs then he told the crowd that they had a talented, young man that was part of the package show and told them to give Jerry Hill a big round of applause and he then called me up on stage to sing a song with him. Faron said, "I sing a little rock & roll too, but come on Jerry, let's do one together." I don't remember what song we did, but it could have been Blue Suede Shoes. It was totally unexpected and I was so nervous singing with Faron that my knees were shaking! I will never forget that experience, the kindness that he showed me! What a showman he was!"

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EST

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Here's the link to the new University of Illinois Press page for "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story": http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/f07diekman. Those who would like a personalized autograph to paste in their books can request a paper bookplate from http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/Diekman.BookplateRequest.pdf. And I would much appreciate comments on Faron's biography to be posted to Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/3dsu2a.

FARON YOUNG, FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: Faron was enjoying life as a new recording artist in Nashville, and living with other musicians at Mom Upchurch's house, when he received his draft notice. He went into the U.S. Army on November 16, 1952. When asked whether he was drafted or joined voluntarily, he told an interviewer, "You damned right I was drafted. I didn't join nuthin'. They had to come get me. You notice one of my arms is longer than the other one? They pulled it." The Army turned out to be a good deal for him, though, when he took over the recently-discharged Eddie Fisher's slot as head entertainer for the Army's recruiting program. Not many privates get their own radio show and touring band. PFC Faron Young and the Circle A Wranglers contributed to the Army recruiting effort with a weekly radio show and concerts throughout the Southeast. When he was discharged two years later, he was honored with a "Faron Young Day" in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with a parade and the appearance of city and state officials, the Commanding General of the Third Army presented Faron with the Army Commendation Medal. Faron appeared on several radio stations throughout the day, and the Wilburn Brothers came to Atlanta to costar with him on a show that evening.

FARON YOUNG TRIBUTE SHOW AND COUNTRY DEPUTY REUNION
We had a wonderful time at the Ernest Tubb Record Shops on Saturday. Seeing the Country Deputies on stage that evening and listening to them perform was an absolute thrill for me. Thanks so much to Ray Emmett for getting the band together, Darrell McCall for hosting the show, Robyn Young for opening the show, and David McCormick for making it happen. What made it so unusual was that the Deputies disbanded in 1993, and the musicians on stage covered several generations of the band. I called the roll of 59 Deputies from 1954-1993. Thirteen of the 40 living members were present. I hope to have photos posted to my Web site by next week.

LETTERS
Loudilla, Loretta & Kay Johnson, who stopped by the Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Saturday, send this note to say, "It was such a GREAT pleasure to meet you (finally) & thank you so much for signing our books. We will treasure them, always. . . . If THIS book is any indication of it, the Marty Robbins book will be inspiring & as well as informative. David McCormick is such a treasured friend to so many of us. I know that he had to be thrilled how the Record Shop's tribute to the Country Deputies & Faron turned out, last night. Was listening & from the 'listeners' side, it was great!! Still am beside myself that the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree wasn't part of the XM Satellite broadcasting family. Am just not understanding why they weren't. I know of so many who would have loved to have heard the show, last night."

Bill Yarbor writes, "I just got the latest issue of VINTAGE GUITAR magazine today and they have a review of your book and you'll be delighted with what they had to say. . . . They agree with me that it's a great book and one you can be proud of."

Frank Chilinski says, "I wanted to let you know that I have now completely read your book about Faron Young two times, I enjoyed it so much. The book has also made me want to get everything ever recorded by Faron Young  I recently was able to track down a copy of the Live In Branson CD that you had mentioned once, and I see what you mean about this CD. After reading the book twice, and feeling immersed in the life of Faron Young, this CD really brings the singer to life in concert. You can hear the personality, good, bad and otherwise in the Live CD. This CD had so much more depth for me, after reading your wonderful book. . . . I think you did a great job of being kind to him (as his sister requested) as best you could, but you do not sugar coat any of it. Your book does a good job of showing the multiple layers of this man (who simply on surface could be considered as nasty, hotheaded, drunken, sometimes mean and down-right frightening to be around) -- your book lays out that he was also someone who had reasons to be the way he was, and someone who while often frightening to be around, seemed to be a magnet to people, many who loved to be around him. And one who found it easier to be generous and kind at a distance. Such a sad ending for him."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:05 AM EST

Updated: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 8:21 PM EST

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Here's the link to the new University of Illinois Press page for "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story": http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/f07diekman. A bookplate can be requested from http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/Diekman.BookplateRequest.pdf. I'd much appreciate any comments on Faron's biography to be posted to Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/3dsu2a.

FARON YOUNG, FIFTY YEARS AGO: One of Faron's movies was released and another filmed in November 1957. "Raiders Of Old California" was shown in special screening during the disc jockey convention, and then Faron headed to New York City for the filming of "Country Music Holiday." In "Raiders Of Old California," Marshal Faron Young shoots an outlaw (Marty Robbins) and brings him into a California town in 1847. Faron described the scene as follows: "The worst part of it was when I finally get him to the local jail. I had to get Marty off the horse and put him on my back. It was in Kanab, Utah, and the sand is this deep, and Marty wasn't all that light--I'm not too big a guy anyway. But I get him over my shoulder, and I'm walkin' right at the camera, and Marty's goosin' me. I'm tryin' to keep a straight face. So we did this about ten takes." In "Country Music Holiday," New York City music producers are pitting two Tennesseans against each other to be the top singer in the nation. Ferlin Husky and Faron perform country songs with pop instrumentation in front of New York City audiences. Faron's character first appears in a colorful fringed western shirt, looking and sounding like Faron on the Hayride or a military recruiting program. The movie ends with him looking and sounding like an Elvis Presley clone, surrounded by a dance troupe while singing a rock 'n' roll song. Mostly a holiday from country music, the movie seemed to be an attempt to attract a mainstream market.

BOOK RELEASE PARTY IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE
Saturday, 10 November 1:00-3:00 -- I will be signing books at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway Avenue.
7:30-10:00 -- The Faron Young tribute show at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Music Valley will include all Country Deputies and friends of Faron who want to perform. Robyn Young and his band, NEXTAKYN, will open the show. The entire evening is free and open to the public.
12:00 -- The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree (http://etrecordshop.com/mj.htm), broadcast live over WSM Radio 650 AM (on the Internet at http://www.wsmonline.com/), will be a Country Deputy reunion with:
Host - Darrell McCall
Bass - Ray Emmett
Guitar - Richard Bass
Drums - Jerry "Cootie" Hunley
Steel - Stu Basore
Piano - Gene Dunlap
Twin fiddles - Kenny Sears and Hank Singer
I will "call the roll" of the 40-year list of Faron's Deputies. This is a great opportunity for fans to get autographs of all the Deputies. I'll sign books before and after the Jamboree.

LETTERS
Richard Spooner writes from the UK, "Would love to be at the party. I stay in touch with Ray Emmett from the Deputies. I would really love the chance to sing just one song with those guys, they were the business and the best band of all time. . . . Have a great party. My copy of the book is on order here in the UK. It should arrive by the 18th of this month."

John Morris in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, says, "We finished your great book this week and I can't wait to read it again. The last chapter was hard to read and some tears were shed I can tell you. I ordered 2 copies of the book for Christmas through Chapters here in Peterborough. Also I have contacted the Canadian National Institute For The Blind and I am hoping they will do an audio version of this great book. Also I am looking forward to the show this weekend and will be listening wishing I could be there with all of you so have an extra great time on my behalf."

Marie Kugler in Nebraska received her personalized bookplate and she says, "Thanks a million for the autograph, Diane.  I will treasure the book even more now with this addition."

Tom Lipscombe writes from Canada, "Thanks for your latest newsletter, which has been posted on the Alabama Talk Line Forum at http://pub3.bravenet.com/forum/243824250/fetch/701754/. Was happy to note that you will be carrying on the Faron Young Newsletter for a while. Congratulations on going into your third year! . . . Thanks for sharing your brother's message from Balad, Iraq. Wikipedia says: 'It is probably best known for having the only Army & Air Force Exchange Service 35mm projection screen movie theater in Iraq and for having a full-size swimming pool.'"

Bill Yarbor in Haubstadt, Indiana, received the book as a gift, and he says, "I finished reading it last night and found it almost impossible to put down once I started. I always thought Faron was a really good singer and saw him in concert back in the early 1970's around the time of FOUR IN THE MORNING. I was also a fan of his recordings on Capitol and consider I MISS YOU ALREADY as an underappreciated masterpiece. . . . I found myself smiling to myself as I read some of the things he said and then finding myself frustrated at some of his behavior. But I guess on that latter point there was a pretty long list of folks who found themselves frustrated with him. I think you did an outstanding job of presenting him as a flawed man but one with a very kind heart. He was truly a walking contradiction. . . . While Faron obviously had an ego and who in show business doesn't, it seems that he truly cared about and for many people. . . . It is a great book. I learned so much from it and enjoyed every page and look forward to your Marty Robbins biography.  He was a great singer and one I really enjoyed."

MARTY ROBBINS INTERVIEW SEARCH
Can anyone put me in touch with Chuck Morgan, Vice President of In-Park Entertainment for the Texas Rangers? He's a friend of Marty Robbins, and I'd like to interview him. I'm also looking for:
Joe Carver (former manager of Nashville speedway)
Thomas "Curly" Mills (airline captain and race car driver)
Eddy Fox (drummer in late 60s))
Jeff Chandler (rhythm and harmony in 70s)
Conrad Noddin (piano in 70s)
Bill Martinez (drums in 70s and 80s)
Larry Hunt (bass in 70s and 80s)
Jim Hannaford (keyboard in late 70s)
Gary Adams (rhythm in 1982)
Mike Cutright (harmony in 1982)
Skip Slayton (Marty's bus driver)
Shipmates of Martin David Robinson in the South Pacific 1943-45 (USS Crescent City, Boat Pools 11 & 15, etc.)

CMA AWARDS AND MARY KAY INC.
Mary Kay Inc. is one of the sponsors of this year's Country Music Association awards show. If you see anything in the commercials you'd like to purchase or learn about, please contact me directly or through www.marykay.com/ddiekman. I have the products and will ship them at no cost anywhere in the USA.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EST

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This newsletter has now begun its third year. Although I get requests to change to a Marty Robbins newsletter, I don't know when I'll have enough information to do that. The University of Illinois Press has redesigned its Web site, and here's the link to the new page for "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story": http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/f07diekman. A bookplate can be requested from http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/Diekman.BookplateRequest.pdf.

FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-ONE YEARS AGO: On Halloween night in 1986, Faron appeared on the TV show "Nashville Now" as Spike Cruncher, a convict dressed in a prison uniform of black and white stripes. "I used to be a sheriff," he said. "Till I got a divorce, and this is all she left me." He swung a 5-inch black ball attached by a chain to his wrist, and Ralph Emery asked, "You mean that little ball there is all you got left?" Faron said, "One ball, pal, one ball." Amidst the laughter, Ralph asked, "What else did she take you for?" Faron answered, "A fool." After a discussion of Cruncher's prison garb, Ralph asked, "Do you have a number?" "Yeah, I got a number," Faron said. "It's called one hundred and six thousand." Johnny Russell, another guest that evening, collapsed in laughter. He obviously knew that Faron's recently announced divorce settlement was $106,000.

BOOK RELEASE PARTY IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE
Saturday, 10 November 2007:
1:00-3:00 -- Book signing at Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway Avenue.
7:30-10:00 -- Faron Young tribute show at Texas Troubadour Theatre in Music Valley
12:00 -- Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree (broadcast over http://www.wsmonline.com/) and Country Deputy reunion (http://etrecordshop.com/mj.htm)

LETTERS
Sharon Stich, who is responsible for Faron's "Young Sheriff" moniker, says, "I wanted soooo much to come to the Book Release Party but I have a brother that isn't doing too good so I am going to have to pass. It would have been an exciting time I know. Give my best to those that are there and I will be thinking of you all. God Bless."

My brother, SGT Ron Diekman, writes from Balad, Iraq, "I'm where I'm going to be for the winter, living in a trailer with concrete anti-mortar barriers all around. I've been up here for a couple of days now after a fairly smooth mobilization process starting departing Rapid City SD down to Ft. Benning GA for a record 5 days before deployment to theater. We spent around 3 days in Kuwait at Camp Beuhring and then flew up here to Balad a couple of days ago on a comfy C-130 courtesy of the Air Force. . . . I'll spend my free time today going through my gear and getting all my flight equipment/body armor/survival equipment all put together and mission ready for being a flight engineer on a C-23 Sherpa cargo airplane."

Fred Vail, president of Treasure Isle Recorders, Inc. in Nashville, writes, "The fans have certainly embraced 'Live, Fast, Love Hard'--the book you worked so long and diligently on. I try to read your regular e-mails and now that Faron is completed I assume your attention has begun to turn to the Marty Robbins book. I wish you equal success on it. . . . Marty--more than most--had a special gift for embracing a song--even though he was often competing with the original 'pop' release, and, in the case of 'Singing The Blues,' his competition came from within his own label, Columbia:)"

Jessica Jacobson says, "Just wanted to let you know that I made a request at my local library that they buy your book."

Gloria Oren writes, "Thought you'd be interested to know that the King County Library System purchased your book 'Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story,' and it is now available for loan. Just got notice in the new book alert I get from them. This is the library system that serves King County in Washington State. So you never know where your books will end up."

John Morris in Canada says, "We are just about to start the last chapter of your great book. I will say this and have said it many times to people I know. If you call yourself a true Faron fan like me then you have to get this wonderful book that is a fair portrait of his colorful life. You did a fantastic job Diane and the book deserves the 5 star rating it is getting. Now more Faron news for you. Bear Family is putting out 4 DVDS of the TV show Country Style USA for the US Army. Faron has shows on the first 3 seasons but season 4 is all his own. I can't wait to get it. Again great job and congratulations."

 

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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"Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" is available online and in most bookstores. Stores not currently carrying the book can order it upon request.

FARON YOUNG, THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: Faron performed at Dance Town U.S.A. in Houston on 28 October 1972. Bob Claypool interviewed him for a Houston Post article, dated 11/12/72, "A night on 'the Bus' with one of country music's biggest superstars, Faron Young." The article said a "shy, soft-spoken young man asked Faron to cut some promo spots for a radio station in Dibolt, Texas. Without hesitation Faron grabbed the man's cassette recorder, switched it on, and began an impromptu patter of professional salesmanship. 'Hi, friends, this is Faron Young, and you're listening to the voice of the mighty metropolis, Dibolt, Texas.' David Stallings, who now entertains as Willie P. Richardson, was the young man. He told me, "Another time I was on the bus and one of the papers sent out a young reporter who really had no idea who Faron was or what he looked like...Faron had me pose as him...I did the entire interview with Faron and band sitting back holding back laughter."

BOOK RELEASE PARTY IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE
Saturday, 10 November (http://etrecordshop.com/mj.htm)
1:00-3:00 -- I will be signing books at the downtown Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway Avenue.
7:30-10:00 -- The Faron Young tribute show at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Music Valley will include all Country Deputies and friends of Faron who want to perform. Robyn Young and his band, NEXTAKYN, will open the show. The entire evening is free and open to the public.
12:00 -- The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, broadcast live over WSM Radio 650 AM (on the Internet at http://www.wsmonline.com/), will be a Country Deputy reunion with:
Host - Darrell McCall
Bass - Ray Emmett
Guitar - Richard Bass
Drums - Jerry "Cootie" Hunley
Steel - Stu Basore
Piano - Gene Dunlap
Twin fiddles - Kenny Sears and Hank Singer
I will "call the roll" of the 40-year list of Faron's Deputies, and I will sign books before and after the Jamboree. This is a great opportunity for fans to get autographs of all the Deputies.

LETTERS
Jo Hamrick writes, "We were traveling over the weekend. I read while riding. Couldn't put the book down. It took a while for me to start reading it. I read these stories about Faron being mean. I know he could be and. I believe them all but never ever stone sober or dead drunk did Faron ever say anything mean to me or to my husband. His language I didn't care for at first but realized that those guys travel and were away from home and guys will be guys. I got to the point that I didn't pay attention to it. we never asked Faron for anything and actually bought him many things and he loved everything that we done in the years between 1972 and when he died. a long time. But we loved him and I'm sure that when he said he loved me and my husband he truly meant it. I'll finish the book tonight."

Linda Clark says, "Great review. Sounds like you had a good time. Connie Smith was one of my favorites during the 60's also. I have several of her albums from that era. Brings back a lot of memories of those days. Sad how fast time goes by. Those were good ole days."

Loudilla, Loretta & Kay Johnson of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO) write, "We just now received the book; like a selfish, little nerd, of course, had to look up our part, first (and photo) and feel that you have done a GREAT job; so deserving of all the praise and wonderful comments made to you from Eddie Stubbs.  He had commented on how easy it was to read your book; to go through it by the years that these events happened and how clear it was laid out, which is NOT an easy task.  When one thinks of doing a book, your mind skips around; so I know it would be MOST difficult to do as you have done; it takes a lot of planning and a lot of great determination to make sure that you made sure THIS book was one to be used, easily, in research projects. Congratulations on a job well done."

Bernard Green in Liverpool, England, says, "Got my book today. Absolutely delighted."

Marge Hemsworth writes from Canada, "I'm so glad you wrote about Faron. I need to get the book. I knew Faron in the late '50's and '60s. Also Marty, I'm doing a book on Hank---he's from Nova Scotia where I'm from. I'm visiting Vancouver right now! There's a radio station a friend of mine has where he plays the country music classics from 6:-2:30 p m; www.kixx780.ca and you can hear him play Faron several times a day, as we all love him, up this way. We had Faron play a club here for a week when I was PR person. I loved his sense of humour. His secretary Birdie was a dear friend and we used to spend time with Faron in his office! He was always a gentleman around us, I'm happy to say."

Maheen Wickramasinghe in Canada says: "Well everybody I received Diane Diekman's unbelievable book on country legend, Faron Young!!! Boy am I excited or what!!!:) Oh this is something I have been wanting for such a long long time. I can't wait until my father gets it scanned and puts it into my talking computer!!! As soon as it came in the mail I quickly called Diane and told her that I now have my copy!!! I would highly encourage you, if you would like to learn more about this incredible singer, to order your copy of this book."

D M Blackwelder in Alabama writes, "Now that you have the book about Faron in the book stores and the hands of readers there is still more to put in the Country Music Classics newsletter about Faron. I was wondering if you were going to put information about Marty Robbins in the news letter also. I enjoy your articles and look forward to them each week. I hope to get your book soon."

Response: I haven't yet done enough research on Marty to have material for a newsletter. Faron's biography was completely written before I started this newsletter. So for now I'm printing the notes I receive from readers about Marty.

More from Loretta Johnson: "Thanks so much for your acknowledging such a GREAT artist with your book and can't wait for the Marty Robbins book as he was a huge favorite of ours, as well. Had the great pleasure of seeing him perform many times but met him at Little America, Wyoming during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. He was booked to perform. Johnny Western introduced him to us. Johnny was performing at the Club in Little America & we had gone there to see him. We didn't even realize Marty was in town. What was funny, we were shopping when we bumped into Johnny . . . . Our Dad had been sitting in a big chair beside another man; he always liked just watching the people. He was very much a people person. He studied the profile of this man who appeared to be doing the same thing he was, killing time & enjoying watching the people go by. Finally he kind of touched the gentleman's arm with his elbow & asked, 'Aren't you ole....ah...Marty Robbins?' Daddy said for a minute he couldn't think of his name. He told him that he sure loved his singing; Daddy talked so low as did Marty Robbins that no one really paid any attention to the elderly gentleman talking with the other man. What did they discuss? NOT music. Farming. . . . Marty asked him all about the farm; how much he farmed (he & our brothers farmed about 6500 Acres of hard-red winter wheat); he wanted to know what kind of machinery they used; did we irrigate (we didn't); how long he'd farmed, etc.; Daddy had told him he come 'up' from Texas & Oklahoma. That we also had Black Angus cattle. He was really fascinated by it all. He told our Dad, 'You're doing what I'd LOVE to do...just get on a tractor and work the soil....run a few cattle and just live that kind of life. It's funny how you work hard all your life to get off a farm, when you're young and poor and how hard to work to get back on one, when you can afford it but don't have the time to do it.' Or something like that. Daddy really enjoyed his visit with him and it was when we took Johnny over to see Daddy, that we noticed that he had been talking to Marty Robbins. Daddy introduced us to Marty but Johnny & Marty were already greeting each other as they were friends. It was the neatest thing. We didn't ask for autographs; didn't take pictures because we felt that would be an imposition on these great artists who had so little time, at best, to call their own. So...the photos are only in our hearts. But that's where we carry the beautiful memories, as well."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: Connie Smith and Faron presented an award at the Country Music Association awards show on October 16, 1972. Connie recalls, "Faron was always razzing me about being a fanatic, and all that, so when we went out on stage to present the award together, I just said, 'Faron, if you won't cuss 'em, I won't bless 'em.'"

NASHVILLE TRIP
I'm back home from a great weekend in Nashville. Eddie Stubbs invited me two years ago to be a guest on his WSM radio show when the book came out. It finally happened, and we had an enjoyable three hours Thursday evening talking about Faron and playing his music. Friday morning I drove to Dickson, Tennessee, for two hours with Chuck Dauphin on WDKN Radio and more Faron music. Friday afternoon Mick Buck gave me a tour of the Marty Robbins exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. That is well done--I was impressed with how so much information could be compacted into a display. The Southern Festival of Books on Saturday was a new experience for me. I've attended many book festivals but never as an author. Bob Cox and I presented "From the Hills to the Honky Tonks: Two Country Legends." He gave a presentation on Fiddlin' Charlie Bowman, complete with slides and music. Mine was more of an off-the-cuff talk. I gave a few highlights of Faron's life and his influence in Nashville and then explained how I came to write his biography. That afternoon I met Bobby Braddock, who talked about his book, "Down in Orburndale." We bought each other's books and exchanged autographs. Bobby is now working on a book about his Nashville days.

LETTERS
Doug Lippert writes from Indianapolis, Indiana, "I caught you last night on Eddie Stubb's show, and would like to know if/how I can purchase a copy of your new Faron Young bio, inscribed to me, autographed and dated by you. . . . Thank you for your work to chronicle the true story of one of my favorite country music artists."

John Morris sends this update from Canada: "I bring tidings of great joy to you. The book is now in Chapters according to the web site so I will be telling everyone about it for sure." He adds, "I just wanted to write and congratulate you on the wonderful job you did on the Eddie Stubbs show tonight. One minute I'd be laughing the next almost ready to cry. Eddie did a wonderful job just wish I could tell him that."

Mike O'Neill says, "I ordered your book today, your research on this book and country music is extensive. Ed Stubbs said that this is one of the best written books. I have researched and read all that I can on the Golden Age of Country Music from 1950 to 1980 as a hobby. Now that I am semi retired I am still researching country music."

Virgie Warren in Flushing, Michigan, says, "I heard you on WSM Thursday with Eddie Stubbs. Good show. I can't wait to get my book. I ordered it, but haven't received it yet."

Loretta Johnson of IFCO in Nashville writes, "Really enjoyed the interview, one on one, that you had with Eddie Stubbs, last night, on WSM am. I was surprised that the book was already in bookstores; although I knew that it was close. . . . Faron was priceless; it's so sad that he was to the point he was, in his depression, hiding it so well from all who loved him. We pray that he has found peace and forgiveness from the Wonderful Lord. . . . Good luck on the Marty Robbins book, as well."

Chuck Hill writes from Hopkinsville, Kentucky to say he "really enjoyed the book on Faron. Having been a close friend of Charles 'Chickin Hawk' Murphy and Odell Martin. I got to hang out with the Deputies some and go out with them when they worked with out Faron, they could roar. I was lucky to meet Faron at his office at the MCN, he was very nice to me again great book."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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"Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" is available online and in most bookstores. To get a free personalized bookplate, regardless of where you bought the book, follow the "Get Your Personalized Bookplate" link at http://www.press.uillinois.edu/f07/diekman.html. The University of Illinois Press will forward the bookplate to me, and I'll sign and send it to you.

FARON YOUNG, FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: Faron recorded "Goin' Steady" on October 12, 1952, a month before his induction into the Army. He'd written the song while on the road touring with Hank Snow. He used the melody of Claude King's "She Knows Why," and he received advice on the lyrics from his manager, Hubert Long, and Snow's frontman, Hillous Butram. The song went into the Central Songs catalog, a publishing company owned by Faron's record producer, Ken Nelson. "Goin' Steady" was Faron's fourth release on Capitol Records and his first to chart. It debuted on the Billboard chart shortly before Faron completed infantry basic training at Fort Jackson, and it eventually hit the number two spot.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
Thursday October 11, I will be the guest of Eddie Stubbs on WSM Radio in Nashville, from 8:00-11:00 PM. We'll talk about Faron and play his music. You can listen to 650 AM over the Internet at http://www.wsmonline.com/.

Friday, October 12, Chuck Dauphin will devote his 6:00-10:00 AM shift on WDKN Radio (1260 AM) in Dickson, Tennessee, to Faron's music. I'll be in the studio with him the second half of the show to discuss Faron's life. The station's Web site is http://www.wdkn.com/.

Saturday, October 13, I will be at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. My 11:00-12:00 session, in Room 30 of the Legislative Plaza, is titled "From the Hills to the Honky Tonks: Two Country Legends." The other panelist is Bob Cox, who wrote a biography on Fiddlin' Charlie Bowman. A book signing follows the session.

LETTERS
Linda Elliott Clark in Alexandria, Virginia, says, "It is so good to read the comments from people who knew Faron. I didn't know him and never met him, but I can say I always liked his music and to me he always had a sweet look about his face."

Jo Hamrick writes, "The letter from the lady who said she wishes she had known Faron. Many people did know him and if he liked you would give you the world if he could. There are many people who have read about him, seen him on TV and maybe even in person but did not know that if they were at a show he was not like many and refuse to talk to you. . . . He believed if he was doing a show, if there were only one person there, that person got the same show as if there were 1,000. He said they paid to see a show and they will get it."

Charlie Roberts, one of Faron's Army buddies, writes from Union City, TN, "I received my signed bookplate from you and I want to thank you so much for your kindness.  I have finished your book and I must say you did yourself and Faron proud. I enjoyed every word of it and there were a few passages in it that kinda made me choke up a bit. Yes us old men do get sentimental at times too. Memories tend to do that sometimes. Many fond memories were brought back in your telling of his story. I well recall the first time I saw Faron's big blue car sitting there on the company parking lot and I thought "Hey, he's not supposed to do that," but when did anything keep him from doing something just because he wasn't supposed to. Diane, you did a masterful job in remembering Faron's life to his friends and fans worldwide and I for one appreciate the time and effort you devoted to this labor of love which I'm sure your book was. Again thank you for a masterful job in telling Faron's story as I am sure he would have liked to have it told. You told it like it was."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:05 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, FIFTY-TWO YEARS AGO: A Grand Ole Opry package came to the Dade County auditorium in Miami, Florida, on October 4, 1955. Minnie Pearl and Faron Young were two of the performers. Country music was popular in Miami at the time and a huge crowd pushed at one another to get tickets. Gordon Terry and the other Deputies sold pictures of Faron to the audience before the show. One fan remembers being invited to Faron's dressing room, which was filled with local deejays and musicians and songwriters. Everybody talked about the music business and asked Faron about being in the movies. Faron, with a number one record and two movies completed, probably felt on top of the world that night.

LETTERS
Jean Earle writes from the UK, "I have now finished reading your book. I can appreciate how much work and hours you must have put into your research. Well done. It is a shame that you were restricted with the amount of words that you were allowed to use as I wish you could have included more about Faron's admirers, i.e his loyal Fans. He was loved and admired in many countries as was shown by the membership of his International Fanclub. Faron started the fanclub in 1981. Faron always supported the Country Music scene in England by appearing at shows here and giving interviews on the radio. One of our top Country groups, the Frank Jennings Syndicate, were very proud when Faron agreed to be their honorary Fanclub President. Faron kept in touch, with lovely hand written letters  which I know Frank and the boys really treasured. I think you have done a grand job with this book and I am now looking forward to seeing how your book on Marty Robbins is progressing."

Jessica Jacobson, fellow writers' critique group member and world traveler, says, "I bought your book recently off Amazon and just received it! It looks beautiful! . . . I wasn't able to check on the availability in Bolivia because new books are pretty tough to find there. There isn't a big selection of books in English, and a lot of books are just photocopied and sold, rather than sold from the publisher. I think if someone there wanted it, they'd probably be best off ordering it from Amazon or elsewhere online." Read about Jessica's travels at http://jjstravels.blogspot.com/.

Jo Hamrick writes from West Virginia, "We just returned Sunday from Nashville. . . . went to E.T's record store and there was the book. I take back what I first thought about the cover. sorry. it is nice. . . . I am going to be there Nov.10 hopefully to get to visit with the guys. We did go to Hall of Fame. Everyone was plugging a book on Marty Robbins.???? quite a large paperback. I want to get everything done here. so that I can be free  for my next trip to Nashville in Nov."

Sandy Cooper in Kansas says, "The great comments just keep rolling in, Diane. These letters make me wish I'd known Faron!"

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:31 AM EDT

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"Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" is available online and in most bookstores. In addition, the University of Illinois Press offers free personalized bookplates by following the "Get Your Personalized Bookplate" link at http://www.press.uillinois.edu/f07/diekman.html. They get sent to me, and I sign and send them to you.

FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: When I checked to see what Faron was doing on the last birthday of Marty Robbins, I was surprised to find the similarities in their schedules. Both concluded a tour on Saturday, the 25th, the day before Marty's birthday, and started another on Wednesday. The surprising thing was that they both performed at the county fair in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Faron on Saturday (ending his tour) and Marty on Wednesday (beginning a tour). So I would guess Marty celebrated his 57^th birthday at home. Today would have been his 82nd birthday.

SCHEDULE:
Friday, October 12, Chuck Dauphin will devote his entire 6-10 AM shift on WDKN Radio in Dickson, Tennessee, to Faron's music. I will be in the studio with him the second half of the show to discuss Faron's life.

Saturday, October 13, I will be in Nashville at the Southern Festival of Books. My 11:00-12:00 session is titled "From the Hills to the Honky Tonks: Two Country Legends." A book signing follows the session. I don't yet know who the other legend is.

Saturday, November 10, we're celebrating book publication with a Faron Young tribute show during the evening at the Troubadour Theater in the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. No details on that yet, other than to announce that Robyn Young and his band, NEXTAKYN, will open the show.

Saturday, November 10, the evening culminates with a reunion of the Country Deputies on the Midnite Jamboree at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. Darrell McCall will host the show, and it will be carried live on WSM 650 Radio. See http://etrecordshop.com/mj.htm for more info--or to order the book.

LETTERS:
Barbara Holtmann of Trent Radio in Norwood, Ontario, writes to say, "Hello Diane, it was nice speaking with you - we actually had a few calls saying how much they enjoyed the interview."

Response: Thanks for inviting me to be on your radio show Saturday morning, Barbara. Our readers can listen to this volunteer-run radio station at www.trentradio.ca.

Jean Earle writes from the UK, "We were happy to receive your book yesterday. I am very impressed!! Started reading it straight away....sitting comfortable, with a nice cup of tea. Did you know that Faron enjoyed a good cuppa of tea? While he was in England for the Wembley show he came out to see us in our little home in south London. He was driven to our house by a friend Monika Kaye who was a P.R. for Mervyn Conn.who had organised the weekend festival. Just imagine the thrill it was for us to see Faron walking up our garden pathway!! He stayed the afternoon with us ....and the reason I am telling you this is because he sat in our front room, and very much enjoyed drinking a cup of tea from a china cup!!! and eating a salmon sandwich. He was such a lovely man and we treasured the time he allowed us to share with him."

Linda Clark in Washington DC says, "I'm a country music fan from way back and always liked Faron Young as well as so many others. I'm glad to see that there are others out there who are trying to keep the country music legends going. . . .Marty Robbins was a great singer also. I would have to say that my all time favorite was Conway Twitty. He used to have so many hits that would tug at my heart strings. . . . Country music was very big here in the DC area in the 60's."

Another note from Faron's friend, Andy Williford: "Faron's nickname growing up was Puppy, given to him by Tommy Dean, one of the inner circle. Faron wore his hair at the time that made him look like a puppy dog. Tommy told him he looked just like a little puppy dog. After that we all called him Puppy, right up to his death, as a matter of fact, Tommy was in Nashville and talked to Faron and wanted to go see him, but Faron made an excuse for him not to. Tommy could hear something strange in his voice but didn't think much of it at the time. Very shortly after that, Faron committed suicide."

Betty Allbritton Strange writes, "I, too, went to Fair Park with Faron, and Andy Williford asked me if I'd sent this to you.  Faron was one of my friends in school and after graduation. In the early 80's, when I worked for NSU College of Nursing, he would sometimes call and chat awhile. Bobby, my husband, and I always tried to remember to send him a birthday card (February 25), and he'd call and thank us for it. The last year he lived, I sent him his birthday card, and he was on a road trip somewhere, evidently. In April, I got a call from him, and he went to apologizing for not getting around to thanking us for his card any sooner, but seems like his secretary had, erroneously, misplaced some of his mail from February, and didn't give it to him till April! . . . Faron sent us, the next couple of weeks, two 8 x 10 pictures - one black and white one and one in color, autographed, of course, saying he loved us. I have the colored one framed and in my den. That was the last time I got to speak to him. . . . He was such a sweet character, and I do miss getting a phone call or letter from him ever so often."

Charlie Roberts in Union City, TN, says, "I got your great book last week I must say that it surpasses all of my expectations. Diane, my friend, you are to be commended on writing a story of a man of exceptional talent who is at the same time a complex Individual with many of the demons common to others. From those of us who knew the man and loved his music I thank you for giving us this definitive look at a man and a legend whose story needed telling. You are to be commended for a job masterfully done."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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"Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" is available online and in most bookstores. In addition, the University of Illinois Press offers free personalized bookplates by following the "Get Your Personalized Bookplate" link at http://www.press.uillinois.edu/f07/diekman.html. We're celebrating publication with a reunion of the Country Deputies on the Midnite Jamboree, Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. See http://etrecordshop.com/mj.htm for more info--or to order the book.

FARON YOUNG, THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO: Faron was in England when he did an interview with Bob Powel on September 19, 1969, for "Country Music People." He listed the Deputies at the time as Dave Hall on bass, Ernie Reed on fiddle, Doug Jernigan on steel, Cootie Hunley on drums, Charlie Murphy on lead, and "myself playing like Chet Atkins on my guitar." Bob said, "A few years ago your recordings were more modern than now. Why have you reverted to your old style?" Faron explained that he'd gone through a period of trying to repeat the pop success of "Hello Walls," but "I wasn't selling country records or pop records either. I thought what the hell am I doing? I'm a country singer; I'd better get back over there where I belong. So I picked up a couple of fiddles and started doing country music again."

LETTERS:
Jean Earle writes from the UK, "Terry Counts tells me that it is Billy Deaton's birthday tomorrow....her old boss as I am sure you already know. I have asked her to give him our very best wishes when she phones him tomorrow (Monday).  He was always so very kind to us when we called in at his office, taking the time out of his busy day to spend time talking with us. He even took us out for a lovely lunch one visit."

Harvey McFadden writes from Texas, "Can you believe it?  I performed at the Y O Ranch last Saturday night. Sang for almost 5 hours. The headliner was David Frizzell. . . . It's actually closer to 15 or 20 miles off I-10 but still out in the country even today."

Joan Orsini-Wood says she bought the book for Ron Rankin, who "loved Faron--says he used to come to Berk Sprgs/Martinsburg and sing for his annual home shows, Rankin homes........... And they became good friends."

John Gervickas writes, "Diane, I just finished your book. You did a wonderful job. Faron is one of my favorite singers, and I had the honor of meeting him once. It brought tears to my eyes to hear how sad his last few years were, but overall he had quite a life. I was stunned when I heard of his suicide. Thanks for the book."

Jimmy McDonough says, "Got the book today. It looks spectacular, I can't wait to devour the contents. Even a few quotes from that man of few words Ben Keith!  And let me state for the record I love the cover. The quote from Glenn Sutton was a beautiful addition. He would've loved the final product. Best of luck on the Marty Robbins project."

Brian French, a former shipmate from NAS Jacksonville AIMD, writes, "I
completed 8 years in the U.S. Navy and I am proud to have served in your
command during my shore duty tour. In my sea stories, your name comes up as
someone I greatly respected and admired. . . . Faron Young's story should be
very interesting! I'm proud to have served with you in the world's greatest
Navy!"

Gary Presley writes, "I always find it odd that people expect heroes to live perfectly. Faron Young was a human being, mortal like the rest of us, but he was also an artist with a gift he could share with others, bringing joy and happiness into the world. That he was able to do this in spite of his demons should be admirable rather than 'depressing.' And that makes it a story of triumph."

Maheen Wickramasinghe says, "I was absolutely disgusted with the appalling comments about the hard work you put into your book. Please, do not let those type of people discourage you. You have done many, many research and interviews on this book and also I know your up and coming Marty Robbins book is really going to be a well done complete project. How, just how, can Ann say such an insulting thing is totally beyond me. I mean, throwing Faron's CD's in the trash? Come on!"

Jo Hamrick in West Virginia weighs in with this note: "If the lady who is so angry about the book has such things to say she obviously did not know him at all. He was who he was, no making impressions to make people think he was more. Those of us who loved him knew all sides of Faron. it is too bad that she had such a bad impression on the book or. more importantly. on Faron. I don't like for anyone to put him down. No one is without faults and he would have been the first to tell you that. it is a shame she wants to trash his music but .why not sell it to someone who really cared for him?"

Terry Counts writes, "I can't wait on this book...the review that was so horrible from a 'fan'. what'd she expect? Faron was no saint, but he was a good man, kind, considerate and would do most anything for anybody...except when he was drinking.  Well, HELL. Show me 1 person who drinks...who isn't a complete butt when drunk? I have been around 'em all my life, musicians, singers, and most do drink, some to excess...but when they're "straight" you can't beat them hands down...for loyalty, kindness and courtesy!!!!!"

John Morris, who is waiting impatiently for the book to reach the Chapters bookstores in Canada, says, "I got a catalog from the publisher and we read what was in it and it sounded fantastic and I learned things I didn't know." He adds, "I just cannot believe a true fan of an artist would pitch all their music in the trash cause of what someone said in a book. . . . I guess there's no room for an artist to be a human being if you take this kind of thinking."

Andy Williford checks in again to say, "I have a couple of great memories of Faron and our childhoods. Faron was raised on the old Hatcher Plantation on the corner of The Old Jefferson Road and The Pines Road in Shreveport. He and I used to play in the cottonseed meal that they fed to the cows. His mother would come out in the backyard when she wanted him to do some chores and yell, FARON!!! FARON!!!, I know your out there, you better, (expletives).  He would answer just to me, 'I ain't coming.'  My aunt Lula, my mother's sister, lived on one of the other corners of the same roads. Faron, my cousin Bill, and I sat on the back door steps many afternoon after school, and my aunt would always come to the back door screen and also yell, 'Faron, I am sick of listening to that loud guitar, get off my porch steps and  go home.'  I can't even remember how old we were. There are about ten (10) of us in his close inner circle growing up in Shreveport, and afterwards until his death, and I just wish you could have known about us before your book, however, I for one am very proud of you for writing such a wonderful book about our friend. Thanks again and good luck."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:03 AM EDT

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