Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. We'll be celebrating publication of "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story." The day will end with a reunion of the Country Deputies on the Midnite Jamboree. Darrell McCall will host the show. I am so excited!!!

FARON YOUNG, FIFTEEN YEARS AGO:  On Saturday, August 22, 1992, Faron and Jean Shepard worked a show in Brooklyn, Michigan. Jean remembers it as "of the most wonderful days I have ever had in my life. . . . Faron was completely cold sober, and we talked about old times, and he didn't--usually he was pretty loud, cussing and everything--but he wasn't this day. He was just very mild mannered, and we sat and talked." When they said goodbye, Jean hugged and kissed him and said, "Faron, this day has just been wonderful. What a blessing. It was so wonderful to sit in that little ol' trailer and talk about our old times, 20-30 years ago." He hugged her and said, "Aw, well, hell, Shep, you know I love you."  She told me when I interviewed her, "Oh, it was just so good. I've carried that memory with me."

LETTERS
Gigi Viellion says, "I too enjoyed hearing about Ernie Reed. It reminded me that years ago when I went to see 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' on Broadway and heard the fiddle player I commented that 'that's the best fiddle player I've heard since Ernie Reed' only to open the program to find out it was Ernie Reed. He is truly one of a kind."

Dan Tyson, a Navy shipmate who lives in Japan, writes, "Congratulations on getting the book finished and published. That is a tremendous accomplishment. I'll order one from Amazon.com and hopefully, you can sign it for me when we get a chance to meet. . . . Take care and keep us updated on your next project."

Hennie Beltman says, "You must be so thrilled to see all your hard work coming to fruition, and I know all Faron's fans are anxious to get their hands on the book, as I am!  More than 50 years ago, I wrote my first ever fan letter, and it was to Faron. And I'll never forget how excited I was when he sent me back a picture postcard! I hope you sell tons of books...I have already pre-ordered 2 from Amazon. Best of luck with your book on Marty Robbins, too."

Bill Littleton's latest Bridgeworks contains a nice blurb about the book: http://www.unclewillamsplace.com/thebridgeworks.htm

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, FIFTY YEARS AGO: On August 13, 1957, Faron recorded two sides of a single that attempted to catch the teen market, "Vacation's Over" and "Honey Stop!" He sang both songs when he hosted the Army recruiting television show, Country Style, U.S.A. Dressed in suit and tie, he looked like a businessman with a guitar. The ba-boom background vocals of the Southlander Quartet almost drowned out his voice. Neither song charted on Billboard. He tried again with "Snowball" and "The Locket." Those didn't chart either. Faron once told Ralph Emery, "Back in the rock 'n roll days, when they first came in, and Elvis hit, and they had Fabian and all these guys come along, we were tryin' to sing, do anything to get a hit record. Boy, I cut some of the worst-soundin' stuff." His career would be rejuvenated a few months later with "Alone With You."

LETTERS
George Owens, former Country Deputy frontman and current road manager for Vince Gill writes, "We're all still in tears over his induction [in the Country Music Hall of Fame]. I talked with him last night and he's still floating. We're all soooooooo proud to be associated with him. I think the world should know how proud Vince is and how proud we all are with being associated with such a human being and very emotional man."

Jo Hamrick says, "I am so happy to see once in awhile letters from Faron's former band members, and.especially Ernie Reed, best fiddle player around, actually the first member of the band that we met. We spent part of an afternoon with Ernie at Deemons den."

Gene Dunlap, former Country Deputy keyboard player, writes, "Congratulations on getting this much awaited book on Faron finished and out. I can't wait to get one."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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I've been invited to be one of the authors at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville the week of 12-14 October. Here's a link to the article in the Tennessean: http://tinyurl.com/2827zy. It hasn't quite soaked in yet that I'm attending a book festival as an author instead of as a reader.

FARON YOUNG, FIFTY-ONE YEARS AGO: On August 8, 1956, Faron and Hilda closed on a house at 4001 Brush Hill Road. They could now afford a home substantially larger than the small Bel Air residence with its three tiny bedrooms. This house was in Hubert Long's quiet neighborhood in northern Nashville, close to Gallatin Road and one block from the Cumberland River. Spacious tree-filled lots separated the large one-story brick house from its neighbors. When they moved there with one-year-old Damion, they remodeled the kitchen and gave it a stylish pink-and-charcoal color scheme with a breakfast nook, pink metal cabinets, and a charcoal brick fireplace. Hilda loved the fantastic kitchen and its fashionable appliances--hanging refrigerator, dishwasher, and a hanging freezer that looked like a cabinet.

LETTERS
Ernie Reed writes, "I'm sorry I haven't done a better job of keeping in touch. I have looked forward every week to your news letter, and am glad that the book is finally being released. . . . I can't wait to read the book."

Mayf Nutter sends this note from California, "CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so proud of you for your persistence and dedication. Here's to your continued success."

Sandy Cooper in Kansas says, "The radio show interview sounds like a great opportunity for you, Diane.  Congratulations on your first hardcover copy of Live Fast, Love Hard!  I can't wait to get one of my own!!"

Frank Chilinski wants to know, "Will the book be available on Amazon or any other website? Can I order it from you?"

Response: It can be preordered at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/. I won't be selling it; I only sell my two memoirs. The University of Illinois Press is doing a great job of distribution.

Ray Richardson wonders "if you have a book tour scheduled and do you know if you will be coming to Roanoke VA? I would love an autographed copy. Thanks for your hard work and I am already looking forward to your next endeavor."

Response: We haven't discussed book tours yet. But I drive through Roanoke on the way to Nashville.

Joe Babcock writes from Nashville, "Thought you might be interested that myself, Ronny Robbins, Okie Jones, and Jim Glaser will be doing an interview with Eddie Stubbs on WSM this Sat. at 2 PM in conjunction with the opening of the Marty Robbins Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame."

Response: I very much wish I could have been there this past weekend. I will definitely check out the Marty Robbins exhibit when I'm in Nashville in October.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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This weekly newsletter will keep you posted on progress toward the Sept/Oct publication of "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" by the University of Illinois Press. The book has been printed and is now in the distribution process. I received my hardcover copy in the mail this week. It's a real book!!! Please go to your local bookstore if you wish to order a copy. You should have it in 7-8 weeks.

FARON YOUNG, NINETEEN YEARS AGO: Faron hosted Nashville Now on August 10, 1988, and sang "Stop and Take the Time," which he said was Billboard's pick hit of the week. (But it stalled at number 100.) It came from his new album, "Here's To You," which was his first on Step One Records and turned out to be his last ever of new songs. The title song became his 89th and last Billboard-charted song, peaking at number 87. He also previewed the album on the New Country television show in February 1989. I was stationed on Guam at the time and was thrilled to catch that show on CMT. I liked "You're Just Another Beer Drinking Song" and "Twin Fiddles Turn Me On" better than the slow ballads. Ralph Emery announced on one Nashville Now show, "Faron Young is on the charts in Canada, they tell me, these days, in the top ten in Canada with this tune. Here's Faron to sing Twin Fiddles."

LETTERS
Chuck Dauphin, Operations Manager with WDKN Radio in Dickson, TN, writes, "I wanted to write you to let you know of my interest in the book you are working on about Faron Young. When the book is released, I would love for you to consider the possibility of coming on my morning show to discuss the book. We could even devote the entire morning of music to Faron, as well."

John Krebs sends this great YouTube link of Faron on the Porter Wagoner show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHTKwhr36S4. There are other videos enjoyable to watch, too.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:04 AM EDT

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This weekly newsletter will keep you posted on progress toward the October publication of "Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story" by the University of Illinois Press. There won't be a newsletter next week because I'll be away from my computer.

FARON YOUNG, FORTY-SIX YEARS AGO: On July 19, 1961, Faron recorded "Backtrack" (which has always been one of my favorite Faron Young songs). When Faron had done a show in Flora, Illinois, mutual friends introduced him to a classical singer and oil field engineer named Alex Zanetis. Their relationship began by Faron insulting Alex, and then they quickly became friends. Their common interest in piloting small planes may have had something to do with their friendship. Alex brought Faron to the airport the next day, and Faron said, "Write me a song called "Backtrack.'" After Faron's flight left, Alex immediately went to the truck stop near the airport, put a dime in the jukebox, and listened to how Faron sounded. He wrote "Backtrack" and sent it to Nashville. Faron received co-writing credit because, Alex told me, "usually if someone gives you the title of the song, you can consider him a co-writer. Because without the title, even though he might not have written another word, had he not given you the title, there wouldn't be one." Alex was disappointed when he first heard the recording because he thought the background should have included female voices instead of male falsetto voices trying to get high enough. A friend reminded him, "Don't you know you've got a Faron Young recording? Be thankful." Alex agreed. "Backtrack" entered the Billboard charts in October 1961, peaked at number 8 country and number 89 pop, and won a BMI award.

LETTER: Bernard Green in Liverpool, England, sends a new e-mail address and says, "I really enjoyed all the stories on Faron, and look forward to the book release."

WEBSITE: CMT has online message boards for hundreds of artists. Here are two I check regularly: http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/young_faron/message_board.jhtml and http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/robbins_marty/artist.jhtml. They need postings to keep them active.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, FIFTEEN YEARS AGO: On the afternoon of July 8, 1992, Faron hosted four South Dakota gals at his Old Hickory home. My best friend and her two daughters were driving with me to Jacksonville, Florida, where I lived, and I called Faron to let him know we'd be coming through Nashville. He actually answered his phone, and he offered to meet us and take us to lunch. We followed him to his house, and he gave us a ride in his baby blue Lincoln. I wish I'd paid more attention when he took us on a tour and showed us the lake house where he formerly lived. Then we visited while the two girls swam in his pool. Faron told me he wanted to be cremated when he died because he didn't want anyone staring at his grave. I don't know how we got on that subject, but it seemed to me something far too distant to even think about.

LETTERS
Monsieur ANGLARES Dominique writes from France, "Glad to know your book will be soon published and promotion is starting. Can you help me to have the fall catalog 'cause I'm hungry to read that full-page spread. . . . As soon as I will have material about your book, or the book himself, I will give you a plug on the web and magazine. Until then, have good holidays and have a safe travel."

Andy Williford, Faron's boyhood friend, says, "I am looking forward to reading the book, because from my standpoint, it should be interesting."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:01 AM EDT

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This weekly newsletter will keep you posted on progress toward the October publication of Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story by the University of Illinois Press. My copy of the fall catalog arrived in the mail the other day. Faron's book has a full-page spread on page 4. Copies of the catalog were sent to 17,000 customers, including 1,500 media contacts around the world.

There won't be a newsletter the next three weeks. We're driving to South Dakota for our annual summer visit.

FARON YOUNG, FORTY-THREE YEARS AGO: On Sunday, June 14, 1964, Faron headlined the Nashville Tennessean's Centennial Park Concert. The show began at 4:30 PM and was Faron's first appearance at the park in six years. Appearing with him were Margie Singleton and Merle Kilgore. An article in the Nashville Tennessean noted it could have been called "Louisiana Day" because Faron, Margie and Merle all came from Shreveport. Merle wrote the three songs they currently had as hits. Darrell McCall, frontman for the Country Deputies, was also featured. The band that day included two former Deputies, Ben Keith on steel and Glen Davis on drums. Fiddlers Tommy Jackson and Tommy Vaden and piano player Joe Hathcock rounded out the band. The article said Merle Kilgore "ferociously played his guitar with his hands, his shoulders, and sometimes it seemed like the hair falling in his face would get to strum a few notes, too."

LETTERS
Loretta Johnson of IFCO writes, "We can't WAIT!!! . . . Faron was an icon. A legend and he was a man who, without our knowledge, was fighting the demon of depression. Our heartache is in his having felt this uselessness feeling, which he must have had. That no one loved him any more or realized his worth. People NEED to be reminded that our legends DO need love and attention and we NEED them to know that their WORTH is beyond words. It's just hard to deal with it; you feel guilty, sad, and totally not tuned in when stuff like his happens."

Carolyn Van Norman Babin writes from Texas, "I have heard from Dominique Anglares in France that you are writing a book about Faron Young... I would like to hear from you and about your book and where and when I could get it. . . . I worked for KCIJ in Shreveport, La. just around corner from KWKH and Faron came in to the station one day and that started it all. I knew his family very well."

Robert Gentry, who published Tillman Franks: I Was There When It Happened, says, "Thanks so much for putting me on your list to receive the weekly newsletter about Faron. They have been so interesting and informative. I, along with a lot of other people, are certainly looking forward to the release of your book. Thanks for putting all the effort into research and writing that such a work takes."

James McGrath Morris, author of The Rose Man of Sing Sing: A True Tale of Life, Murder, and Redemption in the Age of Yellow Journalism, reports, "I spotted [the advance reading copy of] your book and the sample chapters at the BEA [Book Expo America in New York City]. Looks great. The interior design is especially nice. Congratulations. I am sure it will do well. The sample chapter was printed along with a sample chapter from [Craig Havighurst's Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City]. Both books have a similar color scheme."

RECOMMENDED BOOK

I just finished reading Ken Nelson's autobiography, My First 90 Years Plus 3, and I am in awe at the list of people whose records he produced and the energy he projects. Although I'd talked to him numerous times about Faron's Capitol years, I had no idea Ken had signed and recorded so many artists. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens are two he brought to the top and kept there. After retiring from Capitol Records, he traveled throughout the world. I enjoyed reading about his travels because I've been to many of the same places. He told me he self-published because mainstream publishers weren't interested in the story of a behind-the-scenes guy, and he wanted to see the book in print before he kicked the bucket.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:03 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, THIRTY-SIX YEARS AGO: On June 4, 1971, Faron was one of nine big names from Nashville who performed a three-hour spectacular at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The first country music package show presented there, it was billed as "Nashville at the Garden." A crowd of 15,000 watched as Faron stood on the revolving stage in the center of the Garden, looked around the huge facility, and said, "This place is almost as big as Johnny Cash's living room." Faron, the sixth to perform, earned such an ovation that Jim Ed Brown commented before going onstage, "I wouldn't give this spot to my cleaners." Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty closed the show. Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton appeared before Faron's segment. The show's success surprised the organizers. With the goal of showcasing country music talent to advertising agencies, they'd hoped to sell enough tickets to prevent a major loss at the box office. A comment from one of them summed up what they should have realized at the beginning: "The show was a success--and why not? Every act was a star." (This is a summary of "Madison Square Garden Fans Like Country Music," an article Red O'Donnell wrote for The Nashville Banner the next day.)

LETTERS
In reference to Porter Wagoner getting the 2007 IFCO Tex Ritter Award, Bobby Jones writes, "Faron received this award. The Johnson sisters told me when he was presented with this award he cried."

Response: Yes, Loretta Johnson described the occasion for me in an email and I put it in the book. The International Fan Club Organization honored Faron with its Tex Ritter Award on June 8, 1983. "Much as we appreciate and admire his long list of accomplishments as an entertainer," said co-president Loudilla Johnson, "tonight we especially wish to recognize Faron Young as the founder and long-time president of Music City News." She said, "The publication, now celebrating its 20th year, was the first to involve the fans in the actual structure of the paper and its related activities. We specifically commend the establishment of the industry's first fan-voted awards." Faron accepted the surprise award with tears in his eyes. "Yeah, y'all like to see an old hard-ass like me cry," he said.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:02 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO:  Faron and his Country Deputies did a Memorial Day concert in Wells Bridge, New York, on Sunday, May 26, 1985. When someone requested Hello Walls, Faron said, "We already did Hello Walls. You were in the restroom when we did Hello Walls. Didn't you hear us when you was in the restroom?  We could hear you, when you was in there." He introduced his lead guitar player by saying, "Here's a boy from Brooklyn. Brooklyn, New York. Richard Barrish right there, ladies and gentleman. You're supposed to smile, Richard, dammit. My little teddy bear." And then, "A lot of people carry guys around with 'em, and just play fiddle and cut up and everything, but this boy right here is one hell of a country singer. I want you to hear his very unique voice. He's outstandin' in his field. After you hear him sing, he won't be standin' in no damn field. His folks sent him to musical school. They spent over $3000 havin' his voice cultivated. Then they spent two more bits and had it fertilized. But he's one hell of a singer. You'll see right now. Mr. Ozzie Osment, ladies and gentlemen. Make him welcome." The next introduction was, "Here's a guy from Notre Dame, Indiana, Mr. Cal Sharp, that good-lookin' booger over on the steel guitar over there."

LETTERS
Berna Woodard asks, "When the book comes out, how do I go about getting an autographed copy of it? I can hardly wait to get it."

Ernest L Margheim writes from Canon City, Colorado, "I am age 85 and used to play and sing in a dance band and had an early morning radio program as a cowboy singer/yodeler  in my younger years when we still had LIVE RADIO. I was part of the early morning FARM HOUR gang at KVGB, Great Bend, KS. Faron's songs were HOT STUFF and part of our show.  I am so proud of you for undertaking such a LABOR INTENSIVE Chore. You make a lot of people happy. Keep up the good work.  I had previously ordered and received your books of growing up and the Navy times. HANG IN THERE, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU. Faron Young was a very unique personality and talent. I would be grateful if you could let me know how I go about placing my order for the book. Is there a possibility that we can obtain an autographed copy?

Response: We haven't set up a tour schedule yet, or a system for ordering autographed books. I appreciate your interest, and I'll discuss autographs with the publicity staff.

WEB SITE: I registered Marty Robbins in the Navy Log for the United States Navy Memorial. Check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/39ncc7.

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:01 AM EDT

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FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO: Faron played the Caravan East in El Paso, Texas, on May 23, 1979. The Country Deputies at the time were Ray Emmett, Richard Bass, Al Lewis, Leon Boulanger, and Cootie Wayne. Robyn Young was also on that tour. Throughout the years Faron traveled a ten-day circuit that ran from Texas up through Colorado, sometimes swinging through New Mexico and Arizona. Other clubs included the Longhorn Ballroom, Dancetown USA, Caravan, The Rising Sun, Mr. Lucky's, and Spurs Supper Club. When my sister lived in Colorado Springs, we had the opportunity to see Faron at the Cow Palace there.

May 23 played a significant role in my past. I graduated from college on that day and, three years later, from officer candidate school with a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.

LETTERS
Connie Johnson writes, "I just want to remind people they can pre order the book.  I have already pre paid mine and as soon as it comes off the press I will have one.  I am more than ready to read the book about the greatest entertainer, singer and friend I have ever known. He was my Daddy Cat. I gave him that name when I first met him back in 1971, and got to really know him over the years.  He roared like a lion but when you got to know him and you were called his friend you knew he was gentle as a kitten. I count it an honor and blessing to have called him FRIEND for so many years. It is still so hard to believe the last time I left his home and said good bye, If I'd Only Known It Was The Last Time, I would never see him again. Our last conversation on the phone I will always remember. I cherish the years of friendship.  He is ONE OF A KIND and will never be replaced."

Pastor Keith Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia, says, "Having just reached my 49^th birthday my memories of Faron are from the late 60's through the 80's, but my appreciation of his music goes back to his earliest Capitol sides. To me, the cover just screamed 'This is the one, the only, the legendary Faron Young!' I hope I live long enough to get my hands around a copy - October is so far away!"

Debra from the UK says, "My late friend Glenn Sutton read your book and said how brilliant it was going to be. I'm looking forward to reading it."

Betty Smith writes from Toledo, Ohio, "First thing I want to say hi again and let you know I can't wait for your book to come out. Now next you know we have been friends of Faron over 35 years and love him like family. Great job, Diane, we're behind you 110 percent."

Posted by Diane Diekman at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Wed, 23 May 2007 1:35 PM EDT

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