FICTION

Long Gone Daddies

John F. Blair. Mar. 2013. 272p. ISBN 9780895875938. $24.95. F
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This nostalgic musical tale intones the story of Luther Gaunt, singer, songwriter, and guitar player, as he travels around the South with a rock band. Luther and his bandmates have picked up a beautiful woman named Delia in Texas and she travels with them as they make their way to Memphis to seek their musical destiny. Along the way Luther tells the story of his grandfather who also went to Memphis to audition for Sam Phillips at Sun Records years before Elvis made his name. Unfortunately, troubles with a woman and a jealous husband dashed his hopes. Luther's father followed in those footsteps and still lives in Memphis. Delia demands that Luther write a song that will make her famous, then when they reach their destination, she strikes off on her own. As the novel ends, things have changed, and Luther may be heading off on the right musical road for him in New York City, having reconciled with his father and his past.
VERDICT Written as if an old rhythm-and-blues song had come to life, this story and its characters seem somewhat one dimensional. Yet the novel does have an easy charm and readability, and should appeal to lovers of old songs, blues myths, and vintage guitars.
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