Classic Magnolia Rock
History of Original Mississippi Rock and Roll 1953-1970
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Classic Magnolia Rock Contents:
The Red Tops Cliff Thomas
Buddy Rogers Mary Ann Mobley
Tommy Tate The Red Counts
Ron Fraiser Harry Lee
Al Ward Glenn Sutton
Jay Stricker Alton and Jimmy
Johnny Vincent Teen Tempos
Peggy Paxton Bobby J
Shari Schneider Malaco
Cliff Thomas, Ed Thomas and Bob McRee
Andy Anderson and The Rollingstones
Tim Whitsett & The Imperial Show Band
Andy Anderson and The Dawnbreakers
From one of the chapters:
“Andy Anderson and The Original Rollingstones” started at Mississippi State College in
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About the Book
Classic Magnolia Rock is a history of original Mississippi Rock and Roll music from 1953 to 1970 and its impact on the national music scene. It is told through the eyes of the author and the artists who were a part of this history. The stories come from countless interviews with the artists and members of the various bands as they shared how they started and the things that happened to them as they traveled to and from the performances across the South. The author is hoping to help preserve this important part of the state's musical heritage.
Many of the artists included in the book have had very successful careers in the music industry; yet, the general public only thinks of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis when Mississippi Rock and Roll is mentioned. A behind-the-scene look at this formative time is told through the music and pictures of the musicians. Insight into the social events of the day is also included as well as a brief look at the author's life during this time as he was experiencing rock and roll music for the first time as a teenager.
The reader is invited to take a trip down memory lane to re-live the glory days of their teenage years and remember these old songs, singers, and musicians along with personal memories of what they were doing when this music was popular.
A companion CD of 22 songs of these artists is available from the author. This re-mastered release is a great way to celebrate the music and a wonderful addition to your collection.
About the Author
Johnny Sumrall is a native of Jackson, MS and is a graduate of Provine High School and Belhaven College. His love of music crosses all genres, but is focused on Rock and Roll. This book is a compilation of his memories as a teenager during the era as well as information from interviews with the artists. Many of the artists are good friends with whom Johnny stays in contact.
Johnny produced and hosted a live radio program "Original Mississippi Rock and Roll Music" during the late 1980's and early 1990's which featured many of the artists in interviews as well as performing their music. He has written articles for several magazines and contributed to the book All Shook Up - Mississippi Roots of American Popula Music by Christina Wilson.
He and his wife life in Byram, MS and are the parents of three sons and five grandchildren. You may contact him at jsum402@earthlink.net.