Gypsy Songman

Rating:
Summary: Jerry Jeff: Real Americana; Real American.
Review: This is a great true story of a wandering minstrel with more courage and sense of adventure than anyone you will probably ever read about. Jerry Jeff wandered the country seeking his "fortune and fame" and living by his wits and talent. And what a wit and talent he is. If he had been backed by a big record label and a ton of publicity he might be one of the hottest stars ever. But Jerry Jeff would never have made it like that, because he preferred his "own" way, which included a great deal of night life. Jerry Jeff's story is even more remarkable because it includes the relationships he formed with many of his contemporaries like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Jimmy Buffett and others. I have always enjoyed Jerry Jeff's music ever since I heard "Mr. Bojangles" on AM radio back in 1968. I own all of his work either on vinyl or CD, so his story I just had to have. I purchased one of the limited edition autographed copies as soon as they came available and have read it twice. I have seen him perform live three times and look forward to the next. One of the biggest thrills I had was visiting New Orleans a few years ago and seeing the places he hung out at, like The Cafe Dumond. I highly recommend this book and JJW's music. I hope he performs for many more years and that I can save enough money to travel with him on his Belize get-away some day.