Jimmy McDonough joins us this week to tell us about his new book Gary Stewart: I Am From The Honky Tonks.
The book is available in the UK & also in the US.
While not a household name Gary Stewart became a hugely influential singer described as ‘too country for country and too rock for rock’.
Jimmy developed a relationship with the Stewart family over a long period, enabling this book to come to fruition.
Jerry Lee lewis was a key influence on Gary in his younger years & the Allman Brothers Band became a significant influence as he grew older.
Gary Stewart was born in Kentucky before the family relocated to Fort Pierce, Florida.
His route into the music business came as a songwriter in Nashville, before signing a solo deal with RCA Records, where he achieved a number of country hits including a number 1 with "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)".
Some of his more rock oriented material did not sit well with RCA & his relationship with the label began to fracture.
His later years were patchy filled with memorable gigs but also some questionable decisions.
Gary Stewart passed away in 2003 & his ashes were scattered outside the Texas Honky Tonk he had been due to play that night.
His influence was proven as names including Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yoakam, Sturgill Simpson & Willie Nelson went onto name check him over the years.
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