Gypsy Songman

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.

Been a fan since the 'Viva Terlingua' recording first hit my turntable back in the day. Actually purchased an autographed copy for my wife on her birthday and finally got an opportunity to read it myself.It's a great read with Jerry Jeff his ownself's style evident throughout. From Ronald Clyde Crosby, Jerry Ferris, Jerry Jeff, Jacki Jack and back we are along for the ride. Don't miss the insight into the life of Hondo Crouch and Luckenbach, the funny twists surrounding getting Mr. Bojangles on the air, and how Gary P. Nunn's "London Homesick Blues" was put on the Viva Terlingua album.Finally, I think this is one fine and well deserved valentine to Susan. It's worth the read to see JJW reinforcing family priorities as he acknowledges his role as father first, entertainer second.

Real fans of Jerry Jeff will love this book. I bought a copy of the book after JJW's Chicago concert last November, which he autographed, and finished reading it before I went to bed that night. Don't expect great writing here...but do expect an extremely entertaining book. Unlike most of the muscians out there, his life is very much like his songs (and like the book itself), rough but honest, dreamy yet succinct. Jerry Jeff was a true drifter, a cowboy poet who truly did his own thing. Warning: The book made me go out and buy some of the albums I didn't already have. The most gratifying part of all comes at the end, when we learn about how he has taken control of his career and his life. My only complaint is that some work with a good editor would have filled in some of the cracks. But then, it wouldn't have been true Jerry Jeff then, would it?

Received an autographed copy for Christmas. Finished it in record time - couldn't keep away from it. Those of us who have appreciated the storytelling ability of this man through his music can truly appreciate the stories behind the ballads. I had no idea I was really listening to the man's life on LP throughout seventies. The writing is as footloose and fancy free as his concerts, and equally as entertaining. As he says - this is going to be his only book, and its a keeper.

Jerry Jeff Walker takes us on a wonderful ride through his life. From his boyhood days in New York to his ramblin' life as a street singer in New Orleans to his present home in Austin Texas. Walker discusses the places and people that have made him one of the most endearing (and enduring) songwriter/perfomers of our time. His anacdotal accounts of leaving home, his wandering lifestyle as a street singer, his writing of "Mr. Bojangles", his entry into (and out of) the Nashville scence, and finally his magical connection with Austin Texas. He holds very little back discussing the problems of drugs and alcohol and the partying lifestyle so prominent in much of his music through the years. But in the end the book shows us a survivor, A LONE WOLF, who rediscovers himself through his wife and children. A wonderful insight into the life of one of the most underrated song writers ever.