Around 25 years ago, I met Larry Brown. My pal and great bookseller, Richard Howarth, had mentioned to me that he had met a great reader though his store (the incomparably fine Square Books), who wanted to write. Soon there after, he introduced me to Larry Brown.

At a party on a front porch in Belhaven, one block from Ms. Welty’s house, I met and talked books with Larry. Common reading tastes was the immediate doorway to begin our friendship. Over the years, we shared many books together, our fondness for authors as diverse as Louis L’Amour to Cormac McCarthy. We were reading buddies.

A bookseller’s relationship with an author can grow to be very special over time using books and reading as a bridge. The labor of these two professions can emerge into a natural bond tied together through love and deep friendship.

As I think about Larry’s passing on this anniversary of his death, I feel the loss of this short writing life. No more Larry books to read or book talk to be had.

However, so very fondly I reflect on Larry and Richard and value knowing both and understanding the meaning and fullness of a bond through books.

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.”

Mississippians is available now. Purchase a copy online or call the bookstore 601/800.366.7619.

Neil White will be signing copies of Mississippians Friday, November 26th.

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When I was a little girl growing up in Laurel, Mississippi, my mother would tell me stories about Leontyne Price, the famous opera singer, born in Laurel, but  then currently residing in the big city of New York.  I was shown the house where Leontyne’s mother had been a housekeeper and was told  how the people who lived in the large  house recognized Leontyne’s exceptional musical abilities and talent. I was told that these people helped send Leontyne to exceptional music schools. I was in awe of her, the beautiful, talented young singer. I was proud to be from Laurel, Mississippi, the same town where Leontyne grew up too.

Flash forward to the mid 1980s when I took my young daughter to a book signing in Jackson when Leontyne’s book  Aida was published. I stood in line with my little eight-year-old, and with my parents who were visiting from Laurel that weekend, and we all watched Leontyne from afar and thought about how she had her beginnings in our home town. It was a moment for reflection and pride once again. Even today, whenever I hear a recording of her voice from time to time, I remember my first impression of her.  She is one of many reasons that I am proud to be a Mississippian.

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.”

Mississippians is available now. Purchase a copy online or call the bookstore 601/800.366.7619.

Neil White will be at Lemuria Friday, November 26th.

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-Nan

Mississippi John Hurt’s soft and articulate blues is always reliable for pleasant listening. His finger-picking style seems effortless, delivered in his typically relaxed manner. His music has a plain spoken nature, which I think truly represents Mississippi John as he lived mostly in obscurity. His success came late in life, as his music feels as if he is playing his music for himself, a pure musician.

Around 40 years ago, my pals Peggy and Charlie started me listening to Mississippi John. Thus, I never saw him perform live. I never grow tired of his unique sound, especially my favorites “Candy Man” and his immortal version of “Stagolee”–That Bad Man.

Mississippi John and Son House, Photo by Dick Waterman. Click on the image to view his photo blog.

In contrast, John Hurt as a blues singer presents the most gentle and genial image in his music and photographs of him. Dick Waterman, who is also featured in Mississippians, has taken marvelous photos of John.

For me, John Hurt is a Blues Buddha.

If you had the pleasure of seeing John perform, please share with us when and where and any special memory about his music. If like me, all you have is listening to his recordings, please relay your favorites.

In honor of John, we have an original Kruse portrait of this music saint. It’s our association with his presence in our reading & music space.

Cruze art is available for sale at the fine Cat Head store in Clarksdale.

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.”

Mississippians is available now! Purchase a copy online or call the bookstore 601/800.366.7619.

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