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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Maybe you’ve had time to peruse Neil White’s Mississippians. It’s a great conversation piece. Maybe you’ve wondered at the individuals you’ve never heard of. Maybe you’ve wondered why a particular person was not included in the publication.

It could be because Neil views Mississippians as an on-going project; categories will be added and existing ones may be expanded. I think this make sense as there will always be new contributing and innovative individuals. These forthcoming editions will reflect growth and the dynamic nature our state.

As you share Mississippians with your family and friends, keep your ideas in mind. Add your ideas in the comment section below or keep your eye on our blog for future opportunities to share your ideas with Neil.

Tonight Neil will be signing and talking to us about how he put the book together. Come on over for a relaxing evening!

Click here to see other profiles in Mississippians.

Editor Neil White will be signing Mississippians at Lemuria today at 5:00. If you cannot be here, copies are available for purchase online or call the bookstore 601/800.366.7619.

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My first memory of Jackson’s later to be celebrated Sweet Potato Queen is still vivid in my mind.

In April 1983, Lemuria was having a book signing for Hannah’s cutting edge Tennis Handsome, still my favorite of Barry’s novels. Two kegs of beer were being consumed with Hendrix blaring at top volume. Barry in his rebel gear was handled by beloved pal Ronzo.

Jill (i.e., Betty Fulton) was hanging around, lovely in a yellow oasis lady Lemuria t-shirt (design=nude reading under palms). Later, we loaded the number two keg into a hatchback to hear Albert King at Gino’s Blues Alley. A thunderstorm exploded soaking us all up. What a memory, this lovely amazon in a soaking tee–I was sold, Jill was definitely a Lemurian.

Years later Jill with her Sweet Potato Queen book was kind to express so fondly her love for our bookstore. We worked hard for Jill, her first selling over 5,000 copies. Over the years, her dedication and friendship joined with her husband, our pal Kyle, has yielded many pleasant memories.

Her first reading with Roy Blount, draped in a rebel flag, celebrated her first book publication, as Betty Fulton, in the Norton Book of Southern Humor.

Share with us your first or funniest story about Jill. The more outrageous the better we’ll like it.

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.” Editor Neil White will be signing at Lemuria on  Thursday, October 28th.

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

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In October of 1975, on the backside of the quarter shopping center, I opened Lemuria bookstore with my ex-wife Mel. We converted a 2nd floor apartment, bought books and went to work. We were located behind Poets, the best bar and hangout in town, at which I went to work quickly after opening to keep Lemuria’s doors open. Below the bookstore was a small art gallery known as The Artist 5.

One morning, I heard a commotion of some sort coming in front of the bookstore. From my front balcony, I saw people carrying on while focusing on a big pick-up truck. In the middle, Jerry Clower was holding court, loud and obnoxious. The cut up was about these raccoons the local artist had painted all over his ride. After a bit, a very pleased Clower cranked up and roared away while gaining everyone’s attention, sporting his prize coons.

Add your Jerry Clower memory in the comment section below.

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.” Editor Neil White will be signing at Lemuria on  Thursday, October 28th.

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

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DEUCE!!!!

This was a common chant you would  hear when Deuce McAllister took the field in Vaught/Hemingway Stadium at the University of Mississippi on game day. It’s no wonder since he is one of the most decorated football  players in Ole Miss history and the only football player to have recorded 1,000 all purpose yards in three seasons.  I am an Ole Miss fan but I followed Deuce’s career more when he was with the New Orleans Saints.  He was a first round draft pick  in 2001 and throughout his career with the Saints he became and still is the Franchise’s all time leading rusher with 6,096 yards.  He also scored 55 total touchdowns and 49 of them were rushing touchdowns.  These are also both Saints records and he also was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2003.

Deuce McAllister is probably one of the most loved Mississippi football players in recent history and it is really no wonder as evident from his work on the field and now that he is retired from his work off the field.  He has become a fixture in the Jackson area opening several businesses and being involved with the restoration of historic downtown buildings, The Edwards Hotel being one of them.  He also wanted to give back to the University and did so by donating $1 million dollars for a indoor practice facility for the Ole Miss football team. His Catch 22 Foundation was formed in 2002 and is dedicated to the enhancement of  children’s lives in the Gulf Coast Region. The foundation has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the years and is not only helping children in the Jackson and New Orleans area but throughout the entire states of Mississippi and Louisiana.  Oh, and of course Deuce hosts his Champions of Football Camp for children between the ages of 10-18…now you know that is a good time.

You could feel the electricity in the air in January 2010 when the announcement was made that the Saints had resigned Deuce the day before the playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals and he was going to be a honorary captain and lead the team out on the field.  I wasn’t at the game but I was watching and you have never heard a roar like that when the crowd saw Deuce.  We were even cheering at home!!  Even though Deuce formally announced his retirement from the NFL I know that he will always be in the public eye and hearts due to his philanthropic work he is doing throughout the region and to all of us, his fans–

HE IS ALWAYS A SAINT!!!!

Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.” Editor Neil White will be signing at Lemuria on  Thursday, October 28th.

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

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