New John Ellison Autobiography

Soul legend (and Dundas resident) John Ellison recently published Some Kind of Wonderful, his entertaining autobiography (co-written with the Spectator's Jon Wells).

His life is an intriguing, incredible story filled with pain, happiness, love, music and cherished memories.

In the book, Ellison remembers his rough early life in West Virginia, where he confronted racism, poverty and violence.

Later on, he also struggled with a blossoming music career.  That path led him to write and record (with the Soul Brothers Six) one of the most covered songs in history: Some Kind of Wonderful. 

This interesting look at the life of a local (and international) superstar is definitely worth reading.



The bio is mainly available for purchase at his website.

Below is a video interview (with a live song at the end) with the performer. Video courtesy of Cable14 Replay.




Blast from the Past: John Ellison (and others) Performing@Stewart Memorial Church

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories

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Book Club - Jackie Washington: More Than a Blues Singer

This will be the first in an occasional feature where we'll discuss books written by local musicians.

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The late Jackie Washington was an amazing storyteller. During his live performances, he often told jokes and interesting stories.

In 1988, Jackie and local author James Strecker decided to put some of those tidbits onto paper and released Talks with Jackie Washington. The book was the result of James' interviews with the legendary bluesman.

The world was treated to more of Jackie's tales when the book was expanded (thanks to more interviews) in 1996 - now with the title More Than a Blues Singer.

The musician's warmth and humour comes across wonderfully in the conversational tone of the book. Interesting stories about his eventful life are mixed in with talk of his long-time musical career. You can hear his unmistakable voice as you read.

Unfortunately, this book is also now out of print but can be found at used book stores. There are copies available at the Hamilton Public Library. They also have a copy of the original, Talks with Jackie Washington, which includes additional photos and a chapter on Jackie's guitar style.

Blast From the Past: Reaction to Jackie Washington's passing

Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories, More Books We Reviewed

Cool Fool by Doug Carter Explores Local Music Scene

Depending on your age, Cool Fool: Blues Rockin' in the Hammer by bassist Doug Carter, will be either a wonderful trip down memory lane or an entertaining history lesson. This amazing memoir chronicles Doug's days as a bassist for numerous Hamilton (mainly blues) bands from the sixties onward.

The author's writing style is very loose and informal, which definitely fits a book about the blues. It's an easy, fun read. Peppered with many unique photos, the memoir is a great experience.

Doug's co-star for this book would have to be the late King Biscuit Boy, his longtime friend and musical partner as they both struggle with making a living in the music industry. The memoir also doubles as a look at the local blues legend's early days.

Along the way, the writer touches on his encounters with many local music makers such as Harrison Kennedy, the Stingrays, Guitar Mikey, Jack DeKeyzer, and many more. Doug starts the book off with a wonderful story about an encounter with the legendary Muddy Waters.

This book is a must have for all local music fans, no matter what your age.


Below is a video promoting the book. Click here if you can't see it.

New Book About Shawn Brush, the Krooked Cowboy

Journalist John Farrington and local musician, Shawn Brush (aka the Krooked Cowboy) have teamed up to write a biography of the talented performer.

The book explores the singer/songwriter's life, including his musical career and struggles with morquio disease (one of the causes of dwarfism) .

From the product description:

He loves life, but rarely has a pain-free day. “I say this,” says Shawn, who is 38, “not to evoke any sympathy or even empathy. “Being a little person is not being a mini-you,” he says. “I am not just a regular, normal person in the body half the size of an average-sized person. “Being small is not a regular life from a lower-to-the-ground perspective. “It is not being a man in a child’s body,” says Shawn. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
Shawn is a young man living in an old man’s body. When he was in his mid-20s a doctor told him he had the bones of an 85-year-old! “Don’t ever think I wouldn’t have liked to be a strapping six-footer with a wife, kids, job. But I am happy in the body I am in’’ Shawn is a singer-songwriter. He’s released 11 CDs in the past 15 years, many of them showcasing his own compositions. Shawn has a number of goals. One is to go on tour, but that may never happen. His health and energy limit him. He finds it difficult to play two nights in a row – even sleeping in his own bed each night. Another is to be independent – busking in 2007 took him closer to that goal. Yet another is to have others read his story and be inspired to reach their full potential. This book could achieve that!

Click here to purchase the book.