Everybody knows Chuck Leavell is a world-class musician. He’s performed and recorded with Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Dr. John and others. Leavell’s piano playing can be heard on countless iconic albums. He’s also a Georgia tree farmer.
Forever Green exists as one of the most insightful books ever written about the history and condition of the American Forest. It’s a fascinating read. The book slashes to the heart of the modern day tree business. Facts reveal wood’s use as an essential ingredient for construction materials, athletic tools, paper, tooth paste, medicine, research, musical instruments and more. Leavell explains hardships the American forest faces.
Leavell wrote about his love for trees and music: “Most of the acoustic instruments that we so deeply and dearly love to hear and play couldn’t exist. My beloved piano is made in large part from wood. Maple and spruce are two of the species often used in grand pianos—maple for the case and spruce for the soundboard. The guitar, mandolin, violin, viola, cello, contra-basses, drums, and clarinet are among the other instruments made from various wood species—maple, mahogany, rosewood, sycamore, spruce and ebony along with other more exotic woods. While other components like strings, metal parts, skins or plastic help make each instrument’s characteristic sounds, wood still is the basic material in all these instruments.”
Forever Green impresses the vital role trees play in the ecosystem. The book contains revelatory facts, historic developments and first-hand insight from a real tree farmer. Leavell calls his 2500 acres in Twiggs County, Georgia, Charlane Woodlands & Preserve. Many authentic photographs in the book originate from the Forest History Society.
The final word goes to former President Jimmy Carter, who wrote: “I’ve known Chuck Leavell for many years and have long respected his musical talents. As a fellow tree farmer I’m even more impressed by his work in conservation and forestry. In Forever Green he paints an honest portrait of America’s forests, and makes a powerful case for the careful management of one of our most precious natural resources.”
Buy the book. Plant a tree.
RELATED CONTENT
Read one of my interviews with Chuck Leavell in Insured Beyond The Grave Volume 2.
The Allman Brothers Live at the Atlanta Pop Fest 1970
Long Gone Gonzo: The Friendship of President Jimmy Carter & Hunter S. Thompson
Chuck Leavell’s Back to the Woods
Widespread Panic’s 2008 Induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame