Charles Bukowski recorded this reading to a live audience in April 1980 at The Sweetwater in Redondo Beach, California. On Hostage, Bukowski reads his poetry for an hour. It’s great to hear his voice in front of an audience–in the moment. This recording is vintage...
Non-Fiction Posts
Terry Southern’s Fix on the Black Crowes
In 1992, The Black Crowes commissioned Terry Southern--author of Flash and Filigree, Red-Dirt Marijuana, Candy, Blue Movie, The Magic Christian, Easy Rider, The Cincinnati Kid, Texas Summer and Barbarella–to write an introduction to the original limited edition...
Terry Southern’s Red-Dirt Marijuana and Other Tastes
By James Calemine Born in Alvarado, Texas, in 1924, Terry Southern earned two Academy Award nominations for writing the Dr. Strangelove and Easy Rider screenplays. Other Terry Southern screenplay contributions include The Loved Ones, The Cincinnati Kid, Barbarella...
Harry Crews: All We Need of Hell
By James Calemine “Parting is all we know of heaven And all we need of hell.” –Emily Dickinson Harry Crews wrote most of All We Need of Hell in the 1970s, but it was published in 1987. It was his first novel in eleven years. The story revolves around fitness nut Duffy...
The Black Crowes: Happiness Bastards
By James Calemine “Now there’s no one to trust And you like it that way.” –”Wilted Rose” On March 15, 2024, The Black Crowes released their tenth studio album, Happiness Bastards. The group’s previous album-- Before the Frost--was recorded at Levon Helm's barn 15...
Salvation South Articles: Escape Into Mayhem & The Last One Left
Here are two articles I wrote for Chuck Reece's publication Salvation South in 2023 and 2024: Escape Into Mayhem Robert Lee Coleman: The Last One Left (All photos by Adam Smith)
A Soulful Journey with the Music Maker Foundation
Greetings Folks! I hope 2024 is off to a positive start for everyone. In the future, I will be writing and working in communications for Music Maker Foundation. This year marks their 30 year anniversary! I’m proud to be part of this prestigious team. Music Maker...
On The Beach: Topanga Ranch Motel
Built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst, the abandoned Topanga Ranch Motel remains located across the street from Topanga Beach. This bungalow-style motor court contained thirty rooms that once housed the Pacific Coast Highway construction workers. The Topanga Ranch...
Charlie Louvin Remembers Satan Is Real, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris (Excerpt from Insured Beyond The Grave)
Charlie Louvin passed away on January 26, 2011. Our interview transpired in 2007 during his reemergence on the music scene, and experienced well-deserved accolades for a lifetime of music. This interview excerpt proves Charlie Louvin knew how to tell a story. What a...
Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Story of the Album That Defined the 70s by Alan Paul
“It seems to me that I once heard Everything is finally cured by time…” –"Come and Go Blues” 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Allman Brothers Band’s classic album Brothers and Sisters. New York Times best-selling author Alan Paul’s new book, Brothers and...