I would like to give a bit of a synopsis on the last half of the Buddy Killen book I just finished reading.
My overall impression is that the book was well written in spite of a few wrong dates and events. His life was a relentless busy one, with recording interests in Nashville, session player, writing songs, touring, owner of many restaurants in the city (The Stockyard, and Po Folk...teaming with Bill Anderson) he made millions and lost millions in the restaurant business alone.
Being a business man in nature, his interests turned to Disco in the 1980's. He would always follow the money. Buddy spent most of the 80s between New York and Las Angeles intertwined in his business in Nashville. If that was not enough he was being offered movie scrips one of which he accepted. The list goes on and at times he was completely burnt out, but would never give in.
He spoke passionately of the price he paid for always being away. His wife. They separated for eight years before he could finally bring himself to file for divorce. He mentions how it was the marriage that got away. I now believe that the song "The One That Got Away" which he is credited with writing along with Jim, Buddy sewed the lyrics of his break up into this song from personal experience. His distancing himself as a writer now makes sense...just to 'close to home' as it were. He never disclosed he wrote this song in the book.
There is so much more to his life, a very unique and "follow your dreams" kind of mantra he followed his entire life. . I recommend this book...Top shelf for sure.... Thank You
Re: The Buddy Book
Posted by Mike Slater on April 25, 2025, 6:37 am, in reply to "The Buddy Book"
Biographies have always been my favorite kind of books to read, and this sounds like a really good one. Roy, thank you for all the great insight on Buddy's life by sharing some details about this book. He had an amazing career in country music and will always be remembered as one of the "Classic country" artists from back in the day. Buddy also played a part in Jim's life with some great songs he wrote that Jim recorded and also contributed in making Roger Miller a big star.
Re: The Buddy Book
Posted by Roy Zinck on April 25, 2025, 5:34 pm, in reply to "Re: The Buddy Book"
Thank you Mike for your kind words concerning my effort(s) in the Buddy Killen 'book report'. I was thinking no one read it since no replies. Thanks again for showing interest. Much appreciated.
Re: The Buddy Book
Posted by Gary Bryson on May 2, 2025, 8:50 pm, in reply to "Re: The Buddy Book"
on April 19, 2025, 9:41 pm