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Rating: 
Summary: An odd read...
Review: I bought this book a few months ago and I'm still not sure what to make of it. It's purely subjective, and it definitely could have standed to have some stronger editing. (Must every verb be abbreviated with apostrophe's, i.e., fixin', rockin', ridin', standin', etc, within the basic context of the author's narrative?) While I found the book enlightening, I also had a difficult time reading it for more than 15 minutes at a time. The author frequently goes out on tangents, like when he discusses his biker-gang relations, or his crush on every female rockabilly singer, etc.. It's kind of choppy in its outline, construction, and overall writing. He asserts his opinions on most every circumstance, whether it had anything to do with him or not. The book does provide a personal reflection on many of the rockabilly artists that we know little about. His personal observations are what they are, he sometimes brought out the best in people, and sometimes the worst. His depiction of Gene Vincent is probably the most touching and personal. Overall I was rather disappointed in the book because it had such great potential. With stronger editing this could have been a great book. His taste in music is definitely right-on and he has a great passion for his topic, but he seems to get in the way of his own story. I found Go Cat Go! by Craig Morrison to be a more enjoyable read, even though it has a broader subject range and no pictures. Billy Poore's book is more of an enlarged fanzine than anything else, which is a shame because I don't think that was the intention. The odd mix of factual history and the author's opinions left me scratching my head on numerous occassions. Dates covered range mostly from 1954 - 1994, so don't expect to find anything after that. Certainly it still seems he could have discussed The Cramps and Rev. Horton Heat, who have probably done more to promote rockabilly and its history in the past 15-20 years than most other artists. It should be noted that only the Foreword is written by the late Danny Gatton, and the index is very poor.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book by a great guy
Review: Rock-a-billy fans around the world owe alot to Billy Poore.He has fought to keep Rock-a-billy in the mainstream of american music his whole life.This book is the climax of that lifes work.This book is written from the heart by a man driven by his love for the music and the artists who perform it.I hung on every word,the stories are great,the pictures awesome.Get the book,read it,you won't find better.If you get the chance to meet Billy,talk to him and catch the passion in his voice and eyes when he tells you of his journey.No other book compares!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This book is an excellent chronilogical history on the subject of Rockabilly. I don't think anyone has ever covered so much on the subject as Billy Poore has. Good pictures and many items to learn if you think you knew everything on the subject.
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