Big Nickel Publications
Since 1986, Big Nickel Publications has published a series of acclaimed books and musical
references dealing with 1950s Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll,
which have been of interest to record collectors worldwide.
NEW! 1959 Rhythm & Blues book
Trace the month-by-month activities of R&B luminaries like Vernon Green & the Medallions, Jackie Wilson,
Brook Benton, Berry Gordy, Clyde McPhatter, Jimmy Ricks, the Vibraharps, Beverly Ann Gibson, Bobby Hendricks,
the Drifters and many more. 188 pages, printed in large 8 1/2 x 11 format on heavy coated stock,
softbound.
L.A. R&B VOCAL GROUPS 1945-1965
By Steve Propes & Galen Gart
The southern California doo-wop scene of the 1950s and early ‘60s was teeming with activity in the
city’s parks, street-corners, auditoriums and recording studios. Now there’s a complete, detailed
reference documenting the fascinating and complex history of the singers, quartets and duos who made
the “L.A. sound” heard from coast to coast. Based on hundreds of firsthand interviews and conversations
with the performers and others involved, this book features in-depth profiles of such L.A. luminaires
as the Flairs, the Jaguars, Marvin & Johnny, the Robins, Richard Berry & the Pharaohs, Jesse Belvin,
Don Julian, the Hollywood Flames, the Medallions, Little Julian Herrera, the Turks, the Squires, the
Lamplighters, the Jewels, Rudy Ray Moore, Sonny Knight, Shirley Gunter & the Queens, the Shields, the
Youngsters, as well as dozens of lesser-known artists like the Dukes, Ebonaires, Metallics, Velvetones,
and many more. This definitive, meticulously organized and researched book is a “must” for your collection!
Trim size a full 81/2” x 11”, 192 pages, 85 photographs, softbound, ISBN 0-936433-18-3. $25.00.
FIRST PRESSINGS SERIES: The History of Rhythm & Blues (10 Vols. 1950-1959)
Compiled and edited by Galen Gart.
The history of rhythm and blues is uniquely documented and illustrated from primary source materials
in the critically acclaimed First Pressings Series of books, compiled by noted music researcher Galen Gart.
Each volume in the series provides a month-by-month account of the key articles, news stories, feature
columns and record releases in a given year during the music's most vital and musically active era.
Hundreds of authentic illustrations include graphic reproductions of vintage record company advertisements
and artist publicity photographs. A comprehensive index enables readers to locate specific mentions of
record artists, disk jockeys and talent managers in the R&B field, as well as historic venues including
nightclubs, theatres and radio stations who helped promote this historically important music form into the
American cultural mainstream. Trace the month-by-month activities of R&B artists like the Coasters, the G-Clefs,
Wini Brown, Little Richard, Otis Rush, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the Five Keys, Junior Parker, Plas Johnson,
Frankie Lymon, Billy Ward and many more. These annual compilations of the major events, news stories,
feature columns and record releases in the Rhythm & Blues field are essential resources for the music fan.
Illustrated with hundreds of original photographs and vintage record advertisements. Each volume covers a
separate year from 1950 through 1958. ('51 and '54 out of stock; '59 due January 2003) 120 to 180 pages each,
8 x 11, softbound, $19.95.
ROCK MR. BLUES: The Life & Music of Wynonie Harris.
By Tony Collins.
This fascinating book delves deeply into the life and music of Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris,
the notorious, high-living, hard-drinking blues shouter responsible for such 1950s R&B classics as “
Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Grandma Plays the Numbers,” “Bloodshot Eyes” and so many more! Author Tony
Collins reveals surprising facts and intimate details about Wynonie’s life from interviews with dozens
of his friends, family and associates. The result is an absorbing and ultimately tragic portrait of a
true Rhythm & Blues pioneer as well as one of its biggest stars. 180 pages, 90 photographs, softbound,
$25.00.
MEMORIES OF BUDDY HOLLY: In the Words of His Friends, His Fans & Himself
By Jim Dawson & Spencer Leigh.
At last, the real story of rock 'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly is told by those who knew him best: His family, the musicians he played with, the fans who loved him, and the stars who were inspired by his music. Includes Buddy's chart hits, the unreleased album of alternate takes you probably haven't heard, cover records & remakes of Buddy's songs, paens, dirges & tribute records, current CD releases and more. "Fascinating... great pictures, many previously unseen, and quotes that trace Holly's life and music in ther words of everyone from John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan to family and friends... [secures] Holly's place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll." --David Hinckley, N.Y. Daily News.
168 pages, softbound, $19.95.
NERVOUS MAN NERVOUS: The Rise of the Honking Tenor
Sax!
By Jim Dawson.
In the days before Rock 'n' Roll was invented, saxophonist Big Jay McNeely was throwing musical
tantrums on stage, dirtying his bright green, banana yellow or purple suits by flopping on the floor,
glowing under fluorescent lights, and driving white, black and Chicano teenagers into such delirium
with his piercing 45-minute solos that he was barred from playing at many venues and investigated by
a psychiatric board to see if his act was having a determinetal effect on young audiences.
Now utilizing his original research, as well as dozens of rarely seen photographs, author
Jim Dawson guides the reader through Big Jay's personal story, along the way providing a rich
historical overview of the role of the "honking" saxophone in Rhythm & Blues music during the
1940s and '50s, as personified by other celebrated exponents such as Illinois Jacquet, Big Jim
Waynn, Hal Singer, Wild Bill Moore, Lynn Hope, Joe Houston, Chuck Higgins, Gil Bernal and many
more. 172 pages, 64 photographs, sofbound, $19.95.
For more information:
Big Nickel Publications
PO Box 3651
Florence Villa Station
Winter Haven FL 33885-3651
bignickel@earthlink.net
