The King of Nashville, Tony Brown, offers a rare photographic journey through his 40-year career-including historical pictures and contemporary portraits of rock, country, and gospel music legends-in which he produced hundreds of #1 country songs that are beloved by millions.
This striking photographic journey shows how Tony Brown became the King of Nashville: from pianist for Elvis Presley, to president of MCA Records Nashville, to producer of over 100 number one country songs that are beloved by millions. ELVIS, STRAIT, TO JESUS celebrates a music icon’s legendary rise, his history-making industry relationships, and how these friendships gave way to the songs we still live by.
The magic of Tony Brown’s 40-year career is revealed in over 150 pictures, with historical and behind-the-scenes images, snapshots from the “Elvis years,” and stylish contemporary portraits staged in a French Renaissance chair of friends, musicians, and artists including:
George Strait • Reba McEntire • Trisha Yearwood • Brooks & Dunn • Vince Gill • Lionel Richie • Lyle Lovett • Patty Loveless • Steve Earle • Rosanne Cash • Emmylou Harris • Jimmy Buffett • Marty Stuart • Bernie Taupin • Don Was • Mac McAnally • William Lee Golden • Rodney Crowell • David Briggs • Glen D. Hardin • Donnie Sumner, and more.
Tony’s fascinating anecdotes accompanying the photos unveil the encounters that led to mega-hits by George Strait, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and countless others, how he became the accidental founder of Americana music with the edgy signings of Steve Earl and Lyle Lovett to MCA, as well as his unforgettable memories of life on tour with Elvis Presley. He also retraces his North Carolina roots and honors the legends of rock, country, and gospel with whom he forged an inimitable music legacy. This special tribute is one that no fan of music or artistic photography should be without.
“FORTY OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, WHO PLAYED KEY ROLES AT MY LIFE’S PIVOTAL INTERSECTIONS, TAKE A SEAT IN MY CHAIR AS WE LOOK BACK ON THE JOURNEY AND CAREER THAT I WAS BLESSED WITH.
“Serendipitous moments have happened throughout my entire life, as they relate to my career trajectory. Much of my journey was not planned, and although I mostly followed my heart, my instincts helped me make some very wise decisions. Pictures sometimes tell this kind of story better than words, which is why I’ve chosen key people to be featured in my French Renaissance chair. The chair represents me. And those in the chair were present at the intersections where I took a big step, or maybe a subtle right or left turn.
“We all have a destiny, and we can affect it for good or just keep steady and moving straight ahead. You’ll discover that the famous quote by Seneca that says ‘luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity’ definitely applies to my life.
“I’ve really enjoyed putting this book together and feel proud to have such talented and kind friends be a part of my life story. I look forward to the next chapter in my life. I hope you enjoy this one.”