Wikipedia small press history entry
Will Dockery
> Whoops, looks as if one of the wikipedia editors
> doesn't think my
> article is credible or something, they're trying to
> delete it!
> Here's the text, just in case I'm unable to save it:
>
> The United Fanzine Organization, or UFO, is a co-op
> of small
> press comics creators that has existed since about
> 1968. The group
> was created by Carl Gafford as an entity for trading
> and promoting
> small press comics and fanzines. Gafford was the
> publisher of a
> comic called MINOTAUR. The original name of the the
> group was Blue
> Plaque Publications, or the BPP for short. Among its
> earliest
> members were Chuck Robinson II (publisher of
> COMIQUE), Dwight
> Decker (TRUE FAN ADVENTURE THEATRE), Ed Romero
> (REALM), and Gordon
> Matthews (COFFINWORM).
> The BPP was the first small press co-op. The term
> "co-op" has
> often been confused with "apa" (amateur press
> alliance). The
> difference is that an apa is helmed by a central
> mailer, to whom
> the members send copies of their publications. The
> central mailer
> then compiles all the books into one large volume,
> which is then
> mailed out to the membership. In a co-op, however,
> there is no CM;
> the members distribute their own works, and are
> linked by a group
> newsletter, a group symbol that appears on each
> member work, and a
> group checklist in every member zine.
> The original BPP disbanded in early 1972, but was
> revived later
> that same year by Steve Keeter, who had been the
> last of the
> original members voted in before its collapse.
> During Keeter's
> tenure as chairman, the name was changed to the UFO,
> and a new
> constitution was adopted. Notable members during
> this second phase
> of UFO history included Jim Main, Kurt Erichsen,
> Larry Johnson, and
> Rod Snyder.
> When the UFO again disbanded during the early 1980s,
> it was
> revived yet again by Jim Main. The group has
> continued ever since,
> and many of the finest publishers in the comics
> small press have
> been, and continue to be members. Chairmen have
> included J. Kevin
> Carrier, Bob Elinskas, and Jason DeGroot.
> There have been a number of other co-ops created
> over the
> years, including the SPS, or Small Press Syndicate,
> the SPL (Small
> Press League), Pizazz, and a new group, sporting the
> original BPP
> name, that was begun by Jim Main and Steve Keeter in
> 1969. While
> each of these groups has its own distinctive
> character, they all
> follow the basic co-op format that was established
> by Carl Gafford
> decades ago.
The nature of the Wikipedia beast is that anyone can edit and try to
delete stuff, it's happened to some of my contributions there also...
speaking of which, I wonder how my list of small press creators is
doing, haven't been back there in months...
--
"Last Dream Today" by Will Dockery & Friends:
http://www.myspace.com/luminousstudio
Ozone Stigmata, the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfl_7KvFcc
> --- In blueplaquep...@yahoogroups.com,
> "stevekeeter"
> <stevekeeter@...> wrote:
> >
> > I wrote a history of the UFO, which also mentions
> the BPP, for
> > wikipedia. This wikipedia is way cool, could be a
> terrific way to
> > promote small press. Anyway, the article is at:
> >
> >
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fanzine_Organization
> >
> > Hope y'all think it's okay, I had fun writing it.
> >
> >
> --Steve
> >
>
>
>
>
>
david...@yahoo.com
the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
community on poems, just like wikipedia articles. I think I decided
that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not? At
its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
second hand smoke.
pandora
<david...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1143318118.8...@z34g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> I had a passing romance with the software which is behind wikipedia,
> the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
> community on poems, just like wikipedia articles.
Not a bad idea. Sounds promising, actually.
I think I decided
> that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
> forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
> writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not?
I think it could work as long as suggestions (and changes) were/could be
made without the accompanying insults that seem to infest these newsgroups
lately. We could do without them but certain individuals seem to be
addicted to them as opposed to anything else. Since that's the case, I
prefer face-to-face workshops wherein people curb their more violent
outbursts.
At
> its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
> of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
> second hand smoke.
Indeed. However, I certainly won't be posting anymore poetry here and that
seems to be the consensus of opinion amongst most of the poets here. I
certainly don't blame them.
Marg
ggamble
Dearest AJ
> I had a passing romance with the software which is behind wikipedia,
> the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
> community on poems, just like wikipedia articles.
Right. Like anyone cares about your poetry but you.
> I think I decided
> that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
> forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
> writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not? At
> its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
> of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
> second hand smoke.
Whatever. I worked for WebCrossing over 6 years ago.
Even then it was better than any software run
on any poetry site that exists.
--
AJ - http://clitin.com
(the biggest clit in pornetry)
Sat.Map: http://tinyurl.com/cjo5b
Will Dockery
>
> Will! You've had experience with wikipedia, why not go in there and
> see if you can salvage this article? It'd be greatly appreciated.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fanzine_Organization
>
> The fact that wikipedia is open to information about small press and
> its history is very encouraging. I think that our history is
> important, and that it should be recorded somewhere. Wikipedia
> could be a good start, a posititive first step.
>
> --Steve
I'll definitely do what I can, though from reading it here I don't see
anything wrong with it... I /can/ argue with whoever wants to delete
it, as we all can and should, it's important /zine/ history!
Hey, can you tell me if you know anything about the current situation
with Rick Howe, where he's living, if he's doing anything new comix or
music? When I killed off my old POBox /and/ pretty much went all
internet and live performance I lost the thread with many of ya'll, and
Howe was one of them. As you know, he lived here in Shadowville ftom
1989-96 and was a long-time collaborator on music and comix... I'd like
to get him a disc of the new stuff we're producing down here in the
hinterlands... also to pass some tragic news about Katherine's passing
to a new level, they were great pals back in the old days. Ah well,
'Nuff said.
Speaking of music, Steve, recorded any albums yourself, lately? I'd dig
doing a trade! The current snail mail:
Will Dockery
POBox 7394
Columbus GA 31908
> > > > I wrote a history of the UFO, which also mentions
> > > the BPP, for
> > > > wikipedia. This wikipedia is way cool, could be a
> > > terrific way to
> > > > promote small press. Anyway, the article is at:
> > >
> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fanzine_Organization
> > > >
> > > > Hope y'all think it's okay, I had fun writing it.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > --Steve
> > >
> >
> > Art, music, poetry of Will Dockery:
> > http://www.lulu.com/dockery
Will Dockery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fanzine_Organization
And tinkered with it a bit, attempting a "Wikified" appearance. For
"establishing notability", I've linked it to it's rightful places (or
two, at least, since there are obvious and solid tied to other entries,
such as "zines", "fanzines", et cetera...)
Check these, and please add to the "minicomics artists" lists, with
either names and/or bios, folks!
Will Dockery
>
> I think they want us to change the name of the article to "mini-
> comics co-ops," which is fine with me; it will still list the BPP
> and UFO in the body of the article. Anyway, I'm afraid to mess with
> it at this point, don't want to screw anything up. You da man,
> Will, don't give up!
>
> --el skeeto
Go ahead and tweek it, I say... the whole idea of Wikipedia is that
anyone can have a hand in the building of it.
Here's some things that will pull it closer to an "essential historical
document": I'm making sure that everyone listed is also in the
"minicomics artist list"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_minicomics_creators and bios of as
many of these as possible will help the overall historical thing.
For example, someone has given Ian Shires a fairly in-depth bio:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Shires
It'd be cool to have as many small pressers on the list given this
treatment as possible, eh?
This section we could make as complete as possible, also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomics
If you'd like, post any and all info /here/, and I'll carry it over
with the [[Wikified stuff]].
Here's the way it looks to get those effects on the page, which might
help you and others with doing some of this:
Suggest name change to establish "notability" and historical
significance to [[minicomic]], [[fanzine]] and [[zines]], such as
[[Minicomic Co-Ops]].
{{notability}}
''Minicomics Co-Ops'': ''The United Fanzine Organization'', or UFO, is
a co-op of [[minicomic]] creators that has existed since about
[[1968]]. The group was created by [[Carl Gafford]] as an entity for
trading and promoting small press comics and fanzines. Gafford was the
publisher of a comic called ''Minotuar''. The original name of the the
group was ''Blue Plaque Publications'', or the BPP for short. Among its
earliest members were [[Chuck Robinson II]] (publisher of ''Comique''),
[[Dwight Decker]] (''True Fan Adventure Theatre''), [[Ed Romero]]
(''Realm''), and [[Gordon Matthews]](''Coffinworm'').
The BPP was the first small press minicomics co-op. The term ''co-op''
has often been confused with [[amateur press associations]] or apa. The
difference is that an apa is helmed by a central mailer, to whom the
members send copies of their publications. The central mailer then
compiles all the books into one large volume, which is then mailed out
to the membership in [[apazines]]. Some APAs are still active, and some
are published as virtual "e-zines," distributed on the internet.
In a co-op, however, there is no CM; the members distribute their own
works, and are linked by a group newsletter, a group symbol that
appears on each member work, and a group checklist in every member
zine.
The original BPP disbanded in early 1972, but was revived later that
same year by [[Steve Keeter]], who had been the last of the original
members voted in before its collapse. During Keeter's tenure as
chairman, the name was changed to the UFO, and a new constitution was
adopted. Notable members during this second phase of UFO history
included [[Jim Main]], [[Kurt Erichsen]], [[Larry Johnson]], and [[Rod
Snyder]].
When the UFO again disbanded during the early 1980s, it was revived yet
again by [[Jim Main]]. The group has continued ever since, and many of
the finest publishers in the comics small press have been, and continue
to be members. Chairmen have included [[J. Kevin Carrier]], [[Bob
Elinskas]], and [[Jason DeGroot]].
There have been a number of other co-ops created over the years,
including the SPS, or ''Small Press Syndicate'', the SPL (''Small Press
League''), ''Pizazz'', and a new group, sporting the original BPP name,
that was begun by [[Jim Main]] and [[Steve Keeter]] in [[1999]]. While
each of these groups has its own distinctive character, they all follow
the basic co-op format that was established by [[Carl Gafford]] decades
ago.
== Other ==
*[[minicomics]]
*[[List of minicomics creators]]
*[[Fandom]]
*[[Fanzines]]
*[[amateur press association]]
*[[Zine]]
=External Links=
http://ufo.bizhosting.com/home.html
http://www.blueplaquepublications.com/
----
Anyhow, Wikipedia's quite addictive... hold the phone, there's also
this section I cranked up last night:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:United_Fanzine_Organization
Where we can argue the case, or just chit-chat about the whole thing...
Thanks for the Howe update, also...
--
Art music poetry by Will Dockery & Friends:
http://www.myspace.com/dockeryconleytrio
Ozone Stigmata, the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfl_7KvFcc
> > Great job, Will! That looks better definitely, and I see they've
> > removed at least some of the objections. But now they're fussing
> > about a name change or something. Don't give up, Will, you can do
> > it! We're almost there, can't be much more than a technicality
> now.
> >
> > --Steve
> > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_minicomics_creators
MJ Ray
> In a co-op, however, there is no CM; the members distribute their own
> works, and are linked by a group newsletter, a group symbol that
> appears on each member work, and a group checklist in every member
> zine.
What's a CM? This is its first use in the article and it's neither
expanded nor linked.
Thanks for the info,
--
MJR/slef
Will Dockery
> "Will Dockery" wote:
>
> > In a co-op, however, there is no CM; the members distribute their own
> > works, and are linked by a group newsletter, a group symbol that
> > appears on each member work, and a group checklist in every member
> > zine.
>
> What's a CM? This is its first use in the article and it's neither
> expanded nor linked.
The "central mailer" of apazines:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_press_association
"...The difference is that an apa is helmed by a central mailer, to
whom the members send copies of their publications. The central
mailer then compiles all the books into one large volume, which is
then mailed out to the membership in [[apazines]]. Some APAs are
still active, and some are published as virtual "e-zines,"
distributed on the internet.
In a co-op, however, there is no CM; the members distribute their own
works, and are linked by a group newsletter, a group symbol that
appears on each member work, and a group checklist in every member
zine."
Thanks for bringing that up, I'm changing the /CM/ to /central mailer/
now... feel free to come in and make changes or additions, of course.
MJ Ray
> Thanks for bringing that up, I'm changing the /CM/ to /central mailer/
> now... feel free to come in and make changes or additions, of course.
Thanks for the clarification. You could just put (CM) after the first
mention so that people like me spot it.
I'll not edit wikipedia usually. I don't like others being able to add
bits to my work and use copyright to stop me removing them again, which
is allowed by Wikipedia's adware terms.
Will Dockery
"MJ Ray" wrote:
Ah, didn't know that could be done there.
--
"Last Dream Today" by Will Dockery & Friends:
http://www.myspace.com/luminousstudio
Will Dockery
> I think that last change did the trick. It appears
> that we have a
> real article on small press co-ops in wikipedia.
> Huge thanks to our
> pal Will Dockery for all his help.
>
> --Steve
There's interesting spots to tie things together and solidfy the
historical connections, such as in the APA entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_press_association
The first comics APA was started by Jerry Bails in 1964 in the United
States. Called CAPA-alpha (sometimes abbreviated to K-a) it grew to its
present limit of 40 members. It has become the archetype for most
subsequyent comics APAs. Its members have included Dwight Decker, Mark
Evanier, Carl Gafford, Fred Patten, Richard and Wendy Pini, Roy Thomas
and Don and Maggie Thompson. Decker and Gafford were also founding
members of the minicomics co-op the United Fanzine Organization. The
difference in a co-op and an apa is that an apa is helmed by a central
mailer, to whom the members send copies of their publications. The
central mailer then compiles all the books into one large volume, which
is then mailed out to the membership in apazines. In a co-op, however,
there is no central mailer; the members distribute their own works, and
are linked by a group newsletter, a group symbol that appears on each
member work, and a group checklist in every "member zine".
----
Great fun, and glad we saved it before the faceless editor had it
86ed...
--
Art music & poetry by Will Dockery & Friends:
http://www.myspace.com/dockeryconleytrio
Ozone Stigmata, the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfl_7KvFcc
> > Okay, I changed the name to "Minicomic Co-ops," as
> the editors
> > suggested. You can still type in "United Fanzine
> Organization,"
> > though, and it will still take you to the page.
> Hopefully, the
> > editors will like the change, and let things stand
> as they are.
> > We'll see shortly, I'm sure (they were quick to
> pounce on the
> > article as originally presented, within a matter
> of minutes they
> > were making demands like crazy).
> >
> > So, we'll keep an eye on it and hope for the best.
> Here's the
> link:
> >
> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomic_Co-ops
> >
> > > I just took another look at the article, and it
> seems to be
> almost
> > > there now. Most of the objections have been
> removed... in fact,
> > all
> > > of them except:
> > >
> > > "Suggest name change to establish "notability"
> and historical
> > > significance to minicomic, fanzine and zines,
> such as Minicomic
> Co-
> > > Ops".
> > >
> > > I think if the name of the article is changed to
> "Minicomic Co-
> > ops,"
> > > they'll accept it. At least that's how it reads
> to me (and why
> > they
> > > don't help us out and do it themselves is beyond
> me, those darn
> > > meanie editors). But I can't see a way to
> change the name... I
> > > click on "edit" and there's no option for that,
> not that I can
> see.
> > >
> > > Love the way you've linked it to all those other
> fanzine and
> > > minicomics sections, superb job. If we can just
> cross this last
> > > hurdle, I think we'll be in. I checked out the
> talk page just a
> > > bit. You present your points well, and they
> seem to be
> > listening.
Will Dockery
Amazing that with thousands of people making changes every day at Wikipedia
that the thing isn't utterly destroyed by now... who knows how many articles
have had to be set right after a vandal screwed with it.
--
Tuesday Afternoon Show Featuring musical guests Will Dockery ("Ozone
Stigmata"), Causeway and Christine Anderson:
http://johnhmaloney.com/tuesdayshow/tasep14.mp3
"Hasty Pudding" by Will Dockery:
http://www.myspace.com/dockeryconleytrio
Dearest AJ
Will Dockery wrote:
> davidsands wrote
> >
> > I had a passing romance with the software which is behind wikipedia,
> > the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
> > community on poems, just like wikipedia articles. I think I decided
> > that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
> > forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
> > writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not? At
> > its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
> > of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
> > second hand smoke.
>
> Amazing that with thousands of people making changes every day at Wikipedia
> that the thing isn't utterly destroyed by now... who knows how many articles
> have had to be set right after a vandal screwed with it.
But I, for one, would never trust anything much from it.
Perhaps for some really recent stuff.
--
AJ - http://clitin.com
(the biggest clit in pornetry)
Sat.Map: http://tinyurl.com/cjo5b
>
Will Dockery
Dearest AJ wrote:
> Will Dockery wrote:
> > davidsands wrote
>
> > > I had a passing romance with the software which is behind wikipedia,
> > > the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
> > > community on poems, just like wikipedia articles. I think I decided
> > > that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
> > > forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
> > > writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not? At
> > > its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
> > > of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
> > > second hand smoke.
> >
> > Amazing that with thousands of people making changes every day at Wikipedia
> > that the thing isn't utterly destroyed by now... who knows how many articles
> > have had to be set right after a vandal screwed with it.
>
> But I, for one, would never trust anything much from it.
>
> Perhaps for some really recent stuff.
More of a toy than anything else, eventually they would have to call a
certain piece /finished/, I'd think, but the entries are like sand
castles... anyone can come along and wipe 'em out.
Stuart Leichter
Dockery at will.d...@gmail.com wrote on 4/4/06 12:43 PM:
>
> Dearest AJ wrote:
>> Will Dockery wrote:
>>> davidsands wrote
>>
>>>> I had a passing romance with the software which is behind wikipedia,
>>>> the idea being to create a web site where people could work as a
>>>> community on poems, just like wikipedia articles. I think I decided
>>>> that most poets are too egotistical to collaborate in such an open
>>>> forum, even though the perceived quality of contributions by the better
>>>> writers would dissuade hacks from tromping every which way. Or not? At
>>>> its worse, this forum is part locker room and part pride in the smell
>>>> of ones own sweat. Yeck. At its best, its a world pub only without the
>>>> second hand smoke.
>>>
>>> Amazing that with thousands of people making changes every day at Wikipedia
>>> that the thing isn't utterly destroyed by now... who knows how many articles
>>> have had to be set right after a vandal screwed with it.
>>
>> But I, for one, would never trust anything much from it.
>>
>> Perhaps for some really recent stuff.
>
> More of a toy than anything else, eventually they would have to call a
> certain piece /finished/, I'd think, but the entries are like sand
> castles... anyone can come along and wipe 'em out.
>
Did you remember to set your clock back one hour, Will?
Will Dockery
I keep it the same year-round.
Dennis M. Hammes
Yes, and he burned the pizza to a crisp because of it.
--
-------(m+
~/:o)_|
/Pro bono/ is an old Latin phrase meaning
"You can't abolish it by refusing to pay for it."
http://scrawlmark.org
Dearest AJ
Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
Find a way to publish at least a book or two
before you cain't.
Dennis M. Hammes
> Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
>
> Find a way to publish at least a book or two
> before you cain't.
>
Why?
Your Increeasingly Loving Jinn
Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> Dearest AJ wrote:
>
> > Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> >
> > Find a way to publish at least a book or two
> > before you cain't.
> >
>
> Why?
Because I wouldn't have to listen to you whine.
Not to mention your fantasy view of the "Crazy Jinn".
Your Increeasingly Loving Jinn
Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> Dearest AJ wrote:
>
> > Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> >
> > Find a way to publish at least a book or two
> > before you cain't.
> >
>
> Why?
Because I wouldn't have to listen to you whine.
Not to mention your fantasy view of the "Crazy Jinn".
Your Increeasingly Loving Jinn
Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> Dearest AJ wrote:
>
> > Dennis M. Hammes wrote:
> >
> > Find a way to publish at least a book or two
> > before you cain't.
> >
>
> Why?
Because I wouldn't have to listen to you whine.
Not to mention your fantasy view of the "Crazy Jinn".
Non-humorous Jinn
"Your Increeasingly Loving Jinn" <a-j...@here.nu> wrote in message news:1144367466....@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
Will Dockery
"Dennis M. Hammes" wrote:
Why I stay out of the kitchen...
--
On 4/6/2006 4:46 PM, Dennis Beck wrote:
"Hey, Don. Sorry that you didn't stop by. There was a folkie that I've never
heard before ... Henry Parker. OUTSTANDING! You'd have loved listening to
this guy."
Yes, Henry Parker's one of my oldest pals since I entered this situation
back in 1995, when he was a member of The Dillinghams, along with Henry
Conley and Brad Strickland.
I Googled him, and so far all I've seen is this short interview from the
1990s:
http://www.hcc-al-ga.org/newsletters/sum98.htm
This article is the third in a series by folklorist Fred Fussell. Each will
feature a valley resident who is keeping a regional tradition alive. Photo
by Fred C. Fussell.
The Old Musician
He's the old musician.
His mind just
rattles with rhymes;
He'd still love to play,
but there ain't no way;
His music has gone
with the wine,
His music has gone with
the wine.
(from With the Wine,
by Henry Parker)
Rick Edwards and Henry Parker, both of Phenix City, are the principal
members of a traditional string band called "The Dillinghams." Their musical
hero is the late Jimmy Tarleton, who co-authored "The Columbus Stockade
Blues" and "Birmingham Jail."They want to erect an appropriate monument to
acknowledge Tarleton's influences on the history of American music.
Parker: It was in 1963 that I met Rick Edwards at Central High School. He
was a real good athlete and I was a fair one. We both also loved to read and
write poetry, so we became friends and that's where we started, right there.
Edwards: I guess it did start on the basketball court.
Parker: Our musical partnership didn't start there, but that's where we got
to be friends. Rick took up guitar in the Navy. My number didn't come up
during Viet Nam, so I didn't go.
Edwards: When I first started to play, I heard a Bob Dylan album that Mike
Howard sent down from New York to his cousin Danny.We'd never heard of Bob
Dylan down here. I said, "Well, shoot, if this guy can do it, so can I."
Parker: A friend of mine knew how much I loved music, and he told me, "I
know the old man who wrote "Columbus Stockade Blues." Mr. Jimmy was 82 years
old when I met him. He lived in the Riverview Apartments in Phenix City,
302B. He was really poor. He never made any lasting money off his music.
Back in the late '20s he and Tom Darby sold the rights to Columbus Stockade
Blues, Birmingham Jail, and their other good songs for $600. Of course, that
was a year's wages back then.
Edwards: We call him "Mister Jimmy." I first met him through Henry. He was a
real pioneer. To hear him play was truly amazing...like listening to
history. It was a very influential thing on my life.
Parker: He was a musician's musician. He couldn't read or write. He wrote
the music in his head. Mr. Darby would write down the words. Mr. Jimmy
worked in the cotton mills to support himself and his wife, who was crippled
for the last thirty of the fifty years that they were married.
Edwards: These are roots people. His family had been sharecroppers. It was
the mills that brought them here. They moved around a lot, trying to find a
better place. So there's not an old home place to identify him with.
Parker: We want to erect a granite marker to honor him. Black granite so
that we can inscribe the old 78-rpm records right into the stone. He had
fame within his grasp, but it was somehow snatched away. Now he's in an
unmarked grave in Riverdale Cemetery, in Columbus.
Edwards: He was a victim of the times.
Parker: He stepped out there and did it. We need to recognize that.
Contributions to the Tarleton monument fund may be sent to: The Jimmy
Tarleton Foundation; P. O. Box 243; Phenix City, AL 36868-0243.