Music, journalism, my grandchildren, animal rescue, Casper memorabilia (yes, the ghost!)
Music
I like every kind of music. I grew up listening to a lot of British progressive rock like Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Jethro Tull and the like, and I am also really into the American pop-prog bands like Kansas and Styx. I also really like acoustic-based singer/songwriter stuff like Simon and Garfunkel, CSNY, Dan Fogelberg, John Mayer and such. I LOVED the Maroon 5 record. I live in Nashville, so of course I have grown to appreciate country as well, though I grew up HATING it! Now, as a writer myself, I appreciate that it is an art form all its own, to write so concisely in such a limited format.
I really like all kinds of music as long as it doesn't suck.
Movies
My new fave is a 911 documentary called 'Loose Change', which talks about how our own government may have staged 911 to seize inappropriate power in America and worldwide.
I am really into some classic Bing Crosby films, especially 'Holiday Inn'. Also rock films like 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'Almost Famous'. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is one of the great films off all time in my opinion. Also some light comedies.
Television
House, Boston Legal, Lost, Alias, Prison Break, Jericho, Damages, Traveler . . . as well as lots of PBS and Animal Planet.
Books
I read a lot of classic literature, from Dickens to Dostoevsky, as well as some thrillers(Greg Iles is a genius) and a lot of biographies ( I also write non-fiction).
Heroes
My career in music journalism has brought me into contact with many of the "heroes" I had as a child . . . members of Yes, Jethro Tull, Kansas, Styx, and so on and on and on. It's been quite eye-opening. I no longer believe in "heroes", per se.
Wanna know a secret? All of the people that you place on a pedestal as "heroes" are just as flawed, just as messed up as you are. All you're doing is projecting your own needs onto them, with no way of knowing what they're really like deep down and therefore no way of being disappointed. If you met them and interacted with them in any meaningful way, you'd quickly realize that they are merely your fellow idiots.
About me: I am a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and music journalist. I play in an acoustic rock duo called Beggarz Opera.
In 2003 I published my first book, entitled 'Unsung Heroes of Rock Guitar'. In March of 2007 I published my second book, a biography of the rock group Styx entitled 'The Grand Delusion'(www.thegranddelusion.com).
Photobucket Album
Who I'd like to meet: I enjoy meeting virtually anybody interesting.
Thanks for the friend request. Feel free to check out our sites and services in the websites below. In particular, you may want to submit your artist press releases for free to Mi2N at http://www. mi2n. com/input. php3
It's here...A chance for you to win a free copy of the great book by Sterling Whitaker - "The Grand Delusion" - The Unauthorized True Story of Styx!!
Listen to Classic Artists Today - "The Best Songs Today...From Yesterday's Top Artists," syndicated radio show starting June 9th, running through June 15th, for a chance to win!
Thanks for your comments. When Funk heard "Crystal Ball", we were excited for Tommy...and also felt somewhat 'validated' for all the hard work we put into our music. To see that some of our music and ideas gained world-wide acceptance was indeed gratifying. If you like, I'll send you a copy of "Platform Shoes"...just let me know where to send it. I think you'll enjoy the songs you haven't yet heard!
Thanks for the bulletin update on the Shaw/Blades concert, very cool. Sounds like I missed an amazing show. Did they play Dance with me? I love that Orleans song. By the way, just finished your book and it blew me away. I loved it! I had no idea all that went on with those guys. Ive been following/loving them since I was a kid, so I feel like this was the book Ive been waiting on for years. It really puts all of the pieces of the puzzle together. Great job Sterling!
Hi Sterling! Just stopping by to say "Hi", and to wish you and your family "Happy Holidays". Peace and Prosperity to you in the New Year.... Friends, Tracy Frye
