Memphis Blues : The latest book from Blake Billings

Jan. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Memphis Blues : The latest book from Blake Billings

Memphis, TN  : January 27, 2011

Memphis Blues is the latest book by Blake Billings. Blake has released a new coffee table book showcasing Memphis, TN and the Blues.

This 70 page, full color coffee table book contains photos and narratives of many rock and blues legends including Ben Cauley (Sole survivor of Otis Redding's plane crash and the founder of the Bar-Kays), B.B. King,  Alex Chilton (Big Star),  Billy Gibson,  Taj Mahal, Nancy Apple,  Keith Sykes,  Corey Osborn,  Eric Hughes,  Pat and Susanne Jerome Taylor,  Morgan Freeman and a mobster's gallery of the current crop of Memphis musicians.
Memphis Blues is a must have for any rock or blues enthusiast. The photography also makes this a venerable addition to any coffee table book collection depicting a wild rampage through the recent history of Memphis blues.

Memphis is about the smoke, drugs, noise, and lifestyle that is a part of the musicians' life. There are many musicians in all phases of their career - big stars at the top of their game, unknowns playing gigs in dives every night waiting to be discovered and fallen rock stars who used to be somebodies. You find them everywhere in town. Memphis is a city crawling with character. You will find the night illuminated by Beale Street. By daylight, the neon glow fades to reveal a troubled city in the process of a post apocalyptic decay brought on by the heat, the tensions in the community, and the Mississippi river.

Our city is fueled by a dirty, funky beat of Stax, Sun, and Hi records. This city is the canvas for his art. Many days will find him strolling around decrepit neighborhoods with cameras in tow - the every day activity of our residents may seem mundane to the natives, but to an outsider, there lies a compelling story of poverty, hustle, hope and religion.

About Blake:

Blake Billings is a photographer and artist who specializes in a gritty, urban style. His publications include The Commercial Appeal, The Chicago Tribune, The Christian Science Monitor, Mad Magazine and various other magazines and newspapers. Mr. Billings is a Memphis native.

Blake's unique vision of southern music and his access to many musicians drives his unique style of creating images. Memphis is about music - real music, not the synthesized pabulum that is fed to the masses as the junk you hear on the radio every day. Blake's portrait photography reflects this vision.

His work shows a southern gothic tradition reminiscent of William Styron, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and other southern icons. A booze fueled southern landscape marred by a century of neglect, southern sun, and tension of day to day life.

Further Information:
Memphis Blues is available for $30 online through Blake’s website:
www.blakebillings.net/book/

Memphis Blues is now available at the following retail locations:
Tater Red's Lucky Mojos
www.taterreds.com
153 Beale St
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 578-7234

This is the First printing, first edition of a wonderfully warm coffee table book that is a must for anyone who loves the Blues.
This book tells the unique story of the Memphis Blues through modern day photographs.

The book is 8.5"X11", leather bound with a die-cut front cover. The highest quality controls were used to insure that this book will last a lifetime.
All first edition books are hand signed and numbered by the author. The first edition consists of a limited edition printing of 250 copies.
All books are meticulously printed on the highest quality papers and leather bindings.

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Memphis Blues
Blake Billings c/o
Bone Daddy Publishing
3364 Poplar
Memphis, TN 38111
901.598.6071
leicaphotos@gmail.com