Big Tom

A tribute to Big Tom McBride, 'the Johnny Cash of Irish country music'. From labourer to music star, the journey of the singer who brought so much joy to fans at home and to emigrants abroad over five decades. Featuring never-before-published interviews with Big Tom and the country stars who loved him, as well as exclusive family photographs, this book is full of the characteristic wit and warmth of Ireland's greatest country music legend, Big Tom. Big Tom McBride was the original Irish country music star, who paved the way for today's new wave of artists. His unique voice and sincere delivery earned him the title The King of Irish Country. He was held in huge affection by many thousands of devoted fans, and was greatly loved and respected by his fellow musicians. Throughout Big Tom's music career, spanning five decades, he packed ballrooms and marquees the length and breadth of Ireland and Britain, with his band The Mainliners and later with The Travellers. His records sold by the tens of thousands, and he had numerous Top Ten hits. Legions of fans were transported by his beautiful singing, evoking an Ireland of a more innocent age. Many made the pilgrimage to the McBrides' home outside Castleblayney, County Monaghan, where they were greeted with genuine, warm-hearted hospitality. Tom Gilmore has interviewed family, friends and fans, as well as unearthing previously unpublished interviews with Big Tom himself. This book also features tributes to the music legend from luminaries of music, sport and politics.

Enjoy the humorous adventures of the individuals and creatures of the family of the timberland. Hear the screams from Bloody Bottom as the Watchueetoo tribe attacks the settlers at Bloody Bottom. Who was Chief Little Big Toe's and did he really come back as Big Tom? Who now roams Bloody Bottom and the Timberland? Discover about Utickan, that big fat whoot owl, who looks just like Scarlet Ohara's nanny in Gone With the Wind. Read how she keeps all the animals in the barn yard under control as well as individuals on the old farm. Find out who won the wrestling match of the year at Bloody Bottom between Little Th ree Feathers and Albert, "Hilltop Grave Side", as he is called because this 7'2" Cyclops puts his opponents in the grave. Listen as Alexandria Hoosenhow, the female leader of the geese tries to get our four year boy, part of the family, family jewels, it will become another war in the barnyard. Laugh as you find out about a gargoyle Valentine's day, and these statues of gargoyles come alive and roam the earth.

The Ghost of BIG TOM is a story of a family’s saga. Big Tom a slave brought and used as a breeder by his master on a plantation in Murfreesboro, North Carolina... cast a ghost over his ancestors for generations to come. Big Tom’s legend a virile man who fathered children to feed the slave trade defines the passage of manhood from slavery to modern times amongst the NEWSOMES. Cedric Newsome, Big Tom’s great-great grandson struggles to overcome the Newsome’s definition of manhood which was through their ability to bed women and sire children. Through a process of self-examination, Cedric arrives at a new concept and definition of manhood remodeled with a sense of fidelity, responsibility, and accountability toward oneself and his off-spring. The GHOST OF BIG TOM offers history, suspense, murder, love, and wisdom. It’s a must read!

This story is based on love, drama, mystery and romance dealing with life in the complexity of its own.

In Eden Rise Tom McKee, a white college freshman, returns to his home in the Alabama Black Belt in the summer of 1965 and becomes embroiled in a civil-rights conflict that divides his family, his town, and his own identity. His wealthy and powerful family is not prepared for the shocks that have followed the racial quake of the Selma March a few months earlier. Tom’s black college friend accompanies him home and gets caught in racial violence. Coming to his friend’s defense, Tom earns the enmity of segregationist neighbors. He feels both the hot anger of his father for his racial nonconformity and the determined defense of his mother and grandmother, as he witnesses the corrosive effects of the turmoil on his parents’ marriage. Attempting to rescue him are a cousin he never knew and a wily old lawyer who meet dangers and legal challenges that force Tom to confront the truth of his legacy.

Life in London during the second world war, as seen through the eyes of a lively nine-year-old boy. Neville Chamberlain has just made the announcement: Great Britain and Germany are at war. Mum worries about Derek in the army; Dad's thinking about the Andersen shelter he's just built in the garden; Elaine is thinking about boys and stockings and her job at the factory. Jenny, aged eleven is worrying about the animals. But Bobbie -- aged nine, has never been so excited in his life. He thinks the war is the most fantastic game. His only worry is that it will end before he is old enough to join up -- he wants to see the planes -- He knows the names of all of them; he wants to catch a German spy; he wants to be kept in the Andersen shelter over night. It's only when his beloved Big Tom, a cat, is missing believed dead, that Bobbie realises the truth about war. A wonderful picture of childhood and a sensitive portrayal of family loyalties in times of crisis. Excitement, terror, misery and humour -- the poignancy of Goodnight Mr Tom plus the humour of Hope and Glory in this beautifully crafted young novel.

From Young Braves to Mighty Warriors is my best recollection and story of how we, as a community, a school, and a group of determined and dedicated young men, overcame incredible obstacles and challenges to build a powerful football program that won the Group A Virginia High School League State Championship in 1970 and four consecutive Region C championships in the six short years that I had the privilege of serving as head football coach. This book is also a tribute to the mental toughness and dedication to a common cause of hundreds of young men who proudly wore the orange-and-black for the Chilhowie Warriors from 1966 to 1973.

Traces the bluegrass country music achievements of the Carter family, from their discovery by a New York record maker to their rise to stardom and eventual breakup, noting their influence on the careers of top performers.