| BOOK REVIEW |
| As the old saying (and song) goes, "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over". Bill Engelhart (a.k.a. Little Bill, Billy Hart and Bronco Bill) has indeed travelled a long, hard journey down the road to fame and fortune. Still, there's a more appropriate quote here, i.e. "miles to go before I sleep". Cursed with a congenital illness (polio) that would have daunted many another person, Little Bill apparently chose to deal with this particular burden in the same manner as one would a bothersome housefly - keep shooing it away and get on with what he's doing. And get on with it he did, whenever, wherever and with whomever he could. The man was and, no doubt still is, driven to make his mark in the world. What makes one want to root for him all the more (apart from his undeniable skills as a musician, performer and writer) is the personal integrity with which he conducts both his personal and career life. He's not a man who minces words, either. There aren't too many extraneous or sensationalized details in these interesting, up-front snapshots of his life as a wandering minstrel. Nonetheless, it's all here - the poverty, the partying, the rip-offs, the unreliable musical associates and unethical music industry personnel. (continued on next page) |
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| NEXT STOP, BAKERSFIELD - BILL ENGELHART (OF LITTLE BILL & THE BLUESNOTES) Book Review by Diane Wells |
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