This morning, as I sifted through the slush of three or four dozen new emails that awaited me, I came across something I see only once or twice a day (on a good day): A press release that genuinely piqued my interest. It was an email addressed to music[at]nashvillescene[dot]com from Thurston Moore. The fact that the subject line read "Invitation for Gary" only increased my credulity. "Some sort of invitation from the Thurston Moore?" I thought. "He must have meant to send it to someone named Gary ... perhaps he keyed in the wrong email address? Either way, I'll take it!"
"Tennessee Players and Thurston Invite You To You Won’t Believe It! Book Prevue Party, Nashville, Tennessee," the release read. Wut? I read on: "Celebrating the Release Of Thurston’s Autobiography. You’ll enjoy a time of human interest With a fine cast of characters Reading from the book of pure Americana. Your Host Mark Twain."
Sure, the random capitalization seemed a bit dubious, and the Mark Twain part was of course particularly WTF-y. But former Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore will indeed be bringing his post-Sonic experimental rock outfit Chelsea Light Moving to Nashville's Exit/In on Nov. 11. Is Moore planning on releasing some as-yet-unannounced autobiography while he's in town with CLM? He has, after all, already edited a book about mixtapes, and I personally know scores of people who'd probably pay good money for a Moore autobiography ...
No. In case you hadn't figured it out yet, we're talking about a different guy who happens to be named Thurston Moore. As a matter of fact, the Thurston Moore in question is 87 (32 years older than Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore), and therefore I suppose you could call him "the original Thurston Moore."
Moore the Elder (who, to avoid confusion, I'll refer to from here on out as Eldermoore) is the co-founder of Madison, Tenn.'s Tennessee Players, Inc., "a very unique non-profit performing arts organization." As it turns out, Eldermoore has "rubbed elbows with countless personalities, from Roy Acuff of the Grand Ole Opry to Henny Youngman," and he's written a book about his experiences and dedicated it to his late wife Georgianna.
Truth be told, Eldermoore looks to be a remarkably fascinating, distinguished individual. Visit the Tennessee Players homepage to learn more about his book and watch a video featuring a chat with Samuel Langhorne Clemens. I've included the entire press release from Eldermoore below, because, by God, the man has led a hell of a life and deserves a plug.
Anyway, I'm still not sure who Gary is.
How exciting it will be to have my friends join me for this milestone in my life. I believe there will be friends coming from several states. The first book order came from Denmark! Georgiann and I have been active in theatre in several states, going back to the 1940s, and I want to share our stories with everyone interested in theatre. My Autobiography of 136 chapters and close to 600 pages covers the entire spectrum of theatre. Our first date was to see the revival of Porgy and Bess in 1944. In 1987 we formed Tennessee Players, Inc.,I have produced diverse productions, many under Georgianna’s direction, including, Our Town for Homecoming ’86; Death Takes a Holiday; Lincoln and the Fisk Jubilee Singers; Three seasons of Christmas Past at the Two Rivers Mansion, 1987, and Great Moments from Broadway Theatre, 1991, at the Fieldstone Inn, in Hiawassee, Georgia.
Other productions include Harvey: You Can’t Take It With You, New York City, 1977; Albert Schweitzer: Memoirs from Africa, debuted 2009 at Aspen, Colorado, and two fabulous productions for the 1992 Middle Tennessee Theatre Festival.
In 1995 my original Multi-Media Musical Dramatization, Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Msic of Bach, premiered in Nashville and it has been presented in churches and universities throughout the United States, in Canada, and several European countries. Many cities have proclaimed “Albert Schweitzer Day,” including these following quotes:
“…further establishes the Tennessee Players’ reputation as one of the nation’s most innovative and conscientious arts organizations.” Albert Schweitzer Day Proclamation — April 19, 2005, Signed by Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City, April 19, 2005.
“Whereas, by sending their timely and compelling production throughout the world Tennessee Players have earned the title, ’Tennessee’s Cultural Ambassador to theWorld.” Signed by Bill Purcell, Mayor, Nashville, Tennessee, October 14, 2005
I have lead a multi-faceted life of 87 years and have enjoyed success in many careers. I have rubbed elbows with countless personalities, from Roy Acuff of the Grand Ole Opry to Henny Youngman. Some of my favorites are Ethel Waters, Cesar Romero, George Gershwin’s son, Martin Luther King Jr., Tex Ritter, Lena Horne, Hal Holbrook, Lorne Greene, Patti Page, Judy Garland, Oscar Levant, Johnny Cash, Charlton Heston, Eddy Arnold, Alex Haley, and Willie Nelson.Visit my web site — TennesseePlayer.org — and read the profound Foreword by Dr. Robert Thurman and see Mark Twain talking about the book.
I have written and published books in many genres — over 1,000,000 sold in country music. I believe my book will be an inspiration to everyone who has dreams and aspirations. For the older readers it will be a pleasant trip down memory lane. You Won’t Believe It! will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. I know that you will rejoice at the incredible love story I shared with Georgianna for 59 years.Signed, Numbered Limited Edition
I have issued 100 copies of the Limited Edition and everyone who purchases the Limited Edition at $75.00 will be eligible for the New York Weekend Drawing (you do not have to be present to win).
Special CDs and DVD Issued Exclusively for Limited Edition:
1. “Here for You.” — CD — Song I wrote 70 years ago. Lead sheet of the song is the fist page in book.
2. "Tennessee Players Highlights” - DVD — Wonderful scenes from the Channel 8 — WDCN, “Evening of Entertainment” specially produced by Tennessee Players, 1988: and “Lincoln and the Civil War,”1993.
3.“The Theatre Scene” CD — Volume 7, Highlights from segments of Tennessee Players’ Radio Program, 1990-1993. Georgianna, Host.
The time and place of the Book Prevue Party will be announced soon. I will appreciate your book order within 15 days; that will help us with our plans. The book contains almost 600 pages, with full color dust jacket, and it is almost ready for the printer. I have put many books to bed but this is by far the most exiting book I have ever produced. I have enjoyed writing it and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
My deepest gratitude for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
