Book Talk: Gary Stewart: I Am from the Honky-Tonks with Jimmy McDonough
They called him “King of the Honky-Tonks.” Gary Stewart—who was born in Kentucky coal country, lived in Fort Pierce, Florida, and died in 2003—sang with an unmistakable quaver in his throat and a temperament that stood alone. In the vein of fellow barroom belters such as Johnny Paycheck and Moe Bandy, he delivered songs about drinking, loving, and desperate living. His music bounced from country to Southern rock to barstool blues to rockabilly. With 1970s classics including “Drinkin’ Thing,” “Out of Hand,” “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles),” and “Your Place or Mine,” Stewart built a fanatic following and a legendary reputation for stubbornly doing things his own way. On a good night, his singing could change your life, as it did for writer Jimmy McDonough, a biographer of Al Green, Tammy Wynette, Neil Young, and others. McDonough first told Stewart’s story in a 1988 Village Voice article and hasn’t stopped talking and thinking about Stewart since. His newest book, Gary Stewart: I Am from the Honky-Tonks, delivers a mesmerizing story of a man born to sing and suffer. McDonough, along with Stewart’s daughter, Shannon Ashburn, will talk with the Museum’s RJ Smith about the King of the Honky-Tonks and the art of biography. Following the program, McDonough will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase in the theater. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.
