Book Description

Goodreads.com has declared that "eavesdropping on these personal reflections is entertaining, enlightening, and just plain fun to read," and indeed, throughout THE SPREE OF '83, Freddy recounts first-hand the highly-entertaining and emotionally-touching story behind his decades-long roller-coaster ride through the music business, and multiple trips to the top of the charts. He's equally open about his inspiring struggle in the years before his death in 2016 battling Parkinson's disease, all while his legacy endured, gaining new generations of fans over the Millennium. Hailed by Rolling Stone Country as "a freewheeling, often poignant oral history of one of the unsung heroes of Country Music," the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has been to the top of the Charts as both a producer (Willie Nelson's Grammy-winning Over the Rainbow LP) and songwriter, penning many # 1 hits with sidekick and fellow legend Merle Haggard, who declared "Freddy Powers is one of my favorite people in the world," while Willie Nelson adds personally that "Freddy's strongest suit, I always thought, was his rhythm guitar playing. He was a great rhythm guitar player, and he wrote some great songs with and for Merle." Joining Nelson and Haggard, who both contribute extensive exclusive commentary, are fellow legendary country songwriters/stars like Sonny Throckmorton, Paul Buskirk, Floyd Tillman, Tanya Tucker, Big & Rich, Larry Gatlin, producer Frank Liddell, Mary Sarah, and many more! While fans read along, they can stream live on all digital platforms a dynamic collection of new music, including a 60-Song 2-disc studio/live collection of 6 decades of Freddy Powers' best-known hits, featuring musical duets and collaborations with many of the aforementioned music stars! Along with the Official Book Soundtrack, fans of Freddy's Dixieland Jazz and legendary Comedy routines are given a front-row seat with Freddy Powers & The Powerhouse IV: LIVE IN VEGAS – '75! and Freddy Powers & The Powerhouse IV: LIVE IN RENO! Critical Praise: "(Freddy has) demonstrated a dedication to broadening the perimeters of country & western, particularly in creating a fusion of country honky tonk and swing jazz. This interest runs throughout Powers' career." – Country Music Television (CMT) "I think he's one of the least-recognized of the great country songwriters. His music will be great in any era, no matter what year it is, you'll still want to hear a Freddy Powers song." - Tanya Tucker