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WKCTC music instructor authored book on the life of blues music icon Dick Waterman

Book signing at college April 26

Paducah, KY (04/22/2019) — Dick Waterman has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in blues music of the twentieth century. Documenting his life has been a passion of Dr. Tammy L. Turner, a music instructor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College for the past 16 years. The community is invited to a book signing for Turner's book Dick Waterman: A Life in Blues April 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the college's Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery.

Waterman founded Avalon Productions, the first management agency focused on representing black blues musicians. In addition to booking and managing, he worked tirelessly to protect his clients from exploitation, demanded competitive compensation, and fought for royalties due them. During his career, Waterman befriended and worked with numerous musicians, including such luminaries as B. B. King, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton. During the early years of his career, he documented the work of scores of musicians through his photography and gained fame as a blues photographer.

Turner's authorized biography is the crescendo of years of original research as well as extensive interviews conducted with Waterman and those who knew and worked with him. Although biographical, the book details significant cultural, historical, and musical events such as the folk/blues revival of the 1960s and the Civil Rights movement through the lens of Waterman's life and career.

"Having known Dick for many years, I felt his was a story that needed to be told, but there was no book that contained the details of his life and career in one cohesive narrative," said Turner, who is traveling to various areas of the country doing readings and discussions of the book. "As a music historian and blues lover, it was important to me to document his work."

Turner, a native of Graves County, holds a doctoral degree in music history from the University of Mississippi. She teaches a variety of college courses in music history. Her area of interest is twentieth-century music including blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and classical music.

"It's so nice to have this event at WKCTC and close to home," said Turner. "I look forward to meeting folks in the community."

For more information about the book signing, contact Shurley at britton.shurley@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3243.

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