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Acknowledgments
I appreciate the generosity of Memphians who responded to my telephone calls, e-mails, letters, and requests for interviews and photographs; and, especially, the cooperation of those included in this book or their descendants, who read rough drafts, revised biographical sketches, and loaned their treasured photographs. No matter how early I called, Erma Laws provided names, answered questions, or loaned photographs; and, no matter how busy he was, Ron Walter shared with me anecdotes or details from his historical research. I borrowed liberally from the writings of David Earl Jackson, a former columnist with the Tri-State Defender, who knew so much about Memphis music. Jazz historian Vasco Smith made sure that I included some of the city’s talented jazz players, and sports columnist Bill Little gave me a list of outstanding athletes. Phil Dotson, a close friend, former colleague, and co-editor of Homespun Images, supported this project from its inception, providing lists of artists and information about their work. When my computer died, Reginald Martin, a friend of many years, built a new one so that I could continue my work.