Ron Levy - Tales of a Road Dog: The Lowdown Along the Blues Highway

"TALES OF A ROAD DOG" by Ron Levy 2013 B'H

'The Lowdown Along the Blues Highway'

http://www.levtron.com/Tales-of-a-Road-Dog/

ISBN: 9781626752702

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapters

• Photo Gallery (Available only on the DeLuxe Web-book version)
• Video Gallery (Available only on the DeLuxe Web-book version)
• [Go to the end of the e-book & web-book for track information and liner notes etc.]

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Introduction

You may have never heard of Ron Levy, but he's one heck of a storyteller. He was 'there' and everywhere, back in the day and in person. He's someone you need to listen to. Backing up Blues legends since 1966 with determination and much humor, as well as an appreciation for this special time in American musical history, he 'knows'. He went on to record and produce, helping to establish and reinvigorate many artists' careers, while searching and finding his own signature sound. Mr. Levy has got quite a big, full story to tell, as well as thousands of zinging one liners and colorful pranks.

These 'Tales' are more about the consistently kaleidoscopic cast of characters Levy met -- and the many crazy circumstances he found himself in -- than an autobiography of a celebrated musician/sideman, etc. It's about what he and others saw, experienced and shared with those that were there, too. Superstars and everyday people are treated with the same deference, equal reference, respect and levity, exposing various generally unknown insights and candid moments.

OK, let me try thisin the first, rather than the third, person.

Dear Reader,

This is a "tell some" not a "tell all" book. I figured there's more than enough of that cynical, sordid, seedy stuff out there already; right by the checkout register at your local supermarket, show business biography sections, and on Jerry Springer or Dr. Phil, even the network news. That said, these stories are fun, unique and told with sometimes embarrassing candor, prideful irony and plenty of self-mockery. Not wanting to only victimize myself, I thought it only fair to spread it around liberally to and on all my friends, too! With all due respect I ask you: what are friends for anyway?

As well, I don't want to get sued for libel and hope all or any of these so-called 'victims' take this project in the spirit of humor and love of the life, as intended. Some, I knew, probably wouldn't, so those parts were left out and their names further obscured in obscurity, or not. Throughout this journey, my overriding motto has been: If you can't say anything nice or funny about someone, leave it out.

These are the stories I've told my friends, bandmates and family for years, after returning from my various exploits and journeys or jostled to memory. Many have suggested I write them down, and now I have. So I am saying this to you all right now and get this straight; this is not an autobiography, almanac, historical novel, history book, fiction, non-fiction, legal problem, music business, salacious sexy hedonistic expose of debauchery, drugs and sin book, a self-help book, a textbook, religious, mystery, thriller, political, gangster, western, spy, adventure, science fiction, heavy metal/rock, etc. book. Well, at least not in its entirety. (But there's plenty of all that in here, just in case.)

So, my dear Reader, If you just love good, real music, stories about some of the wonderful characters who contributed to its pursuit and spirit, travel, geography, non-political social commentary, good food, sweet and bitter memories, as well as comical and heartwarming and inspiring tales, then maybe you'll enjoy this humble effort I wanted to share with all of you.

I sincerely hope you all do and G-d Bless

Preface and Acknowledgements

Additional notes: (Available only on the DeLuxe Web-book version)

In this 'web-book' online subscription version of Tales of a Road Dog, the reader will be afforded the possibility of clicking on the various hyper-links notated throughout the book and accessing related videos, Mp3 links and even a feedback email link to my secretary Miss Trixie. The site will also be updated regularly with new additions every six months as they become once again apparent to the writer -- and some of the readers/participants -- who were there at the time of a particular story and/or even newly remembered ones. I see this as a continually living and growing organism. I'm confident, for sure, there will be some interesting contributions, comments and exchanges! I have a Facebook fan page: Ron Levy musician/producer/writer (www.Levtron.com/face book). I invite you all to write me there and to also keep up-to-date of my future exploits. The dedicated email for this is: Levtron1@Hotmail.com My website: www.Levtron.com

I understand that this is a new and unorthodox way of presenting a 'book' (the first of its kind), but I think it will be even better than an old fashioned book with my new innovative, multidimensional format, not to mention, it's much 'greener'. It has over 1500 photos, (many you'll never see anywhere else, in the photo gallery), over 250 carefully created and selected video links on YouTube and my latest critically acclaimed album, "Funky Fiesta" (for download).

PlusYou can't read holding a book at work or whatever, this you can!

For you old fashioned 'must have a book I can hold' crowd, a limited collectors version will also be made available at some point, somehow, maybe, we'll see.

Explanation of writing practices:

- Our creator's written name is designated by G-d, as is observed by Mr. Levy's Jewish faith. It is a sign of respect towards the Almighty.

- Italics are used whenever a word or phrase is in a language other than American English or stressed in a double meaning. Most of these foreign words are of;Yiddish, French, Japanese or Spanish origin.

- Many of Mr. Levy's characters are from the various Southern parts of the U.S. To keep the actual flavor and sound of the dialogue, Mr. Levy has approximated the various accents using phonetically spelled out expressions and the grammar used by the speakers, for humorous and authentic, realistic effect. Many of the characters pronounced his name as, 'Rown' as opposed to Ron. When first introduced, apostrophes or quotation marks are often used to alert the reader of this intent. Apostrophes are also used to stress possible multiple meanings of certain words.

- Mr. Levy prefers to use contractions for the various curse and/or so called 'swear' words used in the parlance of the various characters. For example; MF is short for a street expression that sounds close to Mother-trucker. In other cases, a '*' mark is used, to replace a vowel that would perfectly spell out one of these words that are offensive to Mr. Levy and many others. However again, to maintain the integrity of the various dialogues and realistic effect, these words must be used. Apologies are sincerely extended.

- Mr. Levy has chosen to capitalize all types of music such as: Blues, Jazz, Classical etc. in recognition of the respect they deserve, in his opinion.

Instructions and explanation of format: (Available only on the DeLuxe Web-book version)

As you read the text, you will see photos which correspond to the related text on the right hand column. This is unlike most traditional books where you have to go to a separate 'plate' section with a collection of corresponding visual aids there, directed by footnotes and/or captions. In this format, everything is much closer, side by side, much like a magazine.