Tennessee Waltz: Pee Wee King, at left and Ralph Emery. Photo by Jean Metcalfe
When Ralph Emery came to town to promote his autobiography, "Memories, The Autobiography of Ralph Emery," Pee Wee King was on hand to greet his long-time friend.
The November 1 signing took place at the St. Matthews location of Hawley-Cooke Booksellers and it was an unqualified success. According to HawleyCooke's Christina Clifford, Emery's signing was"one of the best we've ever had."
"He's just a great person and he personalized books for well over the two hours that we had allotted for him . . . "
This writer arrived at Hawley-Cooke to discover a long line of Emery fans waiting for the author to take his place at the signing table. Surprised that he had not shown up by twenty past the hour, I asked store personnel for an update. They politely said that Emery wasn't due for another forty minutes. Ouch! I'd forgotten to "fall back" to EST.
Checking back a bit later, I observed that the line had lengthened and was snaking through the rows of bookshelves and out of sight. Emery patiently greeted everyone who had queued up and despite the large numbers did not rush anyone along. He delighted a camcorder-toting gent with an extemporaneous message for an absent fan. Jason Peters shyly offered his Shotgun Red doll for Emery's signature and Christine Hardin got her copy of "Memories" autographed by the popular host of TNN's"Nashville Now." Ms Hardin s daughter, who had given the book to her mother, asked Emery if he would give Ms. Hardin "a kiss on the jaw."
"I won't be able to drive home," Ms. Hardin protested weakly. (She lives in a retirement home in Shelbyville.)
"I'll kiss her on the jaw if you'll drive her home," Ralph said to the younger woman. And he carried out his part of the bargain.
Ms. Hardin, still excited from meeting Emery, later told me, "I've prayed for this and the Lord answered my prayers."
On a personal note, it was my birthday and Emery signed my copy of "Memories" accordingly. I had selected the paperback version as it contains an extra chapter that updates the original book. . . and it was kinder to my credit card.
The book was an easy read and I finished it in short order. Another book is planned and I look forward to its publication.