I knew Rick Norcross in the 1960's when he owned and ran The Eighteenth String Coffee House and Music Emporium Incorporated. Chapter Seven of this book titled "Welcome to Tampa", is the best description of those days (the days of the troubadours) I have ever read. This chapter captures everything just as it was. It was a "Portion of Tyme" that will never happen again and we were all so fortunate to have been part of it. I agree with Panama Red who says on page 83... "Rick Norcross was a pivotal character in my life...". I'm convinced that old 1937 Packard hearse breaking down (Chapter Six..."Back in the USA"), was supposed to happen.
If you are at all interested in the life of someone who encouraged and nourished singers and musicians in the 60's who is still doing that now, you will enjoy this book. In Chapter Eleven titled "Taryn and the Blue Gardenias", there is evidence of Rick's hard work ethic again. He really likes getting to know and performing with all kinds of musicians and singers. His mind works constantly to make things go well for the audience and the people he performs with. Rick is still making musical opportunities available with an open mind and heart.
As someone who performed at The Eighteenth String in Tampa on an ongoing basis,I thought I knew Rick Norcross fairly well. The more I read of Riding My Guitar I discovered I really didn't know much about him at all. After completing the book I now appreciate Rick more than I ever did. He personifies the description of the struggling musician. Life wasn't easy for him during that period of time but he worked hard and made an impression on many people.
The pictures Rick took when he worked for the Tampa Times are wonderful. Riding My Guitar has several in it to be enjoyed. The lighting and focus may not be perfect in some of them but there is so much feeling there. You can tell how much he loves music because there is life in those pictures. They're good because they're not posed or perfect but you can almost hear and see the people on the stage.
Chapter Eight is titled "BB & Janis". There is a picture of Janis Joplin on page 111 that Rick took at the Curtis-Hixon Hall in Tampa in 1970. I was there and I think this is the best picture of her on stage I've ever seen. What we were all feeling that night is captured perfectly in her face.
I really love the whole book but the chapters about the time period in 1960's Florida are my favorite part. If you're from Vermont you'll enjoy the history and feeling of the book too. I think anyone who loves the music of a troubadour will really love this book. All I can say is a good time was had by all and you'll have a good time reading "Riding My Guitar:The Rick Norcross Story. I'm happy that Amazon has this book for a reasonable price so everyone can afford to read it.
Kathleen Gill
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2013
