The Black Telecaster

"The Black Telecaster" is a heartfelt journey through the lives of four musicians from Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Set against the backdrop of classic country music, their story is one of enduring friendship, personal struggles, and the transformative power of music.

"The Black Telecaster" by Keith Vire is a touching narrative about friendship, failure, and renewal through the lens of a small-town country band, CrossRoads. Smitty, a man with a passion for classic country music, assembles a band not based on talent but on a willingness to work hard. Reggie Black, a bass enthusiast, joins the band despite his unfamiliarity with country music. Curt Ramson, a reluctant immigrant from Chicago, finds solace in the rhythm of his drums. Jimmy Morelli, not the best guitar player, is chosen for his dedication and commitment to improve. For four decades, these men from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, create music, navigate life's challenges, and form an unbreakable bond. Their journey, peppered with marriages, divorces, alcoholism, and renewal, is a testament to the healing power of music and the strength of their friendship. "The Black Telecaster" is a touching narrative that resonates with the universal themes of perseverance, transformation, and the enduring power of friendship. It's a must-read for lovers of music, personal growth narratives, and stories about the bonds that tie us together.

Dr. Keith Vire is an esteemed lecturer and researcher with a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling and Education from the University of Arkansas. Throughout his career, Keith has dedicated himself to supporting individuals with disabilities, using his expertise to make a difference in their lives. Since his retirement, Keith has been actively involved in academia, sharing his knowledge with the University of Arkansas community. His passion for helping others is only rivaled by his love for music, evident in his impressive collection of 27 guitars. Now, Keith brings his depth of understanding of human resilience and his love for music together in his book, "The Black Telecaster." Drawing from his own experiences, he crafts an evocative narrative that touches on the universal themes of friendship, adversity, and renewal. Keith lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife, Jan. For more about his work, visit his website at www.keithvire.com.