Lightnin' Charlie Off The Record

Lightnin’ Charlie’s sensational new book, OFF THE RECORD The Trials and Tribulations of a Travelin’ Troubadour, is a collection of side-splitting short stories and amazing anecdotes from his experiences as a professional touring musician, reformed saloon singer, and ultimately, is his unique and extraordinary testimony as a born-again Christian.

OFF THE RECORD is LC’s answer to the oft-asked question, “What is it like to play music for a living?” Filled with the kind of stories that Shakespeare couldn’t make up, you’ll laugh till you cry at these hysterical, historical, tall tales – all true - that have led him from the smoky bars and honky-tonks to a dynamic music ministry.

Lightnin’ Charlie, star of national TV, international and satellite radio, and a full-time entertainer for 25 years, has taken some curvy back roads on his way to Straight Street.

His politically incorrect online blog, Lightnin’ Lowdown, became so popular that he compiled these memoirs into a riotously funny book.

Here are some of the wild and crazy characters you’ll meet in this one-of-a-kind autobiography:

In Kissin’ Cousins, dig the Memphis blues club run by Jerry Lee Lewis’ vicious, inbred daughter (and 2nd cousin). This is a freak-filled fable of a family tree with only one branch!

In Lightnin’ & The Snake Lady, you’ll meet the elderly, alcoholic, ex-Burlesque stripper, “Snake Lady”, and witness her frightening fall from grace (and the stage).

In The Fox and the Hound, learn more than you’d ever want to know about LC’s meeting with Ernest Hemingway’s transvestite son.

But there’s more:

In Stranger Than Fiction – The Story Of Me, read about LC’s early influences, and his mythic, love-at-first-sight story of how he met his wife.

Famous Last Words lists the last words and epitaphs of Presidents, gangsters, death row inmates, military leaders, and celebrities. Some knew they were dying, and others, humorously, had absolutely no clue.

Throw in some political tirades, and rants about the media, the music business, and the state of the union, and you’ve got a book that will keep you happily cracking up for years to come, regardless of whether you’re a music fan or not. Not only is it Lightnin’ Charlie’s life story – it’s a story of life itself, with all its crazy twists and turns - and is part of The Greatest Story Ever Told. An absolute must read for anyone with soul in their bowl.
“Hilarious! Not only does Lightnin’ Charlie possess a very wry sense of humor and loquacious literary style, but on every subject, he is both painfully honest and tenderly compassionate. Off The Record presents an extraordinary variety of daily encounters that tell moving tales of all too ordinary madness. Outrageous and sad, poignant, politically incorrect, and most of all laugh-out-loud funny.”
Harmonica Todd Levine Chicago Bluesman
“Lightnin’ Charlie is an artist - painting a picture full of emotion with words, through his gift of storytelling. His satires, rants and raves, and his reflections on life have become a sensation on his website and are now complete in Off The Record. What amazes me is that no matter what soapbox Charlie finds himself on, his character and love for God always shines through. He is my friend and brother, and I always cheerfully anticipate his next passionate tirade! You, the reader, are in for a real treat.”
Pastor Elbert Charpie
“Lightnin’ Charlie delivers again! Off The Record gives us an inside look at the origins of his lifelong quest for making music (what he calls ‘good music for good people’), and provides marvelous insights into the crazy carnival of events that made him into the man he is today. Wouldn’t it be great if MORE Americans were so observant, in-tune, well versed, and ‘hip-to-the-tip’ as Lightnin’ Charlie? I think so. And I believe they will be - after reading this book!”
Tim Rouse Author of The Delmer Green Series