Introduction
Today I am pleased to post my interview with writer Sheree Homer.
A self-described “old soul”, Sheree Homer has an enthusiastic interest in all things related to the ‘40s and ‘50s. Her love of music from the mid decades of the twentieth century led to her penning four books on the topics of rockabilly, country classics and rock and roll. In the writing of “Dig That Beat!”, Sheree interviewed musicians at the root of rock and roll. Her second book, “Rick Nelson: Rock ‘N’ Roll Pioneer”, focuses on the life of iconic singer/musician/actor, Ricky Nelson. It is a must read for all fans of the ‘50s/’60s teen idol.
For her soon to be released fifth book, “You Sound Just Like…” (Fall 2022), Sheree spent over two and a half years researching and interviewing 40 artists who pay tribute to 14 different music icons, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Cher, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, James Brown, and Little Richard, to name a few. Of special interest to SIDEBURNS Magazine followers, several ETAs (Elvis tribute artists) are included, many of whom have been featured in SB Mag.
Although I have enjoyed communicating with Sheree Homer via Facebook message, I have not had the pleasure of meeting the prolific writer in person. To add a personal touch to Sheree’s introduction, I reached out to writer and film historian—and fellow Wisconsinite, James L. Neibaur, who shared the following:
Sheree is a fine writer and music historian with great insight. I have learned a lot from her books. Her latest, on tribute artists, might be her best yet. She really gives us a solid understanding of the various performers, their approaches, and their passions. Sheree is also a truly great person, who writes about these performers because she genuinely cares about them.
Thank for your comments, James.
Thank you, Sheree Homer, for allowing us to know you, your work and your interests through your insightful interview answers. Your story about your first ETA artist is delightful and I am very happy to include it below. I look forward to reading all the interviews in your book and wish you great success with your fifth publication.
Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine.
My First ETA…
The story behind the photo, as told by writer, Sheree Homer, to editor, Carolyn MacArthur…
When I was little, my parents used to take me to see ETA Tom Green perform. Tom lived in Milwaukee and did shows there and other places in Wisconsin. We saw him many times over the years.
“I gave him many teddy bears and danced to the music.” Sheree Homer.
Tom was great at looking like Elvis and sounding like him, too. He was my first ETA; and his show, when I was just three years old, was my first concert experience. I never got to see Elvis, so it was thrilling for me to see Tom.
I was about the only kid at those shows, and Tom was always very nice to me. He got a kick out of a kid being that into Elvis. I also became friends with the girl in the band. She sang backup, but also songs of the day like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar.
I was born too late to see Elvis, but if I could have seen him, I'd pick three times—on the Louisiana Hayride before he got famous, as an audience member for the ‘68 Comeback, and front row in Vegas. ETA Tom Green allowed me to experience some of the magic of Elvis in his tribute.
Editor’s Note: Sadly, ETA Tom Green passed away in 2007. For articles on Tom Green, Sheree’s first ETA, please click here and here,
Books by writer, Sheree Homer. Artists in photos below: Johnny Thompson (Elvis), Amberley Beatty (Patsy Cline), Gib Maynard (Elvis), Jesse Aaron (Roy Orbison), Elaine Wesley (Patsy Cline), Garry Wesley (Elvis), Jay Dupuis (Elvis), Jake Slater (Elvis) and Laura West (Ann-Margret), Laura West (Ann-Margret), Ted Torres Martin (Elvis).
The Interview
Adorable photo of writer Sheree Homer as a child. Photo provided by Sheree Homer.
Q. Where were you born? Where do you now live?
A. I was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and I still live there.
Q. What five adjectives best describe you as child?
A. Imaginative, outgoing, kind, playful, and cute.
Q. What were your favourite subjects in school?
A. Art and Reading early on and then later English, Algebra, and Chemistry.
Q. What hobbies did you enjoy as a child?
A. Playing with my Barbies, watching Looney Tunes cartoons (I loved Bugs Bunny), Sesame Street, The Muppets, and music videos on MTV (Michael Jackson’s video for “Thriller” always scared me), talking on my pretend telephone, dancing at ETA Tom Green’s concerts, and listening to my mom read me my favorite stories, which included the Sweet Pickles series of books by Richard Hefter, The Man Who Didn’t Wash His Dishes by Phyllis Krasilovsky, and Henry’s Awful Mistake by Robert Quackenbush.
Q. When did your interest in writing first begin?
A. My interest began when I took a journalism class in college. I then wrote for the university’s magazine and newspaper.
Writer Sheree Homer. Photo provided by Sheree Homer.
Q. Was there a particular teacher who encouraged your writing?
A. My favorite college professor, Walter Graffin, was instrumental in leading me in the direction of writing. I almost dropped out of school because at the time I was a business major and wasn’t doing too well in my classes. Professor Graffin, who was also my counselor, asked me, “Is there a particular subject that you really enjoy?” I answered “English,” and it changed my life’s course.
Q. After high school, did you pursue higher education?
A. Yes, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a concentration in journalism. I also have a minor in French.
Q. What jobs did you have in your teens and early twenties?
A. My first job was as a sales clerk at Walgreens. Throughout college, I tutored English and French. Then, I had my own music magazine for two years, was a booking agent for several different artists, and had an internet radio show.
Q. Do you have a favourite author (or authors)?
A. I don’t really have a favorite author, but I do have books that I enjoy, such as The Awakening by Kate Chopin, Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.
Q. Tell us about your career as a professional writer.
A. I have written five musical biographies and have contributed articles to various magazines, including Vintage Rock, Blue Suede News, and Keep Rockin’. I even received the cover story twice. My first book, Catch That Rockabilly Fever, was a finalist for an ARSC award in the category of Best Pop/Rock Recorded History.
A 2019 Facebook photo of Sheree Homer.
Q. What is the process for getting a book published at McFarland and Company Inc.?
A. I’m established with them now, but for first timers, you have to submit a query letter and a proposal plus a sample chapter. For me, I usually just tell them an idea, and they either say yes or no.
Q. Is the publisher for all your books McFarland and Company Inc.?
A. Yes, McFarland has published all five of my books.
Q. What are the highs and lows of being a published author?
A. Highs- The best part is the fact that I am preserving history for generations to come. With each book, I establish a longer list of credentials. To publish your own book is expensive and time consuming, so I am thankful that a company does it for me. Plus, they handle some of the promotion. My books are in several libraries and colleges around the world, including the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
Lows- I am not the greatest salesperson, so that’s always a challenge. It’s difficult for me to ask others to buy my books. However, thankfully I have a legion of fans, and many of them have all of my books sitting on their shelves. Sometimes it is not the easiest to find magazines or radio stations that are willing to promote my latest book.
Q. What inspired you to write biographies about music icons?
A. When I graduated from college I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but then my mom and I attended the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans. At the festival, we saw several roots music acts- Dale Hawkins, Elvis Presley’s musicians Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana, Joe Clay, Rocky Burnette, etc. I suspected that the general public didn’t know who they were, and I wanted to try and change that. Once I returned home, I contacted Dale for an interview. He agreed, and that’s how it started. I’m very glad I have spoken to as many as I have since several are no longer with us. Once they pass away, their stories go with them.
Sheree Homer was a big fan of Elvis Presley from an early age.
Q. Who are your favourite singers and bands (living or deceased)?
A. My number one favorite is and always will be Elvis Presley. There will never be another artist like him. He could sing anything. However, there are many others that I love too, such as Chuck Berry, Sonny Burgess, Dale Hawkins, Eddie Cochran, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, The Mavericks, Waylon Jennings, The Rolling Stones, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Ray Price, and LaVern Baker. My list of favorites is quite long as I have a broad taste in music.
Q. How did you become a “Roots Music Expert”?
A. Friends of mine have called me that. I am assuming it’s because I am so knowledgeable about dates and occurrences. It comes from years of hard work, extensive research, and interviews.
Q. Explain your interest in the 1940s and 1950s.
A. I’m a big classic movie fan. I am not sure when that started, maybe twenty years ago. Anyway, I just love the glamour of old Hollywood—the costumes, actors/actresses, producers, cinematography, etc. I enjoy some of the movies of today, but they don’t compare with those of yesteryear. I especially love the movies that star Cary Grant or Barbara Stanwyck. It is definitely a bygone era, magic in a bottle that will never be repeated. As for the 1950s, my mom introduced me to the music, thanks to her 45 RPM record collection. When she was pregnant with me, she played Elvis, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, etc. She said I would move around to the music. Over the years, I’ve discovered a lot of songs and artists from that era on my own, and I’ve developed a passion for the cars, fashion, and movies too. If I could time travel, I’d want to go back to 1957 and stay there. I personally identify more with the values and simplicity of the 1950s. Life seemed much happier back then.
Q. What led to you being named an inductee into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame?
A. To be honest, I am not sure. One day, I got notification from the founder, Bob Timmers, of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame saying I had been inducted. He was familiar with my writing, and he had seen me many times over the years at various rockabilly concerts, so I am sure he knew that I was very supportive of the scene. I am not sure if someone recommended me, or if it was his idea. Either way, I was very humbled and honored. Being inducted has been one of my career highlights.
Q. Please tell us about your new book.
Writer Sheree Homer with Diana Ross tribute artist, Tammi Savoy. Photo from 2018 via Facebook.
A. You Sound Just Like… Behind the Scenes with Forty Tribute Artists is a musical biography. Within its contents, each singer describes their background, life on the road, and musical influences. Many of the featured performers also detail their process in getting ready to hit the stage. This is the list of artists who are profiled: Johnny Rogers (Buddy Holly), Leo Days (Elvis), Gib Maynard (Elvis), Lisa Irion (Cher), Doug Church (Elvis), Al "Fats" Jackson (Fats Domino), John Mueller (Buddy Holly), Tammi Savoy (Diana Ross), Pete Storm (Johnny Cash), Jesse Aron (Roy Orbison), Travis LeDoyt (Elvis), Pete Hutton (Ral Donner), Elaine Wesley (Patsy Cline), Garry Wesley (Elvis), Zach McNabb (Johnny Cash), Scott Hinds (Carl Perkins), Ricky Aron (Elvis), Julie Myers (Stevie Nicks), Dave Bogle (Ricky Nelson), Michael St. Angel (Elvis), Laura West (Ann-Margret), Jake Slater (Elvis), Finley Watkins (Elvis), Luke Stroud (Jerry Lee Lewis), Doug Cooke (Jerry Lee Lewis), Jacob Tolliver (Jerry Lee Lewis), Caden Gamblin (Elvis), Amberley Beatty (Patsy Cline), Christopher Essex (Johnny Cash), Bill Cherry (Elvis), Ted Torres Martin (Elvis), Johnny Thompson (Elvis), Kavan Hashemian (Elvis), Jared Freiburg (Jerry Lee Lewis), Ty Stone (James Brown), Dwight Icenhower (Elvis), John Lyons (Elvis), Jay Dupuis (Elvis), Garry Moore (Little Richard), and Rick Lindy (Roy Orbison).
Q. Please describe your writing process. What do you find most difficult about writing?
Writer Sheree Homer with her mom, Carole. Photo credit: Sheree Homer.
A. First, I figure out a topic that I want to write about. I always write about what I know and a subject that interests me. Then, I submit the idea to my publisher. Once approved, I begin researching information via the internet, books, and magazines. I also make sure to personally speak to as many of the artists as possible. That’s an important aspect, to hear the stories firsthand. If the singer is dead, then I talk to their musicians or a producer. Sometimes, that can be tricky, tracking someone down. For my country book, I had to contact the artists’ agents. When an artist agrees to an interview, I then call or email him/her questions. Transcribing the tapes from the telephone conversations is the hardest part. It takes the most time, too, because you have to keep rewinding the tape to get the quote exactly. I never want to misquote anyone. When all the information is collected, I gather it together and decide what I want to use. The actual writing is usually the easiest and comes the most naturally. Before submitting it to my publisher, I reread my work several times to ensure there are no errors. My mom also serves as an editor. Each book must also feature an index, endnotes, a bibliography, and a discography. It typically takes me two and a half years to complete a manuscript.
Sheree Homer with her dance teacher, Alec Lachman.
Q. Of the many tribute artists that you interviewed for your book, how many have you seen perform live?
A. I feature forty different artists, and I have seen seventeen of them in concert.
Q. What was your inspiration to include ETAs in your new book?
A. I thought it would be an interesting concept for a book, but mine is different in that it profiles tribute artists in general, not just ETAs. Therefore, guys and gals who pay homage to Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, and Cher are also featured. Elvis is the most popular among tribute artists, so it was only natural to want to speak with guys in that industry. The book is about half ETAs and half other tribute artists.
Q. When will your latest book be released?
A. You Sound Just Like…Behind the Scenes with 40 Tribute Artists will be released in Fall 2022.
Q. Are you presently working on your next book?
A. I am currently conducting interviews and doing research for my next book on Dale Hawkins. He wrote, sang, and had a hit with “Susie-Q” in 1957.
Q. Other than writing, what are your favourite past-times?
A. I love attending concerts, taking photos, thrifting, going to the Racine, Wisconsin zoo to see their tiger, ballroom, swing, and Latin dancing (Jitterbug and Merengue are my favorites), and sightseeing.
