04/05/11
Hi folks. Whew! I’ve been really busy here lately, but I’ll have to say in a tremendous way! My new book, “The Lights of Marfa” has now officially been released and is in stores around the country. You can also go online to the
links on our website where the books are available. I’m thrilled at the great response from folks all around. It’s hard for me to believe all this… but it’s happening, and as I’ve said before, I’ll take it!
We had a wonderful book launch party in Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on March 24th. We gave a concert in their “Ford Theatre” which is a wonderful venue, as well as the Rotunda area where the reception was held. I had so many friends and family from around the country attend this magnificent event sponsored by the Moody Publishing Company. In fact, this is the first event of it’s kind that they’ve ever produced and it’s hard to believe it was for me and my new book. It’s difficult for me to describe all this, so after reading my daughter Holli’s blog, I asked if we could post this on my personal blog. This is special for me since it was her perspective on this wonderful event. Since I was a part of it, I was also very involved and so close that quite honestly it still hasn’t all sunk in. So here is Holli’s blog… on my blog. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.
God Bless and be a “Marfa Light” to someone else today!
Doyle
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Dad’s Book Launch Party (and concert)
Last night was Dad’s book launch party at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville for his new book (out April 1st), “The Lights of Marfa.” I’ve mentioned this book many times, and probably will many more, because I’m so very proud of this book and of my Dad for his writing it.
My family has anticipated this book launch party for many, many months now. This was not just the release of a book, this was a very special moment in my Father’s life, as well as ours. To say it was very special is an understatement. It was not only “very special,” it was a blessed event that I will never forget.
The event had a special concert put on by my Dad with several special guests, including Donnie Sumner (formerly of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, who used to be Elvis’ backup singers), Barry Lackey (who was the sailor who showed my Dad how to fingerpick), guitarist Larry Carlton, Worship Leader Rick Muchow of Saddleback Church with Contemporary Christian singer Michele Pillar, David Pack (former singer of the hit group,Ambrosia), Jimmy Capps (an awesome Nashville guitar player), Bob Taylor (of Taylor Guitars), Aubrey Dykes (my Uncle, and the best piano player on the planet), Caleb Dykes (my brother… a rockin’ guitarist), Haley Dykes (my sister, who did a phenomenal job as always), Heidi Dixon (my other sister, who told the “White Rose” story last night), Barrett Parker (Caleb’s band’s drummer, who played drums for Dad’s band last night), Dave Pomeroy on bass… I hope I’m not leaving anyone out… it was amazing!!! Duane Eddy and Ricky Skaggs also came out for the event! :)
To hear my sister, Heidi, tell the “White Rose” story brought me to tears. This was 30 years ago now. Heidi actually reminded me of that last night and told me how she couldn’t believe that a story that took place 30 years ago involved her in it (ha, ha). I can’t believe I’m almost 33!!! But anyway… Heidi did amazingly. She’s one of the best public speakers I’ve ever known… the way she gets up there looking like she has no fear is something I dream of. I believe public speaking is a gift. Let’s be honest, I did NOT open that gift from Jesus (ha, ha)… but he gave me other gifts that I will Always give Him the glory for. (By the way, it was emotional for me to see Heidi meet Michele Pillar, as Heidi used to sing Michele’s song when we all used to travel and sing with Dad as children. I never imagined I’d be able to share that moment with her… what a special, special time.)
Haley performed with her own band. As always, Haley never ceases to amaze me with her talents. I am and will always be her biggest fan. I don’t care who I have to go up against to say that either!! (ha) I have had the honor to hear her voice change from that of a sweet child singing to that of a polished, mature voice, that has always sung to God, and that blesses me.
To see Caleb play with Dad warms my heart, too. I never thought I could see good competition with Dad (ha, ha), but he brought a life into this world that’s giving him a run for his money! (ha) Caleb blows me away with his guitar-playing skills. I can remember when I (yes, ME) was showing him basic chords. Then he took off like a madman, and now I’m the tricycle and he’s the Harley. ;)
David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia, made me star-struck when he sang his song, “Biggest Part of Me.” I’m a huge fan of 70s/80s music (along with oldies), and this melody relaxes me so much. 
David can SANG!! :)
Let’s just say that everyone was unbelievable, but what touched my heart so much, is that I was able to see people honor my Dad the way he has always honored others. Along with his guitar-playing talent, I always hear how much people appreciate my Dad’s humility. He is one of the most humble men you’ll ever meet. He genuinely cares for people. He’s not a fake. He says what he means, and he means what he says. He’s the real deal.
My Mother was also honored in the concert, for all of her hard work over all these years, without which my Dad would not have been able to get to this point in his life. The book is dedicated to her. I’m sure you’ll understand the utter love and devotion my Dad has for my Mom when you read his dedication of the book to her in The Lights of Marfa.
My precious grandmother, Nana Dykes, Dad’s mother, made the trip all the way up to Tennessee, after having been ill for weeks. Though she’s no longer sick, she still feels the weakness, and I appreciate her efforts to be there. A special thanks to everyone else who came out from all over the country!! The crowd literally represented practically the entire U.S. regions. We appreciate your efforts in making the trip and helping to make our event so special!! Dear, dear friends…
In closing, the night was one of the best of my life. A memorable night I’ll never forget…
*Click here for a video clip of “Biggest Part of Me” with David Pack, Larry Carlton, Dave Pomeroy, and Dad (thanks to my brother-in-law, Tom!).
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Thanks for the great pictures Doyle
April 7, 2011 at 2:25 am