Ronnie McDowell, known for decades of hit songs and genuine warmth that fills seats again and again, opens up about his illustrious music career in his new autobiography, “‘Bringing It To You Personally,” available for preorder now.
“Bringing It To You Personally,” which includes more than 100 photos, captures McDowell’s personal and career triumphs, as well as life lessons he’s endured throughout four decades as an entertainer. McDowell’s autobiography chronicles the moment he came out of nowhere to dazzle the world with his heartfelt and self-penned tribute song, “The King Is Gone,” in honor of Elvis Presley’s death.
“My fans have been asking me to write a book for more than 20 years. I have always said it would probably not happen, but last year I thought maybe the time was right to tell the real story of my life,” McDowell said.
The young man from Portland, Tennessee quickly proved that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder after “The King is Gone.” From that single onward, McDowell charted more than thirty Top 40 hits on the Billboard country music charts. Two of his singles, “Older Women” and “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” reached No. 1 on the country charts, while eleven more reached Top Ten. He has also released more than twenty studio albums.
McDowell often tours with Elvis Presley’s original sidemen Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana along with Millie Kirkham and The Jordanaires staging a tribute to Elvis Presley’s music. The legendary Scotty Moore, Elvis’ original guitar player, also raved about McDowell’s autobiography, “If you are a Ronnie fan, if you are an Elvis fan or if you happen to be a Scotty Moore fan…you need to read this book.”
The book’s foreword is written by one of Ronnie’s best friends, The Jordanaires’ Ray Walker:
(book excerpt) “Ronnie is so loved by everyone who works with him. And none more than me. You’ve heard of people who are joined at that hip? Ronnie and I are joined at the heart. In the Bible, Jesus says, ‘There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother’…and that is Ronnie McDowell,” said Ray Walker of The Jordanaires.
‘Bringing It To You Personally’ also includes McDowell’s personal stories about his friendships with everyone from to George Jones to tourmate Conway Twitty.
“I have been able to work with and get to know just about everyone in country music. And I am able to share my memories of those special times and special people.” McDowell adds, “There are some funny stories about a lot of the country stars. And yes, I name names!”
McDowell scored a Top 10 hit with “It’s Only Make Believe,” a duet with Conway Twitty on what had been Twitty’s breakthrough rock and roll hit in 1958. Conway Twitty fans will also love Ronnie’s memories of seven years on the road with Conway.
“I have so many memories of Conway and they are all in here, going from the first time I met him to the very last words he said to me before he died,” McDowell said.
RONNIE MCDOWELL ON TOUR:
Jan. 29 The Palace Theater – Gallatin, TN
Jan. 30 The Palace Theater – Gallatin, TN
Feb. 13 The Lodge at Blue Ridge Summit – Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Feb. 14 Rosedale American Legion – Rosedale, MD
Feb. 19 Bottling Pant Event Center – Opelika, Ala.
Feb. 21 Converse College – Spartanburg, S.C.
Feb. 27 My Time Cafe – Portland, Tenn.
March 11 Tennessee Armour – Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.
March 12 Tennessee Armour – Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.
April 16 The Roxy Theater – Russellville, Ala.
April 30 Marian Cocke’s Elvis Presley Charity Event – Fulton, Miss.
May 13 Old King Coal Festival – West Frankfort, Ill.
May 14 Strawberry Festival – Portland, TN
July 15 The Canadian Bluemoon Elvis Festival Barriere, B.C. Canada
