I have been reading Billy Franks' book A Far Cry From Sunset. It tells the story both of his life and struggles in the music business and beyond and the summer of 2005 when he and some mates travelled round Europe and the States trying to get prominent artists to make a tribute album to an unknown songwriter ( Billy himself).
It's a great read. The writing, like his songs, is direct, honest and very personal. It is a story of humour, appreciating what life has given you, but at the same time , despite all obstacles, pursuing your dream.
Billy should be respected if only for three songs he wrote many years ago. Easter Parade (written from the point of view of a soldier injured in Falklands War), Fulham Court ( about the estate he grew up on in West London) and The Tradesman Entrance (about the 80's depression). He has written many other good songs over the years and regularly gigs around West London.
He's not a friend ,I have never met him but like other, better known, musicians ( Weller, Gedge, Strummer, Young, Reed, Nelson, Cave to name a few) his songs have permeated my whole adult life and influenced my outlook on it..
His book is available from Amazon. Buy it and support a great unknown British artist and check out his music also available from Amazon as MP3s.
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