A new book, Remembering Roy Acuff, The King of Country Music, has been published by Robert Gentry of Many, a journalist for more than 60 years. He was editor-publisher and owner of The Sabine Index for 47 years and was also a reporter for The Natchitoches Times in his early days as a student at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. He is a native of Marthaville, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Gentry.
The book is about Gentry’s friendship with Acuff. They took a liking to each other the first time they met, and over the next two decades the bond grew. This is the story of their friendship that lasted until the day Mr. Acuff died on Nov. 23, 1992 at the age of 89.
Gentry stated, “As a young lad I fell in love with Mr. Acuff’s music. I was about six years old at the time. It never occurred to me that one day I might get to meet the man. And it most certainly never occurred to me that we would become friends.”
Continuing, he said, “I was blessed to call Mr. Acuff my friend for more than 20 years. I always had a lot of respect for his sincerity, for the care he showed folks, for his remaining approachable to his fans, his honesty and so many other things. I always had the utmost regard and admiration for the man.”
The book is 142 pages, 8 ½”x11” in size and contains 194 pictures that Gentry took through the years. Roy appeared at Rebel Park near Marthaville on three different occasions, and the book contains stories, photos and details of these programs.
In addition, Rivers Murphy of Natchitoches, who at one time headed the NSU Art Department, is featured in the book. Rivers designed a commemorative coin in honor of Mr. Acuff’s 50th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Gentry had minted in gold, silver, and bronze. Murphy also designed a beautiful alabaster and wood award called “The Rebel,” which was presented to Acuff at one of his appearances at Rebel Park, now known as Rebel State Historic Site. The award was on display in Nashville at Acuff’s Opryland museum for many years.
The new publication is dedicated to several of Gentry’s friends and associates from across Northwest Central Louisiana and beyond.
Gentry’s wife, Laurie, designed the cover and helped prepare the book to be published. Sean Johnson of Many formatted the publication.
Copies of the book may be purchased from Gentry at his office inside the BDC Radio headquarters at 605 San Antonio Ave. in Many or by mail for $30, shipping/handling included, to Robert Gentry, 290 Miller St., Many, LA 71449.
The book is also available at amazon.com by searching “Remembering Roy Acuff” or the complete book title.