ABOUT:

Hear the music of a singing cowboy—who almost becomes Roy Rogers—as he finds love with a hat-wearing, quirky lady. Their coming-of-age stories converge, revealing lives honed by life-threatening hardship in the flatlands of Texas, the high plains of New Mexico, and the green hills of the Arkansas Ozarks. In an unlikely “Land of Opportunity,” their young sons rise, and Black & Kiddo turn weathered hands to new work, heartened by the long arc of dreams.

Written by Brenda Clem Black, daughter-in-law of Black & Kiddo. Each chapter is set to the music of the time.

PRAISE:

“I treasure this book about a man who was almost famous and the feisty woman who was the love of his life. The story unfolds against a background of rural America as it undergoes decades of important change. The people you’ll meet here are extraordinary in their resilience and their passion for each other, their families, and for a life that included enough hard work to have stopped me in my tracks. Brenda Black’s writing brings out the adventures, the humor and, best of all, her own palpable affection for Black and Kiddo. Well done.”

— Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author, Spider Woman’s Daughter, Rocks with Wings, Song of the Lion, Cave of Bones

“This true American saga captures the spirit of the West and makes a music of eternal hope. By the end, Black and Kiddo will feel like kin. A heartening tale thick with humor, honesty, and insight that will deepen your sense of Home.”

— Max Evans, The Rounders, The Hi Lo Country

“Parallel stories of Black and Kiddo merge into a remarkable love story. Love dominates this book—love of land, love of family, love of animals, love of music and art, love of serving others— made even more precious with the sacrifices. Not a religious book by nature, sincere trust in God permeates throughout. Quiet humor, gentle wisdom, life-long passions and dreaming, and an unbelievable strength and courage. ‘No tears’ was the rule in Kiddo’s family but fortunately does not apply to the reader. I sobbed when I read the last line. This book is a treasure.”

—Marilyn H. Collins, CHS Publishing, Step-by-Step Writing Guides: Market Yourself, Market Your Book; Memoir Writing Guide