Should Have Known Better (eBook)

Acknowledgements

My heartfelt appreciation to the many people who gave their time, talents, memories, and prior research to make Should Have Known Better possible. You made the telling of John’s story a reality, “norra dream.” Thank you.

Rande Kessler, my soul mate and husband who drew the cover sketch of John in 1964. He has lived with John for 44 years and yet, he still works tirelessly to make sure John’s story gets out to the world, helping to edit the book and handling all the business aspects of publication. Rande’s talent is unequaled as he is also a gifted singer/song-writer, writer, marathon runner, deep sea diver, and respected businessman. I am so blessed – I love you.

Lanea Stagg, the best friend a girl could have. Lanea read this book so carefully and with such attention to detail that every undotted “i” should now be dotted! Her editor’s eye is matchless. The precious gift of her time and expertise cannot be repaid. She gave hours and hours to all aspects of this book while sustaining me as a friend. Love you, Lanea!

Bill Harry, who was so kind to write the Foreword for this book, gave me several wonderful photos for the book, and who has been an integral part of The John Lennon Series from Day One. Bill, your authoritative Beatles books are always a valuable guide to me as I write, and you’re never more than an e-mail away when I need help. It continues to be my great honour to call you “friend.” My love to Virginia and to you.

Susan Derbacher, my extremely talented illustrator for this book. Susan worked for three years on the pen and ink drawings that honour John and tell his story in 1964. I am so proud to have her lovely work grace these pages.

Tim Coulter, who did the professional cover design for this book, as he has done for all the books in The John Lennon Series and who served as my webmaster for most of the time that I was writing this book. Thank you for believing in me and for being my friend for three decades!

Mark and Carol Lapidos, who time and again have cheered me on and served as a second family to me. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. Love to Michelle Joni and Jessica as well!

Susie Duchateau, my savvy and patient research assistant, who can find anything in no time flat! Thank you for coming to my research rescue. “Out of the blue, you came to me and blew away life’s misery!”

Freda Kelly, who was gracious enough to give me an interview for my radio show, The John Lennon Hour, to speak at my GRAMMY Museum of MS Beatles Symposium in 2016, and to answer my questions about book details. Daily, Freda inspires me to be a better person. She sets the bar high. Across The Beatles World, Freda is admired, respected and loved.

Louise Harrison, who gave me an interview in Kansas City, 1994, and then appeared on my radio show, “The John Lennon Hour” in 2016. Thank you, for the insights from your perspective into the early promotion of The Beatles’ records, the workings of Vee-Jay, Swan, and Capitol – and The Beatles’ lives on the road during the 1964 North American Tour. This was invaluable.

May Pang, for always being there when I needed support, an answer, a book review, or a kind word. You know what I think of you…truly a sweet and inspiring soul. I am so glad you touched John’s life with your love. Your love made him a better man.

Charlie Lennon, John’s late uncle, who sat with me for hours in The Grapes, Liverpool, talking about the relationship between Stanley, Fred, and himself…and about Fred’s reluctance to reconnect with John in 1964. Charlie supplied family details I could have found nowhere else. Rest in peace.

Elliot Easton, gifted bass player for the celebrated band, The Cars. Elliot, your knowledge of The Beatles is in a league of its own! Thank you for the edits and the guidance. I salute your vast expertise!

Randy Bachman, music icon of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive and internationally celebrated singer/songwriter and musician, for reading The John Lennon Series and giving me such a lovely cover endorsement. It is an honour for a such a savvy, “die-hard Beatles fan” (as you say in your biography) to be so kind with your time and your praise. My sincere thanks to you, Randy!

Dr. Angie McCartney and Ruth McCartney, two of the most positive, loving, and joyous ladies I know, for reading and endorsing this book. You always inspire me to be a better person. My respect for you is boundless. Thank you!

Tom Frangione, of The Beatles Channel on Sirius XM radio, who is not only a Beatles expert but the truest of friends, in good times and bad. Tom, I appreciate your endorsement with all my heart. You are truly a great man; you make the world a better place.

John Trusty, who shared with me the touching story of the night in Key West that he “almost spent” with John Lennon. In my opinion, John Trusty’s conversation with John Lennon has been lifelong. John Trusty continues to be a diligent researcher regarding the 1964 North American Tour and a dear friend. John, I appreciate so much the introductions to Bettie Birdsall and Eva Zavala, who in turn introduced me to Reed Pigman, Jr. Also, hugs to Suzie-Q.

Ivor Davis, who was the only British journalist to spend the entire 1964 North American Tour with The Beatles! Your true stories, insights, guidance, and friendship have sustained me not only in the writing of this book but in some of the more difficult moments of the last three years. You are a prince of a man! I am so honoured to know you.

Art Schreiber, who charmingly relayed his adventures with The Beatles during the 1964 North American Tour…especially his friendship with John Lennon. This first-hand information will delight our readers! Thank you, Uncle Arturo!

Bob Barry, or “Beatle Bob” as he is fondly known, for giving me the very helpful interview about The Beatles in Cincinnati and for furnishing such a great photo for this book. Cincinnati was a turning point in the North American Tour; it was so important to get that story right, and Bob made sure that happened. Thanks, Bob!

Larry Kane, who gave me a great interview about 1964 and has always taken time to check on Rande and me. Your three books have been extremely helpful, as have you.

Gene Loving, who shared his true stories of escorting Louise Harrison to Liverpool and London in the spring of 1964 and shared his interview with The Beatles as well. Gene was so kind to read his chapter and make the changes needed to make it accurate. Thank you, Gene!

Bettie Westmoreland Birdsall, who on numerous occasions took my phone calls answering questions about the 1964 tour and who permitted me to interview her for Beatles at the Ridge’s Symposium, 2017. Bettie gave me exact details about the events on board the Electra II that I could not have found elsewhere and generously shared her rare photos in this book. Thank you, Bettie!

Eva Zavala, who gave me excellent information about Cliff Bonifield and Pres Cooper and the events on board the Electra II during the 1964 North American Tour. I also sincerely appreciate her introducing me to Reed Pigman, Jr., whose father owned American Flyers Airlines.

Reed Pigman, Jr., who gave me a very thorough interview about his father’s role in The Beatles’ 1964 North American Tour. Since Reed Jr. was at the Alton, Missouri, farmhouse throughout the weekend whilst The Beatles were there, he supplied one-of-a-kind true stories about George’s driving lesson, Ringo’s permitting him to slip on the Beatle boots, and so much more! Thank you for giving of your valuable time, Reed.

Reggie Young of the Bill Black Combo, who gave of his time to discuss the incredible days that the Bill Black Combo spent on tour with The Beatles in 1964. What an honour it was to speak with “America’s Guitar Player.” Reggie set me straight on many facts about the North American Tour that had been “rather exaggerated” in other sources. Thank you, Reggie!

Harry Truman Moore, who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with me in recreating the events in Walnut Ridge, AR in 1964, and secured the photographs of the Tasty Freeze and the three boys who drove out to the airfield to “meet The Beatles.” Thank you for sharing your telephone interview revealing events that occurred the night The Beatles landed at the Walnut Ridge air field.

A very special thank you and much love to my team of editors:

Lanea Stagg, once again…who read this book, cover to cover, three (four? five?) times, making thousands of edits. God bless you, my friend. God only knows what I’d be without you.

Rande Kessler, who always finds time. Thank you, honey! Since 1973, you have been the sunshine of my life and always will be. Because…

Jacob Michael, who served as my Beatles expert editor for the fourth time! Jacob, thank you for knowing John so well that you have a special insight into the work. I always appreciate your advice and friendship.

Coleen Stern, an esteemed editor for Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, who gave hours upon hours of her expertise and personal time to edit Should Have Known Better. Coleen, your work is amazing!

John Reeder, who sent me pages and pages...