Author John Capouya will be on hand to talk about his book, "Florida Soul: From Ray Charles to KC and the Sunshine Band," at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library's Book Talk Café Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Capouya's book tells the story of the musical upbringing of Ray Charles in Florida, where he wrote his first songs and made his first recordings. It highlights the careers of Pensacola singers James and Bobby Purify and their producer, Papa Don Schroeder. "Florida Soul" reveals how Hank Ballard created his international hit song “The Twist” after seeing the dance in Tampa, and it profiles Gainesville singer Linda Lyndell ("What a Man"). Miami's Overtown and Liberty City neighborhoods produced Sam Moore of the duo Sam and Dave, Willie Clarke and Johnny Pearsall of Deep City Records and singer Helene Smith.
Capouya teaches journalism and nonfiction narrative at the University of Tampa. He mentors students in UT’s Lowresidency Creative Writing MFA program, and works with private writing clients. During his journalism career, he worked as an editor for Newsweek and SmartMoney magazines, New York Newsday and the New York Times. "Florida Soul" is his third book.
This event, taking place at the Ponte Vedra Library at 101 Library Blvd., is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and Capouya will sign copies of his book at the conclusion of his presentation.
