More about my books
My new books are available for purchase NOW! For a limited time, all copies purchased on this website will be signed by the author. When you purchase a 2-book set, you get a discount NOT available on other on-line stores!
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Because music and songs aren't just heard; they're remembered and connect us
What song takes you back—instantly—to another time, another place, another version of yourself?
In Music We Heard Along the Way, Eric Gray—author of Bases to Bleachers and Backyards to Ballparks—turns his attention to his greatest passion: music. What began as a simple idea became an obsession—collecting stories from friends, family, and strangers about the moments when music shaped their lives.
This collection of deeply personal stories—first concerts, unforgettable performances, meaningful lyrics, and the connections music creates—spans genres, generations, and cultures. The stories shared highlight both the uniqueness of each experience and the universal power of music.
For a limited time, all copies of the books, Music We Heard Along the Way, Volumes 1 and 2, purchased on this site will be signed by the author.
Reviews and testimonials of Music We Heard Along the Way
Book recommendation: Music We Heard Along The Way by Eric C. Gray. Great reads for allmusic fans! Murray Siegel
Eric Gray reminds us that our collective memories form a symphony of recollection.
The passing car whose radio blasts a lyric that a son, and later a
father, will tattoo on his arm. A woman who learned about America through
staticky Madonna hits in her native Vietnam. Finding a life partner in the
person who helped you up after a fall in the mud at a music festival. You will love these stories, and remember your own.
Robin Young, Host, NPR's "Here and Now"
Like the lyrics of a great song, Eric Gray has a gift for capturing the moments
we often overlook—the ones that end up meaning everything. In Music We
Heard Along the Way, some stories are funny, others touching, and some
completely unexpected, but all of them reveal how deeply music shapes our
memories, marks milestones, and connects us to one another. You don't
need to be a music expert to enjoy these book—they are accessible, human,
and ultimately about what music makes possible.
Dana Rhodes, Grant writer and music lover
What an amazing night we just had, at Eric Gray's book tour. He and his wonderful wife, Lynn, just hosted a special evening, reading excerpts and telling stories from his two new books, Music We Heard Along the Way, Volumes I and II.
We had about 15-20 people laughing joking, listening, eating and drinking, outside at The Mason Jar, and we all had a blast. We hung out with old friends, met some new ones, and got to listen to some fantastic stories about what music means to people...and why it truly does bring us all together.
If you haven't already done so. check out his works...you will not be disappointed.
For those of you who joined us,THANK YOU. I hope you had as great a time as we did. For those of you that called texted and emailed, saying you wanted to be there but could not, reach out to me and Ill put ypu in touch with Eric. For those that said they were coming and didn't...you missed out.
Thanks again everyone, we loved having you there, and HAPPY READING.
Jim Kulhawy
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Reviews and Testimonials Of Bases to Bleachers and Backyard to Ballparks
A Review of Backyards to Ballparks from an Amazon customer:
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
This is a beautiful book centered on baseball, but in reality it's so much more. I thought as I began Bases to Bleachers, this book's predecessor, I'd be reading stories about fans' reactions memorable baseball feats, historic games, epic hits, unparalleled pitching performances. But both books prove to be a great deal more. Bases to Bleachers and Backyards to Ballparks offer wistful, intimate, and often funny fan recollections of games attended; beyond baseball, the major themes are love and connection. Often the games are quotidian; it's the memory of being there with a long-gone dad, or a child at his or her first game, or a future spouse that's described in loving tones, transcending the box score and the game itself.
Eric Gray has solicited, and edited, and published love stories, odes the the game. . . but we're also, and more importantly, left with the beautiful humanity of the fans in the seats.
Other reviews of Bases to Bleachers that I particularly appreciate:
Dear Eric,
Last night's event was magical and delightful! Thank you so much for inviting me—it made my day, and it gave me the chance to meet two special people, Ed and his daughter, Jennifer.
...
Your book is doing what MLB is not: bringing fans together to celebrate our national pastime. The sharing of stories and oral histories are absolutely vital as part of American history and culture. Thank you so much for producing this magical tome. Your love and passion for the game shines through, producing a warmth and glow that is good for the soul.
...
Best,
Jon (Leonoudakis)
The game of baseball is timeless, and so are our memories. The worst day of my life occurred in October of 1960 when the Pirates' Bill Mazeroski homered against New York Yankees' pitcher Ralph Terry in the ninth inning of game 7 to win the World Series. The game was historic -- because the Yankees lost, and Casey Stengel was fired. This 14-year-old learned the lesson that nothing ever stays the same. Time marches on.
"Everyone who loves baseball has a story like that. This wonderful book by Eric Gray compiles them.
-- Peter Golenbock, author of Dynasty, The Bronx Zoo (with Sparky Lyle), and Number 1 (with Billy Martin).Eric Gray's book pays homage to the love of "the one constant through all of the years", the game of baseball. He does so with an anthology of anecdotes from ordinary fans(and some celebrities) about what baseball means to them, and how the game made memories that have lasted from generation to generation. I thought I would take my time and read the book in short passages since you can pick it up anywhere and not lose context. Instead, I could not stop reading it. I finished it in less than three days because each anecdote provided some comfort and meaning that I could identify with as a baseball fan. Some stories, especially the ones about special needs children, made me choke up with tears - Harold KasselmanSpent the evening with a new old friend, who has written a TREMENDOUS book chock full of baseball stories told from a fan's viewpoint. This collection is a treasure, and MUST be on the bookshelf of anyone who considers themselves even a casual fan of the game. It'll make you smile, it'll make you cry, but most of all it'll make you fall in love with this game all over again. – Jim Kulhawy
