Bus Fare to Kentucky: The Autobiography of Skeeter Davis

"Bus Fare to Kentucky" details the life of the late country music singer and Grand Ole Opry member, Skeeter Davis.Although Davis may have been a marginally talented singer who lucked out with the massive Country and pop music hit "End of the World" in 1963/4, this book is interesting because it offers an inside look into the life of a person whom, very much like Loretta Lynn, grew from dirt poverty in a poor Kentucky farming family, to the spotlight of world fame.Yes, there are points where it bogs down with detail on her dysfunctional parents and her large family, there is still much to gain the interest of TRUE fans of classic country music from the 1950's-1970's.Of particular value are details Skeeter offers about her ill-fated four-year marriage to well-known country music disc jockey, and later, Nashville Network talk show host, Ralph Emery.Prior to reading Skeeter's book, I had a very positive image of Mr. Emery, like the millions who watched his TNN show in the 1990s...... but no longer.I understand that part of the impetus for Skeeter to complete this biography was to reply to several hurtful things Emery had said about her in his initial autobiography. Well, Skeeter had plenty of dirt on the horrid behavior of this wretched man and his treatment of her during their relationship. This included his womanizing, his LOVE for HER money, his egotism, physical abuse (once whacking Skeeter across the back with a curtain rod in the presence of her family) and his abuse of "uppers."The book also details many aspects of Skeeter's Christian faith.I have much more respect for Skeeter Davis after reading this book and wish that she were still with us. Sadly, she died of cancer several years ago. Through her music and bright personality, Skeeter contributed much joy to the world during her time here. She is much more than just a singer whom many would classify as just the "One Hit Wonder" who sang "End of the World."

This stuff is just too wild. Nobody could ever make this up.If you ever feel like a cry, this is the book for you.If you're tough and don't cry, this is the book for you too.Real people in real life.Growing up in 'shine' country. Walking to school and home 4 miles each way, with your dog and the doggets to spend the day with you. Your daddy riding a horse up the steps to the bedroom.Arriving early for a gig then hiding outback in an alley with Elvis and singing gospel together.It's all here. Riding in a car, changing seats with another person only to have that person die in your place minutes later.Divorces, a crushing family disaster, then another then the crushing hand of fate pounds Skeeter.I nearly cried for her several times till I hit page 261 and realized she had a much better life than I.Ever wonder where the 'girl-group' sound of the early 60's came from?For the 6 years from the late 1950's till the Beatles landed and the British invasion beganthe 'girl' groups of the 60's were responsible for 48% of all record sales.Only the Beatles could stop them. Skeeter started it all,not knowingly but out of necessity.Of all the women on Earth, Skeeter was the woman Elvis wanted.The funny looking little country girl with not a cent and not much in social skills.Elvis couldn't have Skeeter. Why?Yeah, it's all in this book.A very real story honestly presented by Mary Pennick herself.It's wild,weird,strange and all true.Told beautifully by Skeeter Davis herself.I look at the rear book cover and see the picture of Skeeter all grown up,most of her lifes battles behind her. She turned out pretty terrific.then I remember "the wind at your back is nice, but it's pushing into the wind that lifts you".LUV Ya Skeeter.

I wanted to read her book after knowing she and Betty Jack knew my parents and grandparents. I recall seeing home movies of Skeeter at my grandparent's home and I actually attended her first wedding to Kenneth Depew. Her bridesmaids were in those big full fluffy skirts at the same church where Mom and Dad were married in Covington. She, of course, shares more details of the horrible crash that killed Betty Jack, and the guilt and depression she felt afterwards. One thing I looked for, but couldn't find was how Ralph Emery did the first multi-track recording with Skeeter with "The End of the World". The Davis Sisters were known for their beautiful harmony and when BJ died Skeeter was no solo artist. So, she sang lead AND harmony on her hit single. That was a first! I also remember how my mom would go to local personal appearances when Skeeter came to town. Mom said fame hadn't changed their friendship. Mom and Skeeter were the same age, attended the same church, and Skeeter always raved about my grandma's cooking. We were sad when we heard she had died.

This autobiography arrived on time and in the condition described. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging story of the life and musical career of Skeeter Davis. I highly recommend the book and the bookseller.

Skeeter's autobiography isn't for everyone, but I loved it! I'm in my mid 60s, from the south and have known & seen lots of poor people over the years. Mary Francis Penick (Skeeter's real name) grew up in a poor family in rural Kentucky. Skeeter tells many stories about her childhood years that are interesting but when she met Betty Jack Davis as a teenager and they formed the Davis Sisters, her career path was destined. The singing duo had a hit song and their fame was spreading rapidly when tragedy struck (devastating car wreck). Skeeter's best friend was suddenly gone and it was more than a year before Skeeter would sing again. Skeeter eventually became a huge success professionally with help from Chet Atkins, Ernest Tubb and others. It's too bad she chose poorly when it came to men. There's also a couple of funny incidents with Elvis. Read the book!

Not for me but recipient loved it

Love the Book,Love Skeeter. They should make a Film about her life.

I've always loved her music. The way she sang, really brought out the emotional impact, of every song. I knew that she had been involved in an automobile accident, which took the life of her singing partner, Betty Jack Davis, early in her career, but little else. So, I was very curious to know how this, and other events in her life, affected her, on a personal, as well as a professional level. I'd heard that she'd written an autobiography, many years ago, but I wasn't sure of it's title. And, I figured it was probably too hard to find. So, I am very happy to have found a used copy, here on Amazon. Also, I'm pleased about the good condition of the book.

この本は，米国のOsterhout Free Library の蔵書でした。なかに貸し出しカードが入っており、利用者はまだいない状態でした。このような蔵書が図書館からどのようにして出品者に渡ったのかは知りませんが、この図書館が自らの意思で手放したのではないような気がします。なんだか気が引けるので、図書館に返送しようかと思っております。どうするのが最善かご教示願います。