Book Talk: Paul Burch Discusses Meridian Rising: A Novel

Paul Burch is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, multi-instrumentalist and now, an author. Meridian Rising: A Novel is a bio-fictional tale about Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmie Rodgers, in which Burch blends historical fact and fiction to create both a “lost” Rodgers memoir and sometimes conflicting and often humorous recollections from Rodgers’ friends, family and colleagues.

Informed and inspired by previously unpublished research and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s archives—including an account of an I.O.U. Rodgers offered from a nonexistent bank to cover a considerable roulette loss—Burch immerses the reader in Rodgers’ real and imagined world while illuminating the heart of country music history. The book is a dynamic extension of Burch’s 2016 album, also titled Meridian Rising, a Rodgers timeline in song. This program will feature a musical performance by Burch and multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin. The museum’s Allison Moorer will host. After the program, Burch will sign books, which will be available for purchase in the theater.