The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
No blues for Stuart as he wins literary prize for his latest book
Perth writer wins top award for his latest book on 1960s US
Perth writer Stuart Cosgrove has received a top literary prize for his remarkable account of life, death and music in 1960s America.
His book, Memphis 68, charts a turbulent year in the soul music capital.
At this weekend’s Laugharne arts festival, the book was crowned winner of the prestigious Penderyn Music Book Prize, beating competition from Billy Bragg and music journalist David Hepworth.
Cosgrove, an acclaimed radio broadcaster and former NME writer, said: “Winning this award, amongst such formidable competition, is a privilege.
“It reflects the widespread public interest in popular social history and soul music. It also highlights the range of books being published independently in Scotland.”
The former St John’s Primary pupil added: “I am delighted to accept the award. I have a passionate belief in the creativity of small nations and see Pen deryn as a very inspiring example of that.”
The prize has been running for four years and was organised by Laugharne Weekend festival founder Richard Thomas.
Memphis 68 tells the story of a city split by racial tensions and a bitter strike.
It opens with the death of the city’s most famous recording artist, Otis Redding, who was killed in a plane crash in the final days of 1967. The book then follows the fortunes of Redding’s label Stax/Volt Records, as they fall and rise again.
The writer promoted the book last year with a reading at Perth’s AK Bell Library.
It is the second of an epic trilogy, following Detroit 67 released three years ago. The final part, Harlem 69, will be published in October.
Perth-raised Cosgrove is best known today as the co-host of BBC Radio Scotland’s popular comedy football phone-in, Off the Ball, which he presents twice a week with Tam Cowan.
The avid St Johnstone FC fan worked at fashion and music magazine the Face before going on to hold several top executive roles at Channel 4.
Before that, he was black music editor at the indie music bible NME, where he interviewed the likes of Prince, Stevie Wonder and Public Enemy.