NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (March 9, 2015) – His music stands as a soundtrack of what was
being played on Country Radio in the 1990s, and two decades later, John
Berry is breathing new life into his heartfelt lyrics with the release
of Songs and Stories, a program style book in which the veteran
performer talks about the meaning of some of his favorite songs – from
his own pen, as well as others.
The book begins with “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,” which the
South Carolina native shares a story about a conversation he had with
another friend who sought John’s marital advice– fortunately the couple
is still together. 2015 marks twenty years since the release of the
single, which peaked at No. 1 on the Radio & Records Country Singles
chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Other Berry
radio staples included in the book include “If I Had Any Pride Left At
All” and “Your Love Amazes Me,” which earned the soulful singer his
first chart-topper in 1994.
But, Songs and Stories is about much more than just simply
hit records. Take, for example, “Salvation,” a song that was included on
his 1999 Lyric Street album Wildest Dreams, and actually
became a favorite of many truck drivers going to and from their
destinations at night. There’s his touching story of “O Holy Night,” and
the effect it has had on his family – as well as “Annie’s Song,” the
epic 70s ballad from John Denver that served as such an inspiration to
Berry. He also talks about leaving the backstage area following a Denver
show much too early – which still stands as one of his biggest regrets.
Also included in the collection are rare photos of John, wife Robin,
and their family, as well as his father Jim and mother Marie, who both
figure prominently into his thoughts on “Forty Again.”