What is it like to be a traveling musician? What if the musician is a Christian? Are his challenges any different? The Lights of Marfa by Doyle Dykes gives a bit of insight about what it’s like to be a traveling Christian musician. However, the emphasis is not on Doyle. He is just the instrument through which these stories are told. The book is full of experiences that he has had that can only be explained, as he puts it, as “a God thing.”
Doyle is a humble, but confident man. As he shares the different stories, he is careful to give credit where it is due. In spite of the fact that he as met many renowned guitarists who have influenced his own playing, he has always acknowledged that one man in particular changed the way he plays more than anyone else - Barry the Sailor. Chapter 3 tells how they met, lost contact, and were reunited thirty years later in a very remarkable way.
Other chapters tell about how he shared the stage with Elvis, Chet Atkins, or Duane Eddy. Doyle has played all over the world and shared the love of the Lord as he was able - including in The Cavern Club where The Beatles got their start. The Lights of Marfa is written as though Doyle were talking to you: with plain English and nothing fancy so that the story is emphasized. The Truth and the Lord shine through in this book.
Oh! I almost forgot! There is a DVD included with the book. It has an interview with Doyle, music video, and a behind-the-scenes taping of the song, The Lights of Marfa. Be sure to check out Doyle’s website for more cool stuff:
2 Comments on Lights of Marfa by Doyle Dykes, last added: 5/25/2011
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Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing your review, Julie.
Thanks Susanne! It is a fun read, but uplifting as well. Hope you are doing well!