2004 News Archive

Augusta news anchor signs to pen book with Harbor House

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Popular Augusta television news anchor Rich Everitt has signed a deal with Harbor House to publish Falling Stars: Air Crashes that Filled Rock and Roll Heaven this Fall.

The 300-page hardback book, set to be released September 15, examines the remarkable lives of John Denver, Jim Croce, Patsy Cline, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, Otis Reddiing, Lynrd Skynrd and other superstars of music who soared to the top of the charts before they died in plane crashes.

"We are very pleased to be publishing this timely and very important book," said Marketing Director Carrie McCullough. "So many of us are still drawn to the talents of these remarkable men and women and the bizarre circumstances surrounding their tragic ends."

A licensed pilot himself, Everitt spent two years researching the book.

"I'm a big music fan myself," Everitt said. "I got hooked on the concept for this book while talking to friends in Nashville, and the idea just kept growing until I met (Harbor House publisher) Randall Floyd about a year ago and he asked me to write a book."
Falling Stars reveals many previously unpublished aspects about each of the entertainers' lives and their tragic deaths.

"This is a great book," said singer/actor Jerry Reed. "Rich provides a ton of information about what went on behind the scenes in the lives of these entertainers, especially in the days leading up to their fateful crashes."

Super-soul singer James Brown, who lives near Augusta, said: "Rich has done a good job. I'm especially touched that he remembered my old friend, Otis Redding, in this book."

Everitt's first-hand experience with aviation and his many contacts in the music and
film industries gave him the insider knowledge to help dissect the last moments of the fallen stars profiled in the book.

Publisher Randall Floyd expects the book will be successful, but expects more.
"I think television will be very interested in this book," he said.

For more information, please contact Carrie McCullough, associate publisher, at carriemccullough@bellsouth.net or (706) 738-0354.