Whittle book signing set

What does entertainer Leroy Troy, author Dan Whittle and Leroy the Mule have in common?

They're scheduled to appear Saturday, April 15 at the Arts Center of Cannon County for a book signing followed by musical entertainment.

The event will begin at 3 p.m. With the signing of Whittle's newest book 'Music City: Talent Behind the Stars.'

"Leroy Troy will perform music that night after helping sign books with me that afternoon," Whittle confirmed.

A "special" moment is planned with a 3 p.m. "press conference" when Middle Tennessee Mule Skinner Danny Fraley unveils his "smartest, best lookin' mule" named after musician Leroy Troy.

"You don't name no dumb, ugly mule after Leroy Troy," farmer Fraley said.

"The mule-naming ceremony could bring a tear to my eye," banjoist/comic icon Leroy shared. "The honor makes my Sunday-go-to-meeting overall galluses swell with pride to be the first Nashville entertainer to have a mule named after them."

Fraley claims the new fame has caused his mule to change.

"Mule Leroy brays louder and steps higher since he's been named after Nashville legend Leroy Troy," mule farmer Fraley said. "I've also had to add high-priced fancy oats to his hay since Leroy (the mule) thinks he's a celebrity too."

Whittle's new book, 'Music City: Talent Behind the Stars' has star power, such as Connie, Marty, Dolly and Willie, the author noted. "But a main goal of wife Pat and my research is to spotlight the unsung family members, talented technicians, photographers and yes, even a preacher or two who help the stars shine brightly around the globe out of Music City USA."

The book features previously unpublished pictures in the book from Nashville's renowned Grand Ole Opry (retired) photographer Les Leverett.

"Mr. Leverett, known as Nashville's 'Memory Keeper', graciously shared his historic pictures for our book, such as the last official performance at the Ryman Auditorium as the official home of the Opry in 1973," Whittle added. "Mr. Leverett has also promised to be on hand to sign books that afternoon along with me, book consultant Jennifer Stuart, little sister to Marty Stuart and gospel songwriter Bill 'Pentecostal Preacher' Wolfenbarger who has a global ministry out of Nashville."

"Farmer Fraley also said Leroy, the mule, may be smart enough to hoof sign a few books that will be on sale (signed) for $30," Whittle forecast.

The afternoon event begins at about 3 p.m. with the mule naming and possible mule/wagon rides for the children and grandparents.

"That's when Jennifer Stuart, little sister to Opry mega star Marty, and Music City photographer Les Leverett will sign books along with co-authors Dan and Pat Whittle," announced Arts Center Assistant Director Mary Wilson. "All are featured in 'Music City: Talent Behind the Stars' along with Murfreesboro musician/vocalist/songwriter Billy Henson and Nashville's Billy "Pentecostal Wolfman" Wolfenbarger who ministers to stars and other folks around the globe."

The book is available at the Arts Center as well as the historic Cannon Courier newspaper, the oldest business in Woodbury, dating back to the 1880s.