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 12 months 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 Penderyn 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.
This year’s judging panel included drummer James Sclavunos – a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – former Public Image Ltd bass player Jah Wobble and Fast Show comedian Simon Day.
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 died 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.
Cosgrove also explores the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King and looks at how soul music led the movement for social change.
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 Stuart 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.
