Charlie Peacock’s Memoir: A Life in Music – Roots & Rhythm is Engaging and Literary

Many years ago, a friend of Charlie Peacock’s daughter Molly paid a visit and noticed the records and trophies on display. Curious, she asked Molly if her dad was famous, to which she replied, “No. Just well-known.” Charlie Peacock, a Grammy-Award winning producer who has collaborated with artists like Amy Grant, the Lone Bellow, and Holly Williams, may not be a household name for many readers and music fans. However, he is also a songwriter with credits on hits like Grant’s “Every Heartbeat” and DC Talk’s “In the Light.” Peacock continues to release his own music, including his recent album “Every-Kind of Uh Oh” produced by his son, Sam Ashworth.

In his new memoir, “Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music,” Peacock masterfully weaves together stories from his life, beginning with the opening line, “I was gifted with a childhood defined by dirt.” Through elegant writing, reminiscent of Wendell Berry, Peacock shares how his upbringing in a small farming town in Northern California shaped him.

“Roots & Rhythm” doesn’t follow a linear timeline but rather moves in overlapping circles of Peacock’s family roots and relationships with friends, co-writers, and fellow musicians. Unlike many music memoirs that focus on personal achievements, Peacock extends his acknowledgement to everyone who played a part in his journey. From his move to Nashville in the late 1980s to collaborating with artists like Holly Williams and Jackson Browne, Peacock’s memoir showcases the importance of supportive relationships.

Throughout the book, Peacock delves into the concept of “circles of affirmation,” highlighting the communities and relationships that sustain artists on their creative paths. He shares candidly about his struggles with faith and his journey towards spiritual growth. From early turmoil to a quest for a higher power and ultimately finding solace in the unconditional love of his faith, Peacock’s memoir is a testament to resilience and forgiveness.

In the end, Peacock reflects on the goodness of music and the transformative power of love in his life. “Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music” offers readers a deep dive into the life and career of a prolific musician, producer, and songwriter whose journey is as inspiring as it is enlightening.