The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story

Dive into the vibrant world of Carolina beach music with The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story, a captivating journey through the decades with one of the South’s most iconic bands. Through the eyes and memories of Bobby Tomlinson and friends, this book brings readers closer than ever to the music, stories, and legacy of a group that defined a genre.Co-authored by Bill Benners, first-time author Chris Jones, and seasoned journalist Skip Crayton, this book features exclusive insights from Bobby himself, along with contributions from over a dozen former and current band members, prominent beach music historians, club owners, and devoted fans. Each page offers readers a front-row seat to thrilling performances, humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, and the enduring passion that made The Embers legendary.Enjoy a backstage pass to the creation of iconic songs like “I Love Beach Music” and “Far Away Places,” and step into the VIP section of their legendary Embers Clubs that helped pioneer the beach music scene. Filled with rare glimpses behind the scenes, personal reflections, and untold stories, The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story celebrates the spirit of beach music and invites readers to experience the magic that has kept this music alive for over 60 years.Perfect for fans, collectors, and music lovers alike, this book is a must-read tribute to a band that has become the heartbeat of beach music.REVIEWS:The Press Sentinel; Jesup, GA, Feb. 13, 2025: Review by Dink NeSmith: www.dinknesmith.comDuring my UGA days—1966-1970—I heard fraternity brothers talking about pilgrimages to thebeach-music mecca. One of The Embers’ signature songs is “Far Away Places.” That’s whatMyrtle Beach’s Ocean Drive (OD) was for me—a “far away place.” I never got “there” becauseof two things: a flat wallet and my 1968 Dodge Coronet 440 wouldn’t run on fumes.But for almost 60 years, the oxblood Weejuns—dancing in my daydreams—haven’t stoppedshagging to OD jukebox favorites and especially “I Love Beach Music.”Thank you, Bobby Tomlinson and The Embers.Thank you, Chris, Bill and Skip. Your book did for me what all good reads should do.It “got me there.” -- dnesmith@cninewspapers.com-----------------------GOLDMINE-THE RECORD COLLECTOR’S MAGAZINE – APR 21, 2025goldminemag.com/columns/fabulous-flip-sides‘The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story’ tells the story of a drummer who spent 60 years withthe leading beach music band The Embers, the history of the genre, and life in the Southeast.Warren Kurtz * Apr 21, 2025The beach music group with the greatest longevity are The Embers, beginning in 1958,with Bobby Tomlinson on drums, before it was even called beach music, a term thatwould arise a decade later. His story, the history of The Embers, and the beach musicgenre are wonderfully detailed in the new McBryde Publishing book The Embers: TheBobby Tomlinson Story, written by Chris Jones, Bill Benners, and Skip Crayton. Read more