Rick Shannon/Buddy Miles

Created by Bill Fitzhugh

Goofmeister Bill Fitzhugh’s Radio Activity (2004) introduced RICK SHANNON, an out-of-work DJ whose new job at a small FM classic rock station in a small Mississippi town turns out to be a bit of a bust–the station’s under new management, the program director’s disappeared and the spacious digs he’s been promised turn out to be a rundown trailer.

When Rick discovers a pretty raunchy audiotape full of heavy breathing that might explain the fate of the missing program director, he decides to look into the matter, adopting a whole new persona and a possible career opportunity: BUDDY MILES, P.I.

It seemed like a good idea at the time–until the missing program director turns up about as dead as disco, and it soon became clear that Rick/Miles may have a rock’n’roll heart (the real Buddy Miles was once Jimi Hendrix’s drummer), but he’s severely lacking in the clue department.

It’s an enjoyable romp, full of Fitzhugh’s usual needle-sharp satire and decidedly broad (but affectionate) characterizations, as well as a pretty fun celebration of–what else?–rock’n’roll.

Even better, though, is that Rick returned in 2005’s Highway 61 Resurfaced, now working at a radio station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and running a detective agency called Rockin’ ‘Vestigations.

Turn it up to eleven, man, and party on…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Fitzhugh worked at several FM rock radio stations in the 1970s and 1980s. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, he prefers The Band, Little Feat, and Van Morrision to Black Sabbath, Iron Butterfly, and Uriah Heep–as any rational person would.

NOVELS

Respectfully submitted by Kevin Burton Smith.

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