On this special Throwback Thursday, I’m going out of order to share a book that was probably one of the hardest for me to write.
Sixteen years ago today, my husband, Rick Sikes, departed from this earthly existence. But he left so much behind, including a huge story which created the opportunity for an entirely new life for me. So, today, to honor his legacy, his love and his artistry, I’m sharing the second book in the True Story Series, The Convict and The Rose.
There are so many things about this book that make it special, from the cover artwork to the historic events that unfold. First the book cover—In the late seventies, Willie Nelson commissioned Rick Sikes to do the artwork for a new album cover. That album never got released for several reasons, so I chose to use it for this book cover. Another historic event that unfolds in the story is the creation of a recording studio inside the walls of Leavenworth prison. To my knowledge, it was the only functioning recording studio ever inside the walls of a federal prison, and it took years for it to come to fruition. I contacted the prison when I was writing this book and the head of the recreation department confirmed that the studio ceased to exist shortly after Rick’s release.
The music CD that accompanies this book was remastered from analog tapes of some of the recordings made inside that prison studio. All the songs except for the title track were recorded there. The title track was recorded in 2013 in a studio in Fort Worth, Texas. As I was going through files, letters, and documents to create this book, I found the song lyrics Rick had written for “Forty Foot High.” I’d never heard him sing it and had no idea how he heard it in his head. But, recording artist, Jamie Richards, read the lyrics and immediately agreed to create the melody to go with it. Then we recorded it.
You can listen to it here, if you’re interested. I don’t exactly know why, but I’ve never made a video to go with the song.
So, to commemorate this segment in the life and time of Rick and Jan Sikes, I’ve made “The Convict and The Rose” free on Amazon until May 3rd.
I feel like I need to clarify something. Rick was sentenced to prison for a crime he did not commit. He was convicted on two counts of bank robbery. And while he never went in a bank with a gun and robbed it, he knew who did. Yet, he wouldn’t rat on them. Couple that with the fact that he’d earned quite the reputation in and around Abilene, Texas, he wound up with a seventy-five year sentence. That’s the real story. A tragedy? Maybe. But I often heard him tell people if he hadn’t been sent to prison, he wouldn’t have lived as long as he did. Life is often a strange journey.
Thank you for stopping by and helping me honor Rick on the anniversary of his passing.
This is definitely a must read for me, Jan. What a story!
So happy to hear it!!
💖📘
What a story and life for you both, Jan. I love the song, his voice, and the book cover backstory. Since this book is the sequel, can it be read alone? I prefer paperback, so I’ll buy it, but should I start with the first one? I’m sure it was tough to write, but thank you for sharing your story. 💕
It has a captivating title. I will definitely get my copy.
I’m sure this was a difficult story to write, but it is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it, and the personal insights that make it more intriguing.
It is beautiful music, an amazing book cover, and an incredible story. A great presentation for this book.
Amazing, Jan! Thanks for sharing it. I’ll get to reading my copy eventually.
Thanks so much, Tim!
My pleasure, Jan. 😊
What a story. Sharing…
Thank you, Jacqui!
Your comment made me smile, Yvette. I’ve done that exact thing before, to go get a book, then realize I already have it. 🙂 Thanks for your support!
I remember this 5-star read well and highly recommend it. You are right, Jan, “Life is often a strange journey.” ❤️
Thank you so much, Gwen!
Your husband certainly had an amazing life. Thank you for the free book.❤
You are most welcome, Priscilla. Thank you for your support!
I’m so excited your book is free! I just put it on my Kindle. Thank you so much, Jan!
Thank you so much, Kymber!
This reflection highlights the unique and deeply personal elements that make the book truly special. The use of Rick Sikes’ original, unreleased artwork-commissioned by Willie Nelson in the late seventies-gives the cover historic and artistic significance, connecting the book to Texas music legends.
That’s true, Devendr. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading the post.
Thanks for your generosity. I have it on my Kindle. A tough one to write, I’m sure. ❤️
My pleasure, Darlene! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the story!
I just realized I have this book on my kindle and haven’t read it. I’ll be sharing it so others can get their copy! Thanks for sharing, Jan!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com