Synopsis
The Other Side of Rock and War is Billy Terrell’s struggle to save his life, his career, his country and the Vietnamese orphans he left behind.Imagine being penniless, and nearly homeless at the age of 16, forced to quit school and try to find a job with your four front teeth missing. This is Billy Terrell’s inspiring story of how he overcame poverty, bullying and the horrors of Vietnam, before his near impossible climb to success as a songwriter, producer and later as a top stand-up comedian. It also reveals Terrell’s deeply personal experiences at Mang Lang Orphanage near the village of Tuy Hoa in 1966 which as a soldier, he helped rebuild, and his determination to return to Vietnam and reunite with the nuns and former children of the orphanage.Along the way he has a juicy tale of traveling with Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Cream in the summer of ’68. As a writer/producer he has placed 63 records on the national and international charts. As a producer he rebooted Frankie Avalon’s career and produced albums for Helen Reddy, Bobby Rydell and great jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, among many others. As a stand-up comedian he worked with several up and coming stars such as, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Drew Carey and Chris Rock during their early days on the circuit.
Review
"A breathtaking ride through musical success to the horror of war and back. Billy Terrell's book details the agony and ecstasy of his amazing life. He's a treasure."
--Paul Shaffer, Singer, Composer, Actor, Author, Comedian, and Multi-Instrumentalist
"Tom Morrison once said: 'If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.' Billy Terrell has done just that. After years of talking and thinking about it, Billy has finally put his thoughts, experiences, failures, and triumphs to paper. His lifelong quest was to find the best in himself and the best in other people, and with this book, he gets that much closer to achieving that goal."
--John Servido, Vice President, Subsidiary Stations, WNET, General Manager, NJTV
"Billy Terrell is a dear friend. And a true American Patriot. His journey from the jungles of Vietnam to become one of the most in-demand songwriters and 'talented musical cats' in the industry, is a riveting story. Thanks, Billy, for your service to our great country--and for your talents in the entertainment industry."
--Joe Piscopo, Comedian, Actor, Musician, Writer, and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host
"Billy Terrell's only-in-the USA life story is an inspiration and testament to what happens when talent, passion, intelligence, humor, perseverance, and integrity come together in a single person. He is an American treasure."--Chuck Darrow, Journalist/Broadcaster
"Billy and I were both born in Newark, New Jersey. We traveled very different paths but formed common bonds with Vietnam, the Jersey Shore, and PTSD. We eventually met at a Rutgers Oral History Archives event. We share a devotion to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Patriots then. Patriots now. We bonded. Read, learn, and enjoy the words of my personal 'music man' as he shares his life good and bad. WELCOME HOME, BROTHER!"--Carl W. Burns, President, Rutgers Living
"I'm so grateful to have Billy Terrell in my life via the internet. I am an orphan who was abandoned when I was four days old and taken to Mang Lang Orphanage, which Billy and other soldiers in his company helped establish near the village of Tuy Hoa in 1966. Fortunately, I was adopted at the age of two by Austrian parents who reside in Australia. I have no idea where I would be today if it weren't for Billy and other US soldiers who graciously cared for and comforted the children of Vietnam. If I had one dream come true, it would be to meet him and thank him."--Joy Wimmer
"The story of Billy Terrell is the story of how one can find fulfillment in life by following his or her passion. It reminds me of a chapter from my book, You Only Rock Once, where you rise above all obstacles by following your heart."--Jerry Blavat, The Geator with the Heator, Author of You Only Rock Once
"Billy Terrell's career spans a lifetime as a musician, songwriter, music producer, and comedian. This book takes you on a ride through those years and beyond. It's an excellent read through the comedic mind of one of the funniest men I've ever known." --Jerry Gross, The Dovells "A great read. Billy Terrell remarkably evolved from a bullied kid to a war hero, hit songwriter, and record producer."--Peggy Santiglia Ricker, The Angels
"Billy Terrell is a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, author, and very special friend. Through many years and many miles, we traveled together. I have always felt that his story needed to be told, and The Other Side of Rock and War takes you through the good and the bad and out the other side. It's quite a remarkable journey. I am proud that Billy has written this book and proud of his well-deserved success." --Gary Criss, Recording Artist "I will never forget the first time I met Billy Terrell and Ray Dahrouge. The look in Billy's eyes was saying, You've got to listen to our songs . He was so sure of himself that he reminded me of myself when I started out. Two young white guys telling me they had the songs I was looking for, and they were right! Their songs were as black as coal. Great R&B songs, great hit songs. Billy's book is just like his songs: GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!" --George Kerr, Record Producer
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