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Main Shop > AA TALKS BY FAMOUS PEOPLE |
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BILL WILSON
AA
TALKS BY FAMOUS PEOPLE
Alcoholics
Anonymous talks given by
Musicians,
Politicians, Actors, Entertainers, Sports Figures, Authors, etc.
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ANTHONY HOPKINS - LOS ANGELES, CA 1-24-96
Academy Award winning actor, Anthony Hopkins delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Pacific Palisades Group in Los Angeles on January 24th, 1996. This is the group where Anthony found sobriety 20 years prior to this talk. He shares his experience, strength and hope with a touch of humor but never fails to realize the seriousness of the disease of alcoholism.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 33 Minutes
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ANTHONY HOPKINS - LOS ANGELES, CA 1982
This is an Alcoholics Anonymous Talk by Academy Award winning actor, Anthony Hopkins. This CD was recorded at an AA meeting in Los Angeles, California. Anthony tells us what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now. Anthony reveals that as a child he never felt like he fit in. He had a lot of fear. He actually felt as if he may be on the wrong planet. He had heard about God in school, but when he mentioned it to his father, he told him to forget about that rubbish. Throughout his life he had tried to do many different things. He had many different occupations, but he felt like he wasn't good at any of them. He didn't feel comfortable in the military. His one specialty was mimicking people. In the early part of his drinking, Anthony would not drink while actually working, but as soon as he was off the stage or off the set, the drinking would start. As his drinking progressed, he developed severe hatred for people. His hatred was fueled by his extreme fear. After coming to the United States in 1973, he discovered Tequila, and he loved it. Tequila made him really crazy, produced hallucinations, and he really loved it. Then one day he found AA. Anthony speaks for over half an hour and then ends his talk by saying: "Thank you very much for my Life."
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 34 Minutes
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ANTHONY HOPKINS - LOS ANGELES, CA 1994
This is another great Alcoholics Anonymous talk by Academy Award winning actor, Anthony Hopkins. Anthony made this recording in 1994 at the Pacific Group in Los Angeles, California. You may have heard the talk that Anthony gave in 1982, this one is great too. Tony begins his talk by saying "I drank for 15 years, which is not long compared to some drinking stories I've heard, but it was long enough for me and I've suffered enough pain to want to get help." When he was young, Anthony's father used to tell his mother that "there's something very wrong with this boy," which doesn't give you the best foundation for good mental health. Anthony goes on to share many stories about his drinking life and his sober life. Some are very humorous and others are very serious. His life story is really incredible. Anthony wraps up his talk by saying: "Thank you for a wonderful life."
Contents - 6 Tracks
Length - 32 Minutes
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ANTHONY HOPKINS - ORLANDO, FL 4-4-98
This very humorous talk was given by academy award winning actor Anthony Hopkins on April 4th, 1998 at the Union Park Group in Orlando, Florida. Anthony was 22 years sober at the time of this talk. He speaks of being influenced early on by Chuck Chamberlain, author of A New Par of Glasses. Anthony's drink of choice was Tequila because it gave him "Visions of God." A great talk.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 45 Minutes
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BARNABY - CHILDREN'S SHOW HOST - CHAUTAUQUA, NY 1985
Barnaby, also known as: Linn Sheldon was a host of an extremely popular children's TV show in the Cleveland, Ohio area throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He recorded this talk in Chautauqua, New York in 1985. In this talk, Barnaby tells us that he lost both of his parents very early in life. A little later in life, that became the excuse that Barnaby used on himself to justify his drinking. At one point while drunk, Barnaby and an army buddy challenged each other to a game of Russian roulette. His friend went first and blew his head off. This was a very low point in Barnaby's life but his drinking continued. At one point Barnaby had taken so many pills and consumed so much alcohol that he passed out and an emergency tracheotomy was performed on him right on someone's front lawn. But Barnaby continued drinking. Barnaby had finally run out of pills and alcohol and resorted to drinking a big bottle of Vitalis. He then looked out the window of his sixth floor apartment and saw camels walking right down the middle of the street in downtown Cleveland. That was enough for him to get in touch with AA and admit that he had a problem. A short time after that he learned that the Ringling Brothers Circus had been in town and he had not imagined the camels after all, but at least he was in AA. Barnaby does dot try to take himself too seriously and for the most part this is a lighthearted talk. He provides a story of drinking and recovery from a unique perspective, that of a man who spent years and years entertaining children.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 51 Minutes
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BETTY FORD - ATLANTA, GA 10-20-83
Former First Lady, Betty Ford from Palm Springs, California recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk in Atlanta, Georgia on October 20th, 1983. Betty is speaking at a seminar that is devoted entirely to Women and Alcoholism. She believes her addiction began when she was taking prescription medicine for a neck injury and then begin adding alcohol to the mix. Betty says that her recovery began a little over five years ago when, after an intervention by her family, she entered the Long Beach Naval Hospital in California. She stayed there for one month. After treatment, Betty had no intention of becoming an alcoholism activist but she got involved because of so many people contacting her for help.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 44 Minutes
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BETTY FORD - CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 1981
Former First Lady, Betty Ford recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Cleveland Annual Luncheon in Cleveland, Ohio in October of 1981. At the time of this talk, Betty had been sober for about three years. She talks about how her family staged an intervention for her when they realized her drinking and prescription drug intake had gotten out of control. This was followed by a stay at a hospital. Betty spends quite a bit of time addressing the problems of the alcoholic woman and the special problems they face. She also speaks about the new treatment facility that bears her name.
Contents - 6 Tracks
Length - 28 Minutes
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BETTY FORD - HOUSTON, TX 4-18-84
This talk was recorded by in Houston, Texas. The occasion was the First Annual Houston Regional Council on Alcoholism. This is not a typical Alcoholics Anonymous talk. Betty does talk a bit about how alcoholism had affected her life, but she mainly talks about the topic of alcoholism. She talks in depth about the "myths" of alcoholism. Betty then talks about the "truths" of alcoholism. She talks about denial and about intervention. Betty talks about the time that her own family set up an intervention with her. This is a great talk by a woman who, after accepting the fact that she was an alcoholic, went on to open one of the best known treatment centers for alcoholism, The Betty Ford Clinic.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 33 Minutes
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BILLY CARTER - BROTHER OF US PRESIDENT, JIMMY CARTER 11-3-79
This Alcoholics Anonymous talk was recorded on November 3rd, 79 at the Alcohol Awareness Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. During the time that his brother, Jimmy was president of the United States, Billy Carter had many well publicized incidents of public drunkenness. In this, his very first AA talk, Billy tells how he had very recently got his drinking under control. Billy Carter was one of the few alcoholics that ever had a beer named after him. At one point Billy realized that he needed to get a few people off of his back about his drinking, so he checked into the Long Beach Naval Hospital in California. He was only able to get admitted because of his brother's connections. He had no intentions of quitting his drinking when he checked in. It took him thee weeks in the hospital before he realized that maybe he really should quit drinking. At the time of this AA talk Billy had only been sober for eight months. At the end of his talk, Billy takes a few questions from the crowd. This is a very interesting talk. Billy Carter died from cancer on September 25th, 1988 at the age of 51.
Contents - 6 Tracks
Length - 26 Minutes
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BUZZ ALDRIN - 2ND MAN ON THE MOON - ALEXANDRIA, VA 11-14-83
Apollo astronaut, Buzz Aldrin delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Seminary Road Group in Alexandria, Virginia on November 14th, 1983. A living hero, an American patriot and a space pioneer, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed the Eagle on the moon July 20th, 1969, the event marked not only the fulfillment of President Kennedy's mission to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s, but also began a new era of space exploration for all humanity. In this AA talk, Buzz tells how he was raised around some very successful people, mainly aviation heroes. In turn, Buzz was expected to follow that successful pattern of living although he felt very immature and unable to live up to those expectations. Buzz eventually wrote a book called, "Return to Earth," in which he describes his psychiatric and emotional problems. He later found out that most of his problems were cause by alcoholism. Buzz sums up this talk by saying that, of all his accomplishment throughout his life, nothing has been as rewarding as becoming a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 58 Minutes
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CHARLES JACKSON - THE LOST WEEKEND - CLEVELAND, OH MAY 1959
Charles, from New York City, recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the 20th Anniversary Dinner way back in May of 1959. Charles was the author of the book, "The Lost Weekend," which was later made into a movie. Charles says he didn't begin drinking until he was 26 and within a year knew he was an alcoholic. Charles talks about the difficulty he had with the success of The Lost Weekend. He was sober on his own for 11 consecutive years before he began drinking again. Over the years he was institutionalized 22 times for alcoholism. He did heaviest drinking long after he had written the novel. He was eventually prodded into joining Alcoholics Anonymous by his doctor. You can tell by the way Charles speaks that he is extremely grateful to be a member of AA. Charles Jackson died in New York City on September 21st, 1968.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 57 Minutes
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CHUCK NEGRON - THREE DOG NIGHT - PALM SPRINGS, CA 8-26-01
This is a great talk by a man who has definitely seen the negative effects of drinking and drug abuse. Chuck, one of the three lead singers of Three Dog Night recorded this talk in Palm Springs, California on August 26th, 2001. Chuck and his band had a long string of number one hits in the 1960s and 1970s. On this recording, he tells his story with a little bit of humor and a lot of heartfelt sincerity. He had been on top of the world at one point. Then his addictions turned on him and he ended up in the gutter. He had been through many, many, many treatment centers. Then one day something "clicked" and he began his journey into sobriety.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 41 Minutes
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CRAIG T NELSON - ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 2007
Actor, Craig T Nelson, delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the 51st Florida State Convention in Orlando, Florida in August of 2007. For the first twelve minutes or so, Craig's wife, Doria, a member of Al Anon, speaks. Doria has been in Al Anon for 28 years. She shares some great insights about the recovery program; such as, "The first two years of your alcoholic's sobriety can often be as crazy as the last two years of drinking." She also says that it's very scary when you have to turn your alcoholic over to the meetings and the AA program, but you've got to do it. Craig speaks immediately after Doria. His date of sobriety is January 21st, 1984. He tells of attending his first AA meeting in California. Chuck Chamberlain and Clancy Imislund both spoke at that meeting and they confused the hell out of Craig who only had about 30 minutes of sobriety at the time. Craig talks not only about his drinking but about his drug use; he had been severely addicted to both alcohol and cocaine. He talks about coming out of a blackout during the final applause at a live performance. Craig talks, quite seriously, about turning his problems over to God when things aren't going well. At the very end of this talk, Craig tells an emotional story about visiting his father's grave.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 57 Minutes
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CRAIG T NELSON - RIVERSIDE, CA 11-2-91
This is an Alcoholics Anonymous talk by movie and TV star Craig T Nelson. Craig recorded this talk on November 2nd, 1991 in Riverside, California. He gives a very passionate talk. Craig does use some profanity in this talk intermixed with a lot of humor. He's got quite an interesting story.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 53 Minutes
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CREIGHTON PENDARVIS - WASHINGTON REDSKINS LINEBACKER - PORTLAND, ME 7-16-06
This guy's got one hell of a story and led an amazing life. Creighton Pendarvis, from Corinth, Mississippi gave this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Area 28 Roundup in Portland, Maine on July 16th, 2006. Creighton's date of sobriety is March 1st, 1976. Just prior to that date, he was drinking Aqua Velva and living in a box underneath a bridge. This was an enormous contrast compared to what he had accomplished earlier in life. He had a failed suicide attempt followed almost immediately by a moment of clarity and a spiritual awakening. He tells how in 1950 at the age of 15, his father and he drove from North Carolina to the first International AA Convention in Cleveland. While there, Clarence Snyder took Creighton and a few other young teenagers around the convention hall to meet some of the AA program founders. He says he'll never forget meeting Bill Wilson, Doctor Bob, Dr Harry Tiebout, Reverend Sam Shoemaker, Sister Ignatia and Marty Mann. Creighton went on to college where he played football with Sonny Jurgensen and Jim Brown. After that he played for the Washington Redskins in 1957 and 1958. There is much more that Creighton has done in his life including a fantastic story of recovery from alcoholism; very inspiring.
Contents - 14 Tracks
Length - 71 Minutes
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D.D. LEWIS - DALLAS COWBOY LINEBACKER - FORT WORTH, TX 6-2-96
D.D. Lewis of Plano, Texas recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the 31st Annual Meadowbrook Anniversary on June 2nd, 1996 in Fort Worth, Texas. D.D. was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys for fourteen years in the 1970s & 1980s. D.D. says that he began having suicidal thoughts shortly after retiring from professional football. His wife was threatening to leave him if he didn't stop drinking. D.D.'s first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was in February of 1983. He was in and out of AA for three years and had been in three different treatment centers before he finally was able to build up any sobriety. D.D. talks about his father's alcoholism and it was only after a period of sobriety that he even realized that he had grown up in an alcoholic home. He thought his childhood was normal. D.D. shares quite a bit about his life and recovery and at the end of his talk he says, "We have a God who loves us so much it's unbelievable. With his grace and the love of all the people in this room, we're going to make it. We're going to make it in fine style too. Thank you."
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 50 Minutes
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DANNY TREJO - BRENTWOOD, CA 10-22-03
Danny, from Chatsworth, California recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Pacific Group in Brentwood, California on October 22nd, 2003. Danny is a Mexican-American actor who has appeared in over 70 Hollywood movies. He's usually known for his tough guy roles. He's had roles in movies that include: Blood in Blood Out, Animal Factory, Anaconda, Desperado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Heat, From Dusk Till Dawn, Con Air, Six Days Seven Nights, Spy Kids, The Replacement Killers, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, The Devil's Rejects, Valley of Angels, and Grindhouse. At the time of this recording, Danny had been sober for 35 years. He tells a funny story about his very first experience with AA; way back in 1959 he and some friends stormed into a meeting thinking he was crashing a party that he had not been invited to. He tells how he got some great advice from popular AA speaker, Johnny Harris. Danny says that everything good that has happened to him in the AA program has been the direct result of helping someone else.
Contents - 8 Tracks
Length - 39 Minutes
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DENNY SEIWELL - JACKSON MILL, WV - OCTOBER 2004
Denny, from Woodlawn Hills, California was the drummer for the rock band, Wings. He recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk in Jackson Mill, West Virginia in October of 2004. Denny's sobriety date is January 2nd, 1991. He talks about growing up in eastern Pennsylvania. He and his family were heavily involved in their church. There was no alcoholism in Denny's family. Shortly after getting involved in music at age 13, he was introduced to alcohol. It was exactly what he had been looking for. Denny eventually found himself in New York City playing music with his jazz heroes. Although Denny never mentions him by name, he speaks about Paul McCartney quite a bit in this talk. Apparently he and Paul had some misunderstanding about Denny getting paid for his work, and as a result, Denny quit Wings at a very critical time in their early history. He carried a very strong resentment against Paul McCartney for many, many years. During this whole time, alcohol was becoming his master. Denny goes on to tell of his entrance into the rooms of AA and his eventual recovery from alcoholism. He also tells of his amends to Paul McCartney which in turn relieved him of his long-term resentment. Great story from Denny.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 55 Minutes
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DON NEWCOMBE - CY YOUNG AWARD WINNER - PHOENIX, AZ 11-5-82
Don Newcombe was the first black pitcher to star in baseball's major leagues. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949. In 1956, Newcombe won the first Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in baseball and was named the league's most valuable player. It is very clear in this AA Talk that Don is a very grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He puts a lot of emphasis on gratitude. He was in denial for a long time but finally realized he had a drinking problem when domestic violence issues threatened to break apart his marriage. Don stopped drinking in 1966, joined AA, and found a higher power. He stresses the importance of spiritual healing.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 35 Minutes
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ERIC CLAPTON - 2000
This is a great, humorous Alcoholics Anonymous talk by guitar legend, Eric Clapton. Eric has been a member of several rock groups over the years and has played with many other equally popular musical figures. In this powerful talk, Eric shares his story of how it was, what happened, and what it's like now.
Contents - 5 Tracks
Length - 24 Minutes
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FOSTER BROOKS - DON'T LAUGH YOU'RE NEXT
Foster Brooks was a not a drunk, but he played one on TV. His numerous appearances on The Dean Martin Roasts solidified his place in comedy history. His was the most realistic drunk routine in history, next to WC Fields. This is a stand up comedy performance from the very funny man whose claim to fame was "being drunk" all the time.
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 51 Minutes
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FOSTER BROOKS - FOSTER DOES MORE IN '94
This is not an AA talk but a stand-up comedy routine by Foster. This is the audio CD version of the DVD by the same name. The drunken comedian himself unleashes more of his outrageous stories, one-liners and side-splitting craziness. This recording, made at the Grand Theatre will entertain and amaze you, again.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 35 Minutes
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FOSTER BROOKS - PRIVATE PARTY
This is another stand up comedy performance from the very funny man whose claim to fame was "being drunk" all the time.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 34 Minutes
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GARY CROSBY - MARCH 1987
Gary Crosby from Encino, California and son of singer and actor Bing Crosby, recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk on March 14th, 1987. Gary says that his mother was an alcoholic and his father was a hardcore disciplinarian. Gary actually talks about his father quite a bit. He tells how he used, mental and physical punishment on he and his siblings while growing up. Gary was raised as a Catholic but eventually became as afraid of God as he was his own father. When he began drinking, he dove in head first; no social drinking at all. He ended up in a treatment center and stayed "dry" for 19 years without AA but he wasn't happy. He was becoming too much like his father. When his doctor "sentenced" him to AA to help him get his anger under control he knew he was right where he should have been all along. During a short Q & A at the end of the recording, Gary answers a few more questions about growing up in the Crosby household. (Gary died from lung cancer on August 25th, 1995 at age 62. He was preceded in death by two of his brothers, both from suicide)
Contents - 16 Tracks
Length - 78 Minutes
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JACK BAILEY - GAME SHOW HOST - AKRON, OH 6-25-78
Jack Bailey was an actor who appeared on such TV programs as Gunsmoke and Ironside. He toured the country with such stage productions as Hello Dolly, The Sound of Music and The Music Man. But perhaps Jack's biggest claim to fame was as host of the popular game show "Queen for a Day", a long running TV show in the 1960s. Jack had been a member of AA for 30 years and he shares this story at Founder's Day in Akron, Ohio on June 25th, 1978. He is a very dynamic speaker. He has a very upbeat way of telling some sad stories. He also tells a hilarious story about his old friend "Pee Pee" Seiver. A really great AA message.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 42 Minutes
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JIM CORBETT - CINCINNATI BENGALS - CLEVELAND, OH 7-30-95
Jim was a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1977 through 1980. Jim opens his talk by complimenting all the AA people in the Cleveland/Akron area for maintaining the heritage and history of Alcoholics Anonymous. The chairman of this meeting had taken Jim from Cleveland down to Akron to see the historic sites and Jim makes quite a few jokes about his driving style. Jim says he comes from a long line of hard, Irish drinkers. He got a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, played with Tony Dorsett, and was drunk the entire time. He was also always drinking with the NBC crew during his pro football years. His NFL career ended when he was too drunk too move out of the way when a large lineman tackled him and blew out his knee. Jim's got a really great talk and the crowd loves him. At the end of the talk Jim says, "If there's anything I can impress you with today, it's that you should try to be a MEMBER of AA and not just a VISITOR."
Contents - 13 Tracks
Length - 63 Minutes
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JOHN LARROQUETTE - LAGUNA BEACH, CA 11-11-95
This is an Alcoholics Anonymous talk by comedic actor, John Larroquette. John recorded this talk in Laguna Beach, California on November 11th, 1995. At the time, John had 14 years of sobriety. John tells us that his father was an alcoholic who eventually died from the disease in 1976. His father had left the family when john was 2 years old so John was never able to talk to him about their common disease. Actually there were quite a few other family members that died of alcoholism. John had a strong catholic upbringing. When he began his drinking early in life, he immediately felt that he could not get enough alcohol. He realized that his brain was of the psychology that "If something is good, then more of it must be better." At one point after he had become an actor and had achieved some limited success, he had to resort to selling his blood because no money was coming in. While on the table with his blood being pumped out of him, he glanced over at a small black & white TV, and there he was on TV. He got a little chuckle out of the irony of the situation and thought to himself, "Boy if I don't die, this will make a great story someday when I'm on Johnny Carson." In 1980, John was doing the film, "Stripes" in Kentucky. That happened to be the same time when John Lennon was killed. This sent him into a deep drinking binge but he was able to keep acting in the film. John says that whenever he watches "Stripes" today, he has very little recollection of ever acting in the film. Throughout his entire life John new that he was not like other people. He continually asked himself, "Where are the other Lepers, Where are the other Lepers?" It was not until he found the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, that he finally found people just like himself. John's definition of insanity: The repetition of the same action over and over, expecting a different result. John says his wife is a true Al-Anon, if she was ever in a plane that was going to crash, someone else's life would flash before her eyes.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 46 minutes
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JOHN LARROQUETTE - LAKE TAHOE, NV 10-5-02
This is a great Alcoholics Anonymous talk by sitcom & movie star: John Larroquette. John recorded this AA talk at the Lake Tahoe Fall Fest on October, 5th 2002. His talk is filled with both humor and sincerity. He tells about how his private life was affected by his stardom. John's been sober for quite a few years now and he has a lot to say on this recording.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 59 Minutes
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JOHN LARROQUETTE - PALM SPRINGS, CA 1991
Movie & TV star John Larroquette was on his 10th year of sobriety at the time of this recording. John says that his alcoholic father, who eventually died from the disease, left the family when John was just two years old. John grew up with a lot of fear and feelings of worthlessness. When he finally joined AA, he became immediately active. John says to the non-believers, "If you really feel that AA is full of crap, then adopt the way that we live for a while and see if you still feel that way."
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 43 Minutes
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JOHN LARROQUETTE - VANCOUVER, WA 1998
John recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Southwest Washington Jamboree in Vancouver, Washington. John talks about never knowing his alcoholic father who left when John was very young. John says fear ruled just about every aspect of his life while he was growing up in New Orleans. He's got a great story of drinking and eventual recovery. John gives a really clear description of his "moment of clarity," while in the middle of a drinking binge. That occurred in 1982 and John has not had a drop of alcohol since then.
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 55 Minutes
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JP MILLER - DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES AUTHOR
JP Miller was the author of Days of Wine and Roses. This play eventually became a major motion picture starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. On this recording he tells about all the drinking he did in Hollywood in the 1950s. He had heard of Alcoholics Anonymous but knew nothing about it. JP tells how the idea for Days of Wine and Roses came about. He says he was going to AA meetings for quite a while without feeling much. Then one day he heard a speaker that was basically telling his story and something clicked. He was 38 years old at that time. JP does a little quoting from the AA Big Book on this recording. He says he feels that the AA program is so great that he believes everyone could benefit from it, even non-alcoholics.
Contents - 6 Tracks
Length - 29 Minutes
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LARRY GATLIN - JUNE 1988
This is a talk by country music singer, Larry Gatlin in June of 1988 when he was sober for about four years. He begins this talk by saying, "My name is Larry Gatlin and I'm an alcoholic." He follows that up by stating that he's also a recovering drug addict. He tells about his first drunk at age 16. Larry tells how he and a bunch of other aspiring singers and songwriters would get very drunk and high and attempt to compose music. But he says he never, ever wrote a good song when he was loaded. He talks about his cocaine use quite a bit. On December 2nd, 1984, Larry hit his bottom in a Dallas, Texas hotel room. He asked for God's help. He doesn't talk about Alcoholics Anonymous much but he does say that he's a member of AA and attends two meetings every week. At the end he takes some questions from the crowd and finishes up by playing guitar and singing his song, "All the Gold in California." This recording has a little background noise, however every word is understandable. It's probably about a seven out of ten.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 49 Minutes
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LARRY GATLIN INTERVIEW
This is a very truthful interview with the well-known country music star. This recording begins with Larry's song, "Alive and Well." Afterward, Larry is interviewed. He speaks very candidly about his alcohol and drug addictions. After the interview, Larry sings, "The Prodigal Son."
Contents - 4 Tracks
Length - 17 Minutes
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LARRY GRANTHAM - NEW YORK JET LINEBACKER - ARKANSAS
Former Pro Football player, Larry Grantham, from Horn Lake, Mississippi delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the 2nd Arkansas Traveler AA Round-up in September of 2001. His sobriety date is May 25th, 1986. Larry tells how he "experimented" with Mad Dog 20/20 as a teenager. He played college ball at Ol' Miss. He was drafted by the New York Jets around 1960. He played professional football for thirteen years. Larry says he was treated like a king during those years and his ego got way out of control. He tells of playing in Super Bowl Three with Joe Namath. Eventually his wife filed for divorce and listed "chronic alcoholism" on the divorce petition. Larry tells of the vicious cycle of drinking, getting sober, drinking, getting sober, etc. He finally prayed for God's help while on his knees in a jail cell. This was the beginning of recovery for Larry. He goes on to tell some good football stories and closes by reading something that had inspired him in early sobriety called, "The Rules of the Game."
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 57 Minutes
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LARRY GRANTHAM - NEW YORK JET LINEBACKER - FT WAYNE, IN 4-15-95
Five time Pro-Bowl linebacker Larry Grantham gives this AA talk at the 18th NE Indiana Alcoholics Anonymous Convention in Ft Wayne, Indiana on April 15, 1995. Larry played in Super Bowl II. This is a well told story of what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now. Larry explains what alcoholism did to him and then about surrender, not an easy thing for a former pro football player to do. Larry goes on to tell about his life in sobriety, what it's like now and what he does to keep it. This is a very good message with some humorous parts. This is a story about a really great guy who suffered with alcoholism until recovering in AA. Larry speaks on a very human level and is easy to identify with.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 73 Minutes
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MERCEDES McCAMBRIDGE - LITTLE ROCK, AR 5-17-73
Actress Mercedes McCambridge recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 15, 1973. In this recording she tells her own story of her very alcoholic drinking and her eventual recovery in AA. Mercedes was a spokesperson for the National Council on Alcoholism for a number of years and she worked for a time with Marty Mann. She testified at the Hughes Hearings which resulted in sweeping legislation that changed how the Alcoholic and Drug Addict was viewed and treated by our society.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 56 Minutes
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MERCEDES McCAMBRIDGE - WARREN, OH 8-10-69
This is an Alcoholics Anonymous talk by Oscar winning actress, Mercedes McCambridge. She recorded this talk in a small motel in Warren, Ohio while performing in a nearby theatre. Mercedes tells her story and also talks about her US Senate testimony on alcoholism.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 43 Minutes
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PAPPY BOYINGTON - BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON - SAN FRANCISCO, CA 10-25-58
Stories of Pappy Boyington are legendary, including how he led the infamous Black Sheep Squadron, and how he served in China as a member of the American Volunteer Group, the famed Flying Tigers. He spent a year and a half as a Japanese POW, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and was recognized as the Marine Corps top ace. Always hard-drinking and hard-living, Pappy's post-war life was as turbulent as his wartime experiences. In this Alcoholics Anonymous talk, recorded in San Francisco, CA on October 25th, 1958, Pappy tells about his experiences with alcohol both in and after the war, and as a POW. He relates how he first came into contact with AA. Since this is a fairly old recording, the quality isn't 100% ideal; however it is very listenable and easy to understand.
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 52 Minutes
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PAUL WILLIAMS - AKRON, OH 2003
On this recording, singer, songwriter, and actor Paul Williams gives one of the best AA talks we've ever heard. Paul was here in Akron, Ohio for Founder's Day 2003. He gives a most entertaining, enthusiastic, and heartfelt talk. The large crowd obviously thinks so as well. Paul's sobriety date is March 15th, 1990. He says he was in Akron a few years back doing a movie and was able to talk his way into the Mayflower Hotel. He picked up the lobby phone and actually felt the spirit of Bill Wilson. He mentions several times in this talk about his gratitude to both Bill Wilson and Doctor Bob. Paul says his father was an alcoholic. He distinctly remembers an incident in 1952, when he was 12 years old. They were living in Lucasville, Ohio and his father, who was drunk, woke him up at about 4 AM and told him they were going to go to a Cleveland Indians game. His drunken father and his drunken friend were drinking all the way to the stadium. When they arrived, they were the only ones in the parking lot and his father said, "We're really gonna get great seats." Unfortunately they were in Cincinnati instead of Cleveland. His father never did find the rooms of AA. He was killed in an alcohol related accident when Paul was 13 years old. Paul was shipped off to live with relatives in Long Beach, California, but he was not a sun lover. What little color he had he says he got from the light in his refrigerator. Alcoholism for Paul was basically fear-based thinking. When he was drinking he feared everyone and everything. He saw people as being very evil. He made few friends. He liked girls better than boys as soon as he found out there was a difference - and he was the perfect height to discover the difference. At one time he stayed sober for 7 months through sheer will power. At 2 O'clock PM he was in Jamaica writing music by the pool when a waiter offered him a rum & coke. For some reason, he took it. The next thing he knew, it was 2 O'clock AM and he was at Bob Marley's grave explaining reggae music to a bunch of local black people. Paul talks about much, much, much more than this. This truly is a great talk, he really is an entertainer.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 51 Minutes
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PAUL WILLIAMS - NASHVILLE, TN 9-24-99
Singer, songwriter, Paul Williams from Los Angeles, California recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Mid Tennessee Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on September 24th, 1999. Paul was about ten years sober at the time of this talk. Right from the start, Paul's gratitude shows; He says that AA is the best thing he's been involved with his entire life. He says that by the age of six, he was terrified of the world. When Paul was 13, his father died in an alcohol related car accident. At that time, Paul was sent to live with an aunt and uncle in Long Beach, California. His aunt and uncle were both "black belt" alcoholics and that's where Paul received his advanced alcoholic training. He was taught never to discuss anything until it erupted into a full blown fight. Paul's life was on a downward spiral and he could see that he was quickly becoming his father. Paul was in his 50s before he began getting sober. At the end, Paul proudly states, "After hearing me talk, if you can't tell that I love Alcoholics Anonymous, there's something wrong."
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 46 Minutes
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PETER NOONE - HERMAN'S HERMITS - COLLEGE PARK, MD 4-4-98
This is an Alcoholics Anonymous talk by Peter Noone, the lead singer of the very popular 1960s British Pop Band, Herman's Hermits. For years in the 1960s Peter and his band recorded some of the most popular music in the world. In this AA talk, Peter tells us that he was drinking throughout the entire period that his band was so successful. Peter delivered this AA message in College Park, Maryland on April 4th, 1998. Based on the great rapport that Peter has with the very attentive crowd, you'd think that his career was that of a public speaker and humorist rather than a musician. His talk is extremely funny. A large part of this is because he doesn't take himself too seriously. While growing up in England, all of Peter's early heroes were drunks; the Irish poets, the drunken Welsh musicians - all of these people were admired by Peter. While attending a large Catholic school in England, Peter very quickly got the reputation of being a party boy. A little later on, while becoming a young man in the 1960s, Peter says he was definitely a product of that generation. Anybody that says they CAN remember the 60s weren't really there. After getting very drunk for the first time, Peter liked it so much that he did it again and again for the next 30 years. Because of his heavy drinking, there was a period of time that Peter did not put a lot of effort into his work. Peter admits that just about every time that he and his band were on the Ed Sullivan Show, he performed drunk. One of those times, Ed Sullivan invited him to go to Sunday mass the next day at St Patrick's Cathedral. For some reason he accepted the invitation and then went out partying with the Rolling Stones who were also on the show that evening. The next morning he found himself very ill and craving another drink while sitting next to Ed Sullivan in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Peter goes on and talks about his recovery. He really struggled with the humility aspect of this program. Being a self promoting musician nearly all of his life was in direct contrast to this way of life. Peter closes his talk by saying, "I wish you all whatever is your destiny and I hope it's staying sober. God Bless you. Thank you very much."
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 61 Minutes
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PETER TORK - THE MONKEES - IRVINE, CA 3-21-98
Peter delivered this AA message in Irvine, California on March 21st, 1998. He speaks with both humor and sincerity. At the time of this talk Peter has been sober for 17 years. Before becoming part of the 1960s pop music band THE MONKEES, Peter was already married and getting a lot of prodding from his wife to do something about his drinking. When he finally got a chance to go on the road, he thought it was the ideal set up - he could drink all he wanted and not have to answer to anybody. It turned out that because of the hectic work schedule of the Monkees, he was only able to have two drinks per day, one before each show. This pattern went on for several months after first going on the road. Peter tells us that when he finally found the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, he was extremely grateful - he had never known that a place existed where you could go and share your problems and not be judged. He had previously spent three months in a federal penitentiary because of his addictions. He believes that all alcoholics are serving some cause. "There is no middle ground and no standing still. You are either working towards recovery or you working toward relapse. Even if you're on the right track, if you're not moving, you're going to get run over." "I got sober to live my life, now I live my life to stay sober." At the end of his talk Peter says, "I realize that I've not said anything about a higher power. But for those of you that have really been listening, you know I've actually been talking about nothing else. Thank you for my sobriety."
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 48 minutes
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RALPH WAITE - KAILUA-KONA, HI 4-17-93
Ralph, from West Hollywood, California delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Big Island Bash in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on April 17th, 1993. He was sober for 20 years at the time. Ralph, who was an actor for many years, may be best known for his role as John Walton, the father on the TV series, "The Waltons." He talks about the fact that, as a child, he was very terrified of death. Ralph attributes this fear to the fact that his father was a violent alcoholic. Ralph feels that he was not able to "blossom" as a person because of this childhood fear. The terror he felt as a child developed into a very righteous attitude as he matured. Even though Ralph was a hardcore atheist, he became a minister. When his nine year old daughter died of cancer, Ralph's alcoholism accelerated. He shares the fact that on the first three episodes of the Waltons, he was drunk. One day Ralph found himself at an AA meeting. He liked what he saw and decided to stick around. Near the end of his talk, Ralph says, "AA has given me everything in my life. I feel wonderfully appreciative and blessed."
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 55 Minutes
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SENATOR HAROLD HUGHES - IOWA CITY, IA 8-8-70
This is a recording of influential Senator Harold Hughes an un-anonymous alcoholic talking at the International Doctors in AA Banquet in Iowa City, Iowa. The talk is about alcoholism, drug dependency and public policy. This talk took place the day before a legislative vote on the policy that he initiated. The Hughes Bill effectively changed the Alcoholic and Drug Addict from criminal to patient and began the widespread opening of treatment centers which were relatively rare before that.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 49 Minutes
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SENATOR HAROLD HUGHES - YOUNGSTOWN, OH MARCH 1972
This Alcoholics Anonymous talk was recorded by US Senator from Iowa Harold Hughes in Youngstown, Ohio in March of 1972. Harold says he first quit drinking in 1943. Then again in 1944, 1945, 1946, etc. He shares several of his drinking escapades and then when he finally hit bottom, he tells how a desperate prayer to a higher power stopped him from committing suicide. He was in the bathtub with a loaded gun at the time. Harold tells how he later got into politics. His alcoholism was disclosed by an opponent in a political race and Harold was forced to admit to it. Harold believes that because he was forced to break his anonymity at a public level, thousands of people have gotten sober. He tells how he asked Bill Wilson and several other prominent alcoholics to break their anonymity when they testified before his Senate sub-committee in 1970 but the only one to do so was actress Mercedes McCambridge. He believes that because Mercedes broke her anonymity, thousands of women have gotten sober.
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 54 Minutes
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STEVE FERRONE - CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 2006
Steve Ferrone, the drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the River City Roundup in Cincinnati, Ohio in April of 2006. He humorously introduces himself as a bona fide "Rock Star." Steve was originally from Brighton, England but now resides in Los Angeles, California. He was about 13 years sober at the time of this recording. He talks about attending his first AA meeting in New York City. He also tells how he was inspired by Eric Clapton's extremely strong commitment to sobriety when his son died. This is a very enjoyable and humorous talk.
Contents - 14 Tracks
Length - 69 Minutes
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STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN - AA TALK - DALLAS, TX
This is a really great recording. Stevie Ray Vaughan delivered this AA message just seven months before his death in a helicopter crash in East Troy, Wisconsin on August 27, 1990. He was 35 years old. This CD actually begins with one of his more popular songs, "The House is Rockin." While the song is fading out, the AA meeting starts and Stevie Ray begins his story. When he is finished speaking and as the crowd begins to applaud, his song, "The Sky is Crying," fades in. Stevie then sings his song, "Life by the Drop." When listening to this CD, you're not only exposed to a very good AA lead story, but you're also reminded of how Stevie Ray Vaughan was a truly great musician.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 30 Minutes
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STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN - HOME GROUP MEMORIAL
This is a recording originally made in August 1990. It's a memorial service held at The Aquarius Group in Dallas, Texas. This was Stevie Ray Vaughan's Home Group. This service was held within days of Stevie Ray's death. Several long-time friends and AA members take their turn at the podium and reminisce about Stevie, his sobriety, and his life. There's a lot of heartbreak and emotion that can be heard and felt on this CD. There is about one minute of some excellent blues guitar work by Stevie that fades in as the last speakers words are fading out. Please note: Because of the way this event was originally recorded, the sound quality is not ideal. Some of the speakers are more easily understood than others but it is still a very "listenable" recording. However, we have edited tracks and improved sound quality as much as possible. Since there was only one original recording of this service, this is the clearest recording available.
Contents - 14 Tracks
Length - 51 Minutes
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STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN - LAST RADIO INTERVIEW
This is a great CD. On this standard audio CD, Stevie Ray Vaughan gives his last radio interview. He speaks with Timothy White in New York City. Stevie recalls his early musical influences, Bobby Bland, Muddy Waters, BB King, Jimi Hendrix and others. He plays his Stratocaster throughout most of the interview. Stevie also does quite a bit of singing. This CD starts with the song "Crossfire". As the song is fading out, the interview begins. At the end of this recording, as the interview winds down, the song "Pride & Joy" fades in.
Contents - 6 Tracks
Length - 37 Minutes
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TOM BROWN - PITTSBURGH STEELERS - HUBBARD, OH 9-8-76
Tom, from Novelty, Ohio delivered this Alcoholics Anonymous talk back on September 8th, 1976. Tom played "Tight" End for the Pittsburgh Steelers way back in 1942. His date of sobriety is April 21st, 1963. Tom tells how he hit a pedestrian while driving drunk in a Pittsburgh Steelers car. The organization was sued but didn't release Tom from the team. He goes on to tell some other drinking stories and then talks briefly about a couple of his sponsors, Warren Chisholm and Henry Womer. Tom really hated AA when he first joined up but his sponsors insisted that he continued to go to meetings, which he did every day for 18 months. Tom tells how he made amends to the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and how important it was for him to be able to laugh again in sobriety because life had become very dull. He strongly suggests that the newcomer attend AA conferences because there is a very special spirituality at these events.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 61 Minutes
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