The Elms: Big Surprise – Dedication

Beautiful dedication today. Midwestern gospel rock band The Elms dedicated their 2001 album Big Surprise:

For Mamgu, Simon and all who show us that beautiful things still happen.

The Elms’ founders Owen Thomas (vocals, guitar) and Christopher Thomas (drums) came from a Welsh family in Indiana. Mamgu means “grandmother” in Welsh. It can also mean “amazing” or “the best ever” in Western slang. No idea who Simon is — comment if you know!

Seraph on the Suwanee by Zora Neale Hurston – Dedication

Zora Neale Hurston dedicated her novel Seraph on the Suwanee:

To

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

and

Mrs. Spessard L. Holland

With Loving Admiration

Here Hurston continued her tradition of dedicating books to Floridian authors. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won a Pulitzer Prize for The Yearling.

Florida Senator Spessard L. Holland was still serving his last Congressional term when he died of a heart attack at 79. Hurston dedicated this book to his wife Mary (they were married over 50 years). You can visit Mary Holland Park, a large nature preserve, in Central Florida.

Moses Man of the Mountain by Zora Neale Hurston – Dedication

Zora Neale Hurston dedicated her novel Moses Man of the Mountain:

TO

EDWIN OSGOOD GROVER

Grover was Professor of Books at Rollins College where Hurston was a student. He published many books, taught courses and created the 45-acre Mead Garden for reading and reflection.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston – Dedication

Did you read this one in school? Zora Neale Hurston dedicated her award-winning novel Their Eyes Were Watching God:

TO

HENRY ALLEN MOE

Dr. Henry Allen Moe served as President of the Guggenheim Foundation for over 40 years, guiding countless artists, scholars and scientists. He left to become President of the American Philosophical Society (1959-1970). His widow created the Henry Allen Moe Prize in the Humanities in 1982.

Jonah’s Gourd Vine by Zora Neale Hurston – Dedication

Zora Neals Hurston dedicated her novel Jonah’s Gourd Vine:

TO

BOB WUNSCH

WHO IS ONE OF THE LONG-WINGDED ANGELS

RIGHT ROUND THE THRONE

GO GATOR AND MUDDY THE WATER

– THE AUTHOR

Bob Wunsch was the resident theater director at Rollins, where Zora Neale Hurston rehearsed performers for her new play From Sun to Sun.

It’s About Time by Philip Paul – Dedication

Jazz drumming grandmaster Philip Paul recorded his solo CD “It’s About Time” after an impressive career performing with Lock-Jaw Davis, Hank Ballard, Buddy Johnson’s Big Bang and Count Basie’s saxophonist Frank Foster. Basie’s hit Shiny Stockings was named after Paul’s wife Juanita, who wore them to the Cotton Club where Foster and Paul performed.

Paul dedicated “It’s About Time:”

This CD is dedicated to my loving wife Juanita for 50 years of marital bliss. It is also dedicated to all of the wonderful musicians and friends who have helped me survive this monster called show business.”