Maplewood History: Kennedy Music

By
Doug Houser
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4
85
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of art created about our community.

Kennedy Music, the just released historical novel by Wanda Kennedy Kuntz, is based on her family’s longtime Maplewood business of the same name. It was an especially bright spot in the Maplewood business district, producing and helping others to produce the ephemeral but important sounds that we humans need to survive.

Ray and Mae Kennedy with their movie star good looks added flash and dazzle to the already hopping Maplewood scene.

Now their daughter, Wanda has turned the family story into an engaging piece of Americana about the small town music scene in the midst of the twentieth century. And not just any small town, our small town, Maplewood!

Her story is lavishly illustrated with many photos taken by her Uncle Tom who was a professional photographer. Wanda documents her family’s life with her effortless, artful style.

Very few communities can boast of novels in which they figure prominently. Maplewood now has its own thanks to Wanda. She will sign copies of her book this Sunday at The Book House at 7352 Manchester from 1-3. Do I have to mention this is an excellent Christmas present? It’s only $17.95.

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of art created about our community.
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of art created about our community.
Satisfied customer, Jane Houser strums her mandolin purchased at Kennedy Music in the early 1970's.
Satisfied customer, Jane Houser strums her mandolin purchased at Kennedy Music in the early 1970’s.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Doug,

    Thanks for this heartwarming story. You are THE Maplewood historian and do such a great job of educating everyone else to this communities unique history.

    Joellen

  3. My dad got my first guitar from Mr.Kennedy. Back when I was six years old. Got the first one I bought from him to. When I was 14. Cut a lot of yards for that thing. He is to blame for my guitar addiction. Told him that one time. He laughed so hard and thanked me.

  4. Thanks so much, Doug — I’m looking forward to meeting many Maplewoodians at the signing! Those of you who know my brother, Tom Kennedy, and my cousins Peggy and Chuck Kennedy — are in for a rare treat to visit with them at this signing only.

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