NEW RELEASE:
"CONNECTICUT BOOTLEGGER QUEEN Nellie Green"
"CONNECTICUT SOFTBALL LEGEND JOAN JOYCE"
WHY I WROTE "CONNECTICUT SOFTBALL LEGEND JOAN JOYCE"
My goal in writing "Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce is to encourage all of you to learn more about the amazing journey of this sports phenom who is known by many experts and fans alike as "The Greatest Female Athlete in Sports History".
I hope this book will, in a small degree, help in that respect as I pay tribute to this amazing athlete and wonderful person—our Joanie Joyce.
PRESS RELEASE - "CONNECTICUT SOFTBALL LEGEND JOAN JOYCE"
BOOK REVIEWS:
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Joan Joyce is the real deal, a fierce competitor and one of the greatest athletes and coaches in sports history. Tony Renzoni’s moving tribute to Joan shows us why she is a champion in sports and in life.
—Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality pioneer
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Joan Joyce is truly the greatest female athlete in sports history. And a great coach as well. Tony Renzoni’s well-researched book is a touching tribute to this phenomenal athlete. I highly recommend this book!
—Bobby Valentine, former MLB player and manager, current athletic director at Sacred Heart University (Fairfield)
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Joan Joyce has to be one of the most incredible female athletes of all time. She has left an indelible mark on women’s athletics—creating a legacy that has been instrumental in bringing women’s athletics into the public spotlight. Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 1994
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We both started out really young and we stuck with it and made something of our lives. With great admiration, Brian. PS: Joan, Let’s have a re-match someday, bowling for dollars!
—Brian Hyland, singer, songwriter, publisher, international recording artist
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There are fascinating human beings, then there’s Joan Joyce. For my money, there’s never been a more talented, more accomplished, more transcendent female athlete than Joan. She captured the imagination young girls, women AND men alike before the advent of the twenty-four-hour news cycle, the sports- only television networks and social media. What couldn’t she do? The greatest softball player who ever lived. Represented the United States on the hardwood in basketball. The least number of putts ever in a professional round of golf.
Not to mention nine NCAA Regional appearances as the head softball coach of Florida Atlantic University (that’s how I know her best). I’ve never met a better storyteller than Joan because, well, she lived all of her stories! I feel fortunate to know the single most influential and unique female athlete who has ever walked the planet...Joan Joyce.
—Ken laVicka, ESPN, Voice of FAU
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As a young man participating in athletics in school I can only marvel at the accomplishments of our girl, Joan Joyce. Her list of participation & accolades in athletics are the stuff of dreams to me! God bless and keep her, and her life as teacher and role model.
—Johnny Mathis, Grammy-nominated recording artist
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Is Joan Joyce the greatest athlete ever from the great city of Waterbury, Conn.? You bet. Is Joan Joyce Connecticut’s greatest female athlete? Absolutely—by a city and country mile. Is Joan Joyce the greatest female athlete of all time, period? Tony Renzoni sets out to prove just that in Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce
—Joe Palladino, Waterbury Republican-American
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The story is all true. Joan Joyce was a tremendous pitcher, as talented as anyone who ever played. [responding to a newspaper account of his early 1960s match-ups against Joan Joyce]
—Ted Williams, Hall of Fame MLB and Boston Red Sox great, December 30, 1999
BOOK REVIEWS & ARTICLES IN NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES,etc:
1. RADIO INTERVIEW:
CLICK HERE: Radio Interview for "Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce"
2. Article in the November, 2019 Issue of Connecticut Magazine:
CLICK HERE: Book Review Article (Connecticut Magazine)
3. ARTICLE IN THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER NEWSPAPER:
CLICK HERE: Book Review Article (New Haven Register)
4. ARTICLE IN THE WATERBURY REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER:
CLICK HERE: Book Review Article (Waterbury Republican American Newspaper
GALLERY:
PHOTOS OF ATHLETES DISCUSSED IN MY BOOK
GALLERY - BOOK SIGNING PHOTOS
CONNECTICUT ROCK 'n' ROLL: A HISTORY ©
BACK COVER (Including Book Description)
Artists Shown: Bottom: The Highwaymen performing at a sold-out concert in the Montowese House as part of the Indian Neck Folk Festival in Branford, Connecticut; Rockville’s Legendary Gene Pitney (member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame); Inset: Tina Weymouth (of Talking Heads).
WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK:
1. To pay tribute to the many talented artists that called Connecticut their home. Included are artists who achieved fame on a National/International level, fame on a Regional level, and popularity on a local level.
2, To highlight the many cultural events that have been impacted by rock 'n' roll (e.g., Record Hops, Record Stores, Radio Station Disc Jockeys, After-school Hangouts, etc.)
"CONNECTICUT ROCK 'n' ROLL: A HISTORY" - PRESS RELEASE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Renzoni is a rock 'n' roll enthusiast. He has been an avid collector of over ten thousand vinyl records. One of his hobbies has been researching the national and local rock 'n' roll music scene, in Connecticut.
Tony had a thirty-eight year career with the Federal government. As district manager in Connecticut's Fairfield County, he oversaw the operations of four field offices, serving over 100,000 beneficiaries. Tony wrote over one thousand weekly columns that were published in the Connecticut Post newspaper and on the Connecticut Post website. Tony was a recipient of more than forty awards, including his agency's highest award.
A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Tony lives on the Connecticut shoreline with his wife, Colleen. Tony Renzoni is a graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Book Reviews:
Tony Renzoni has written a very thoughtful and well-researched tribute to the artists of Connecticut, and we are proud to have Gene included among them.
—Lynne Pitney, wife of Gene Pitney
An informative and entertaining musical journey through Connecticut’s place in rock and roll history, including the beautiful doo-wop song “In the Still of the Night” by the Five Satins, the Playmates’ novelty car tune “Beep Beep” and the creative cover of “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” by the Fifth Estate. Tony Renzoni also highlights several established artists who achieved latter-day success after relocating to the state, including Meat Loaf with his number one comeback hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”
—Warren Kurtz, contributing editor, Goldmine, the music collector’s magazine
Our Alice Cooper band recorded the Billion Dollars Babies album in a mansion in Greenwich. Over the years, there have been many great musicians from Connecticut, and the local scene is rich with good music. Tony Renzoni’s book captures all of that and more. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
—Dennis Dunaway, hall of famer and co-founder of the Alice Cooper band
Rock ’n’ Roll music fans from coast to coast will connect to events in this book.
Strongly recommended!
—Judith Fisher Freed, estate of Alan Freed
BOOK REVIEWS and ARITICLES IN NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, etc:
1. BOOK REVIEW IN THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER.
CLICK HERE: Branford man’s book explores Connecticut’s place in rock ‘n’ roll
2. "Connecticut Rock 'n' Roll: A History" discussed in the popular international Goldmine Magazine.
CLICK HERE: Book promotion in Goldmine Magazine
3. BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUND NEWSPAPER.
4. BOOK REVIEW IN THE NORWALK HOUR NEWSPAPER/ONLINE.
5. BOOK REVIEW IN CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE.
6. Connecticut Magazine Holiday Gift Guide December, 2017 Edition (page 48):
CLICK HERE: {"issue_id":455026,"page":54}
Artists Featured in "Connecticut Rock 'n' Roll:
A History"
NOTE: To find names of artists, hover over each image with your cursor. All photos of artists shown are used with permission and/or copyrighted.
SPECIAL NOTE: Check out this Very Cool Rock Cinema in production (link below), featuring Dennis Dunaway (of Alice Cooper fame), who has written a new song "Cold Cold Coffin". Also featured is Calico Cooper (Alice Cooper's daughter).
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dennisdunaway/cold-cold-coffin-rock-cinema?ref=project_link
PHOTO GALLERY:
Book Signings across the State of Connecticut (and Customers who purchased "CONNECTICUT ROCK 'N' ROLL: A HISTORY" at Book Signings)
Dennis Dunaway - Member of R&R Hall of Fame and Co-Founder of the Alice Cooper Band. https://www.dennisdunaway.com
Rare, one-of-a-kind photo of The Yardbirds. Chris Dreja, Jimmy Paige and Jim McCarty take tea in the Sandhaus home after their concert at Westport's Staples High School, October 22, 1966. © Ellen Sandhaus
Ken Evans of the Fifth Estate band. SEE BOOK FOREWORD
Alice Cooper's "Seal of Approval of "Connecticut Rock 'n' Roll: A History".
Debbie & Darnels (Conn Bandstand) © Dorothy Yutenkas
Alan Freed Little Richard Bill Haley © Judith Fisher Freed
Book Signing
Book Signing
RJ Julia Weslyan RJ Julia Wesleyan 9/9/17
Silas Bronson Waterbury Library Book Signing
Sacred Heart University Sep 29, 2017
Emily Santanella, Heather Frederick, Rockville, CT Book Signing.
Barnes and Noble Milford Book Signing.
Book Signing.
RJ Julia Wesleyan Book Signing.
Vince in Florida
Book Signing Sacred Heart University Sep 29, 2017.
Milford Barnes and Noble Milford Sep 23, 2017.
Fairfield University bookstore Book Signing.
BOOK SIGNINGS 2017, 2018, 2019
2019 (Confirmed so far):
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That Bookstore - March 23, 2019 - 2:00 pm
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New Canaan Library – April 10, 2019 – 6:30 pm
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Slater Library (Jewett City, CT) - June 4, 2019 – 6:30 pm
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Prospect Library -June 18, 2019 - 6:30 pm
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East Hartford Library - July 24, 2019 - 6:00 pm
2018:
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Milford Barnes and Noble (Milford, CT) February 10, 2018 12 noon - 4 pm
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Merle's Record Rack (Orange, CT) - April 21, 2018 (Record Store Day
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Fab4 Beatles Festival at Oakdale Theatre (Wallingford, CT) - June 9, 2018 - 2:00 pm.
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Greenwich Library (Greenwich, CT) - June 27,2018 (time TBD).
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Derby Library (Derby, CT) – July 9, 2018 – 1:00 pm.
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Manchester Library (Manchester, CT) - July 11, 2018 - 6:30 pm.
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Granby Library (Granby, CT) - July 16, 2018 - 6:30 pm.
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Brookfield Library (Brookfield, CT) - To be re-scheduled.
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Bristol Library (Bristol, CT) – July 23, 2018 – 1:00 pm.
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Windsor Locks Library (Windsor Locks, CT) - To be re-scheduled.
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Vernon Arts Center Gene Pitney Exhibit (Vernon, CT) - July 29, 2018 - 2:00 pm.
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Groton Library (Groton, CT) - August 1, 2018 7:00 pm.
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That Bookstore (Wethersfield, CT) - August 4, 2018 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Stoney Creek Library (Stoney Creek, CT) – August 15, 2018 – 7:00 pm.
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Connecticut Author Trail – Mohegan Sun (Cabaret Theatre) – Thur Sep 20, 2018 - 6:00 pm.
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Books on Pratt St (B&N) – outside Book Fair – Pratt Street (Hartford) - Sep 28, 2018 – 11:30am – approx. 3:30 pm.
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Fairfield Stage 1, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT (Fifth Estate Concert) – Intermission and After the Show – Fairfield, CT – Sat Sep 29, 2018 – 7:00 pm
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‘Fore ‘n’ Aft’ reunion – outside Book Signing – Oct 6, 2018 - Danbury, CT – 12 noon until …
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Edward Smith Library (Northford, CT) - November 4, 2018 - 1:30 pm. SPECIAL GUEST - Christine Ohlman!!
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Easton Library (Easton, CT) - To be re-scheduled.
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North Haven Library North Haven, CT) - November 17, 2018.
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Barnes & Noble Uconn Bookstore (Storrs, CT) November 29, 2018 5:30 pm
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Uconn Hartford Barnes & Noble Bookstore December 6, 2018 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) - Date and Time TBD.
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Costco (New Britain, CT) - Date and Time TBD
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North Haven Library North Haven, CT) - November 17, 2018 – 2:00 pm
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Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) - Date and Time TBD.
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Costco (New Britain, CT) - Date and Time TBD.
BOOK SIGNINGS IN 2017:
September:
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9th - RJ Julia Bookstore (WESLEYAN) – 2:00 – 4:00 PM
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14th - Somers Public Library – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
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19th – Seymour Public Library – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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23rd - Barnes & Noble “B-Fest” (Milford, CT) – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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29th - Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) – 7:00 pm
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30th - Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT) – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
October:
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2nd - Silas Bronson Library (Waterbury, CT) – 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM – ***NEW (changed from Oct 3rd to Monday Oct 2nd )
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14th – Barnes & Noble “B-Fest” Book Signing (Waterbury, CT) – 1:00PM– 3:00 PM
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24th - Cheshire Public Library – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
November:
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4th - East Haven Hagaman Library (East Haven, CT), Saturday November 4, 2017 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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5th - Rockville Public Library (Vernon, CT) – Sunday November 5, 2017 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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9th – Colchester Cragin Memorial Library (Colchester, CT) – 6:30 PM
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15th - Enfield Public Library – (Enfield, CT) – 7:00 pm
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24th - Exile On Main Street Record Store (Branford, CT) 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
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25th - The Griswold Inn Store ("Goods & Curiosities"), across the street from The Griswold Inn, 47 Main St, Essex -
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.
December:
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2nd - Blackstone Public Library (Branford, CT) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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6th - Old Saybrook’s Acton Public Library (Old Saybrook, CT) - MEET & GREET ONLY – 6:30 – 7:45 pm
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