By PJ Johnston
Sentinel Film Critic
Copyright © 2007 San Francisco Sentinel
I’m not one to use this space to regurgitate press releases. After all, I write press releases in my day job, among other things, and by the time I sit down to work on Moving Pictures, I’m sick of the sight of them. This column is about movies, and life, and how much juice I can squeeze out of the two.
On the other hand, it would be ungracious, vile and arrogant of me to blow off press releases altogether in my capacity as film critic for Your San Francisco Sentinel – all the while expecting editors and writers at other publications to take note of mine all week long. What comes around goes around, after all.
So when an announcement of some kind catches my fancy, I feel obliged to share it with you, dear reader. And just such a press release crossed my desk this week.
Seems Steve McQueen – that’s right, Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, San Francisco detective, all-time badass of all-time badasses – is returning to the city where he made his most famous movie … but it won’t be in a second-run movie theater or a San Francisco State film class.
Instead, McQueen will be brought back to life on the walls of one of San Francisco’s finest art galleries.
According to my source, intrepid biographer Marshall Terrill, Barbara McQueen’s photos of her superstar husband will make its world premiere on May 5 at the San Francisco Art Exchange, 458 Geary Street.
“The idea of having a photo exhibit has been a longtime dream of mine,” said Barbara McQueen. “And the perfect place to host such an exhibit is in the city where Steve filmed ‘Bullitt.’”
I’d love to report to you that the lovely Ms. McQueen actually told me this – but alas, I got it from Senor Terrill’s press release. I intend to actually speak to her, art-reception wine and hunks of cheese in hand, on Cinco de Mayo.
Terrill’s first book, “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel,” was a big hit in 1993. This year he collaborated with Barbara McQueen on “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” a 250-page photo book that, I have a hunch, just might be available at the Art Exchange show.
Terrill, interestingly enough, is noted for his biographies on McQueen, Elvis Presley and Pistol Pete Maravich, the basketball great. Even more interestingly, Terrill worked for financier Charles Keating back in the 80s. By 1989 Keating’s company, Lincoln Savings & Loan, was the poster child of the savings and loan scandal that brought down the industry and cost you, dear taxpayer, billions in bailout dough. Keating, a rich, ultraconservative anti-porn crusader who put the “critter” in hippocrit, was sent sentenced to jail and Terrill suddenly found himself unemployed. At age 26, he moved back into his parents’ home in Virginia and began his second career, as a biographer. His first subject was McQueen.
Nice choice. Who didn’t love the King of Cool? Star of countless great, half-great and okay-not-so great movies, most notably “The Magnificent Seven” (1960), “The Great Escape” (1963), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968), “Papillon” (1973) and, of course, “Bullitt,” the 1968 thriller that made the world fall in love with San Francisco, Ford Mustangs and Jacqueline Bisset. We San Franciscans still love to marvel at the way that green GT flew off the ground on Potrero Hill and landed in Russian Hill! Yeah, baby!
McQueen was the quintessential Hollywood bad boy and one damn fine actor. (He died of complications from liver cancer in 1980.) He lived larged, burned rubber as a motorcyclist and race car driver, and burned through a marriage with “The Getaway” (1972) co-star Ali MacGraw … and really, if you’re going to burn through a marriage, wouldn’t we all like it to be with Ali MacGraw, the Scarlett Johanson of her era?
(Incidentally, MacGraw wrote a 1991 autobiography, “Moving Pictures” – no relation to this column.)
McQueen later married the beautiful Barbara Minty, a model with a talent for photography, and spent his final years with her.
This exhibition is a personal collection of about 40 photographs taken by Minty nee McQueen, who has remained silent about her relationship with her husband for more than 25 years. Now she’s ready to talk about their life together and her photographs, which offer an extremely personal insight into the final years of Steve McQueen.
The photos offer candid shots from 1977 to 1980 – the actor’s years in a fading spotlight. It also chronicles her times with McQueen at Trancas Beach; Ketchum, Idaho; and Santa Paula; as well as behind-the-scenes shots from the sets of his final films, “Tom Horn” and the underappreciated “The Hunter,” (both 1980)
“It will be a fun gathering of family and friends and an eclectic mix of people,” said Terrill, who is organizing the exhibit. “I’m sure there will be people from all walks of life including bikers, artists, poets, actors, accountants, writers and McQueen fans. Everyone is welcome.”
Both Barbara McQueen and Terrill will give short presentations on the photos (some of which have never been seen before) and take questions afterward.
And if I gulp enough of that gallery wine, I’m gonna ask Terrill about Charles Keating’s jowls, and how Pistol Pete might’ve fared against Kobe. No matter how much wine I put down, however, I promise to leave Ali MacGraw out of it.
The cost to attend the Barbara McQueen photo exhibit at the San Francisco Art Exchange on May 5t is free, but an RSVP is required to guarantee admittance. Contact Theron Kabrich at (800) 344-9633 or e-mail at theron@sfae.com.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
SFAE hosts Steve McQueen exhibit May 5
Steve McQueen is returning to the city where he made his most famous movie, but it won’t be at a theater or film retrospective.
Instead, McQueen will be brought back to life on the walls of a world famous art gallery in San Francisco, California.
Barbara McQueen’s photos of her superstar husband will make its world premiere on May 5 at the San Francisco Art Exchange, 458 E. Geary Street. The exhibit takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is co-hosted by Bonhams and Butterfields, a San Francisco-based firm which hosted a McQueen memorabilia auction in November 2006.
“The idea of having a photo exhibit has been a long-time dream of mine,” said Barbara McQueen. “And the perfect place to host such an exhibit is in the city where Steve filmed Bullitt.”
This exhibition is a personal collection of approximately 40 photographs taken by Steve's widow and former model Barbara McQueen, who has remained silent about her relationship with husband Steve McQueen for more than 25 years. Now she is ready to talk about their life together and her photographs, which offer an extremely personal insight into the final years of Steve McQueen.
The photos offer candid shots from 1977 to 1980 – the actor’s years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles her years with McQueen at Trancas Beach, Ketchum, Idaho and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scenes photos on the set of Tom Horn and The Hunter. “It will be a fun gathering of family and friends and an eclectic mix of people,” said author Marshall Terrill, who is organizing the exhibit. “I’m sure there will be people from all walks of life including bikers, artists, poets, actors, accountants, writers and McQueen fans. Everyone is welcome.”
Both Barbara McQueen and Marshall Terrill will give a short presentation on the photos (some that have never been seen before) and then take questions afterward.
The cost to attend the exhibit is free, but an RSVP is required to guarantee admittance. Contact Theron Kabrich at (800) 344-9633 or e-mail at theron@sfae.com.
Instead, McQueen will be brought back to life on the walls of a world famous art gallery in San Francisco, California.
Barbara McQueen’s photos of her superstar husband will make its world premiere on May 5 at the San Francisco Art Exchange, 458 E. Geary Street. The exhibit takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is co-hosted by Bonhams and Butterfields, a San Francisco-based firm which hosted a McQueen memorabilia auction in November 2006.
“The idea of having a photo exhibit has been a long-time dream of mine,” said Barbara McQueen. “And the perfect place to host such an exhibit is in the city where Steve filmed Bullitt.”
This exhibition is a personal collection of approximately 40 photographs taken by Steve's widow and former model Barbara McQueen, who has remained silent about her relationship with husband Steve McQueen for more than 25 years. Now she is ready to talk about their life together and her photographs, which offer an extremely personal insight into the final years of Steve McQueen.
The photos offer candid shots from 1977 to 1980 – the actor’s years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles her years with McQueen at Trancas Beach, Ketchum, Idaho and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scenes photos on the set of Tom Horn and The Hunter. “It will be a fun gathering of family and friends and an eclectic mix of people,” said author Marshall Terrill, who is organizing the exhibit. “I’m sure there will be people from all walks of life including bikers, artists, poets, actors, accountants, writers and McQueen fans. Everyone is welcome.”
Both Barbara McQueen and Marshall Terrill will give a short presentation on the photos (some that have never been seen before) and then take questions afterward.
The cost to attend the exhibit is free, but an RSVP is required to guarantee admittance. Contact Theron Kabrich at (800) 344-9633 or e-mail at theron@sfae.com.
Monday, March 12, 2007
"Maravich" College Basketball Mix ready to view
With more than 1 million viewers fascinated by the "Ultimate Pistol Pete Maravich Basketball" mix, Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill, authors of "Maravich" (Sport Classic Books, $24.95) have unveiled the sister video.
The "Ultimate Pistol Pete Maravich College Basketball" mix, which highlights Maravich's storybook career at LSU where he became Division I's most prolific scorer, is now posted on www.maravichbook.com and www.youtube.com.
"The words in our book vividly describes Pete's talent and how he played, but on this video, you get to see some of the incredible plays he made on the court in a game," said co-author Wayne Federman. "Some of the things he did will leave you shaking your head and asking, 'How did he do that?'"
The six-minute video is accompanied by music and contains footage from Maravich's LSU varsity career (1967-1970).
"Maravich" is now in its second printing and remains one of the top-selling sports books in the country.
The "Ultimate Pistol Pete Maravich College Basketball" mix, which highlights Maravich's storybook career at LSU where he became Division I's most prolific scorer, is now posted on www.maravichbook.com and www.youtube.com.
"The words in our book vividly describes Pete's talent and how he played, but on this video, you get to see some of the incredible plays he made on the court in a game," said co-author Wayne Federman. "Some of the things he did will leave you shaking your head and asking, 'How did he do that?'"
The six-minute video is accompanied by music and contains footage from Maravich's LSU varsity career (1967-1970).
"Maravich" is now in its second printing and remains one of the top-selling sports books in the country.
McQueen media blast to reach millions
A Barbara McQueen New York media blast planned for the week of March 13-17 will reach an estimated 20 million people worldwide.
By the end of this week, millions of television viewers, radio listeners, newspaper readers and online browsers will find out whatever happened Barbara McQueen and will be introduced to her new book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile.” (Dalton Watson Fine Books, $49.95)
Steve McQueen's widow will kick off her press junket with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13. The show has an estimated viewing audience of five million people nationwide.
The number will double when Barbara McQueen appears on the FOX Network's “Fox & Friends,” on Wednesday, March 14. McQueen's 10-minute interview will be syndicated nationally on FOX stations throughout the country and the world and will reach an estimated 10 million people.
Also planned for the week are a series of satellite radio interviews with Premiere Radio Network, as well as interviews with CNN radio, News Fox Radio and Flash News, all nationally syndicated radio shows. On Thursday, March 15, McQueen will also give print interviews with several New York publications, including “The New York Times.”
All of these efforts will go toward promoting “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” a new 240-page photo book which will go wide release on March 13. The book contains approximately 150 pictures documenting Barbara McQueen's three-and-a-half year relationship with the movie icon, which includes candid shots from 1977 to 1980 McQueen's years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles Barbara's early history and modeling career; her years with Steve McQueen at Trancas Beach and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scene photos on the sets of Tom Horn and The Hunter.
Books can easily be obtained by going to www.daltonwatson.com or www.amazon.com.
By the end of this week, millions of television viewers, radio listeners, newspaper readers and online browsers will find out whatever happened Barbara McQueen and will be introduced to her new book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile.” (Dalton Watson Fine Books, $49.95)
Steve McQueen's widow will kick off her press junket with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13. The show has an estimated viewing audience of five million people nationwide.
The number will double when Barbara McQueen appears on the FOX Network's “Fox & Friends,” on Wednesday, March 14. McQueen's 10-minute interview will be syndicated nationally on FOX stations throughout the country and the world and will reach an estimated 10 million people.
Also planned for the week are a series of satellite radio interviews with Premiere Radio Network, as well as interviews with CNN radio, News Fox Radio and Flash News, all nationally syndicated radio shows. On Thursday, March 15, McQueen will also give print interviews with several New York publications, including “The New York Times.”
All of these efforts will go toward promoting “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” a new 240-page photo book which will go wide release on March 13. The book contains approximately 150 pictures documenting Barbara McQueen's three-and-a-half year relationship with the movie icon, which includes candid shots from 1977 to 1980 McQueen's years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles Barbara's early history and modeling career; her years with Steve McQueen at Trancas Beach and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scene photos on the sets of Tom Horn and The Hunter.
Books can easily be obtained by going to www.daltonwatson.com or www.amazon.com.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Barbara McQueen invades East Coast
Barbara McQueen, widow of actor Steve McQueen, will invade the East Coast in March with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” several book signings and attend the world premiere of new Steve McQueen documentary.
McQueen will appear as a guest on “The Last Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13, along with actor Jeff Goldblum and musical guest The Queen. The former model-turned-photographer will appear on the show to promote her 240-page book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile” and talk about why she has re-emerged in the public spotlight after 25 years.
On Thursday, March 15, McQueen, along with co-author Marshall Terrill, will sign copies of “The Last Mile” at the world famous Kiehl's Pharmacy, 109 Third Avenue (between 13 & 14th avenues). The pharmacy contains a world-class collection of cars and motorcycles. The two authors will sign books with one of Steve McQueen's bikes lurking in the background. The signing takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include cocktails and appetizers. For more information, call (212) 677-3171.
The two will then travel to an hour north to Newburgh, New York to sign books at the Newburgh Barnes and Nobles, 1245 Route 300. The 1 p.m. Signing, which takes place on Saturday, March 17, includes a presentation and question and answer session. For more information, call (845) 567-0782.
Later that evening, McQueen and Terrill will attend the world premiere of “An American Rebel: Steve McQueen,” a new 90-minute documentary. Directed and produced by Richard Martin, the documentary is based on Terrill's 1993 biography, “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.” The premiere starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Downing Movie Theater, 19 Front Street , Newburgh, New York. It includes a 6:45 p.m. wine & cheese reception, and a Q & A with Martin, Terrill and McQueen following the conclusion of the documentary. The film's soundtrack features music from Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Anne Murray, The Rolling Stones and the Human Beinz. The last time a Hollywood premiere was held in Newburgh was with Tyrone Power and the West Point film, “The Long Grey Line” in the 1950s. Tickets for the premiere go on sale March 1 and seats are limited. For more information, call the Downing Film Center at (845) 561-3686.
An after premiere party will be held at 9:45 p.m., Saturday, March 17 at the East Side Bar & Grill, 624 Route 300, Walden, New York. McQueen and Terrill will be on hand to greet guests and sign books. For more information, call Sam Torres at (845) 629-0803.
McQueen will appear as a guest on “The Last Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13, along with actor Jeff Goldblum and musical guest The Queen. The former model-turned-photographer will appear on the show to promote her 240-page book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile” and talk about why she has re-emerged in the public spotlight after 25 years.
On Thursday, March 15, McQueen, along with co-author Marshall Terrill, will sign copies of “The Last Mile” at the world famous Kiehl's Pharmacy, 109 Third Avenue (between 13 & 14th avenues). The pharmacy contains a world-class collection of cars and motorcycles. The two authors will sign books with one of Steve McQueen's bikes lurking in the background. The signing takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include cocktails and appetizers. For more information, call (212) 677-3171.
The two will then travel to an hour north to Newburgh, New York to sign books at the Newburgh Barnes and Nobles, 1245 Route 300. The 1 p.m. Signing, which takes place on Saturday, March 17, includes a presentation and question and answer session. For more information, call (845) 567-0782.
Later that evening, McQueen and Terrill will attend the world premiere of “An American Rebel: Steve McQueen,” a new 90-minute documentary. Directed and produced by Richard Martin, the documentary is based on Terrill's 1993 biography, “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.” The premiere starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Downing Movie Theater, 19 Front Street , Newburgh, New York. It includes a 6:45 p.m. wine & cheese reception, and a Q & A with Martin, Terrill and McQueen following the conclusion of the documentary. The film's soundtrack features music from Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Anne Murray, The Rolling Stones and the Human Beinz. The last time a Hollywood premiere was held in Newburgh was with Tyrone Power and the West Point film, “The Long Grey Line” in the 1950s. Tickets for the premiere go on sale March 1 and seats are limited. For more information, call the Downing Film Center at (845) 561-3686.
An after premiere party will be held at 9:45 p.m., Saturday, March 17 at the East Side Bar & Grill, 624 Route 300, Walden, New York. McQueen and Terrill will be on hand to greet guests and sign books. For more information, call Sam Torres at (845) 629-0803.
Friday, February 23, 2007
"Maravich" book signing at LSU game on Feb. 24
Gabcast! A Book Buzz #15 - "Maravich" book signing at LSU vs. Florida game on Feb. 24
This Saturday, the "Maravich" team will sign books in the Pete Maravich pass before, during and after the Feb. 24 game at LSU. Jackie, Jaeson & Joshua Maravich, as well as authors Marshall Terrill and Wayne Federman, will sign copies of "Maravich." The book retails for $25.
This Saturday, the "Maravich" team will sign books in the Pete Maravich pass before, during and after the Feb. 24 game at LSU. Jackie, Jaeson & Joshua Maravich, as well as authors Marshall Terrill and Wayne Federman, will sign copies of "Maravich." The book retails for $25.
"Maravich" in the Livingston Parish News
Pee Wee Day: Maravich book brings back memories of showtime
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
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