Homefires IV

A Miami Herald article on a local man's suicide inspired this nice lady and a friend to write an epochal rock and roll song.

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Need another hint? The oldest boy in the photo also grew up to be a famous songwriter.

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Carl in Atlanta was on the track of this one right away. I see now that the gauntlet's been thrown down, and I'll have to eat some brimstone before making my final choice for my next puzzle.

The lady is Mae Axton. It would be nice to have the cool that resided in just one of her pinkies. While living in Gainesville, she and song-writing partner Tommy Durden were intrigued by the news of the man whose suicide note said only "I walk a lonely street." She imagined an inn at the end of it, turned it from the sad, sweet ballad Tommy had envisioned to an edgy rock number, then she christened their little song "Heartbreak Hotel."
She had it demo'ed in Jacksonville, and sent it to Elvis, who recorded it as she had arranged it. Glenn Reeves, who demo'ed the song for her, called the song "extremely silly." Sun Records producer Sam Phillips proclaimed Elvis's final product "a morbid mess."

It became Elvis's first gold record and first number one.

In addition to having 200 of her songs recorded by various artists, Mae was a PR expert, journalist, English teacher, business woman, good wife, and good mother. She became a fixture in the Nashville music industry, and had a reputation for being a nice, upbeat lady.
Her son, Hoyt Axton, also became a songwriter. Among his songs were "Joy to the World," a number-one hit for Three Dog Night; and "Never Been to Spain," which was not only another hit for Three Dog Night, but also for...Elvis Presley.

Another unique accomplishment for a family famous for them.

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Homefires III
Homefires II
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