An illustrated hardback edition will be published on
October 25, 2011 at $39.99

A special limited edition (print run of 1927 only) collector’s set with special release CD’s at $100

Shared by his wife Joy McKean – the songs, lyrics and life with Australia’s country music legend, Slim Dusty

Through the lyrics of their much loved songs, Joy McKean takes readers into the life she shared at home, on the stage and on the road with her husband, country music legend Slim Dusty. Married for more than 50 years, Slim and Joy toured all over Australia singing, writing and performing. 

I’VE BEEN THERE (AND BACK AGAIN) will include many never seen before photographs from Slim and Joy’s own family albums and also an extensive range by the internationally acclaimed photographer John Elliott, who has been photographing Slim and Joy, their band and family for decades.

Including many lyrics from the iconic songs they sang together, Joy reminisces about each song – who, how, when and where they were. The bush ballads and the bush life are recounted in detail as Joy tells of an Australian way of life that is almost gone. From the old showgrounds of the 1950s to the grand theatres of the big cities, the old-time music halls of country Australia and some of the most remote areas of the continent. This is a country music love affair.

Slim Dusty sold over 7 million albums in Australia and was our most prolific recording artist. Even today, he is still one of Australia’s all time biggest selling recording artists. Slim passed away on September 19, 2003.

Joy has been awarded six Golden Guitars for her song writing, and her skills as a writer and storyteller shine in this beautiful book. Joy wrote the bestselling biography Another Day, Another Town about his life.

To coincide with the release of the book, Music Australia will be releasing the CD “I’ve Been There (and Back Again)”. The album will act as the soundtrack, providing the 25 songs featured throughout the book. The album will be released on Friday 28th October.

For further information contact jaki.arthur@hachette.com.au or 02-82480864