SPORTS: Peter Finney informed and entertained readers of The New Orleans States-Item and The New Orleans Times-Picayune for nearly 70 years with his columns covering everything from baseball and boxing to horse racing and the Olympics. The Best of Peter Finney Legendary New Orleans Sportswriter captures the newsman’s trademark storytelling in 75 of his finest pieces focusing on great moments in Louisiana sports history. With an introduction from his son, Peter Finney Jr., a newspaper man himself as a former sportswriter for The New York Post and New York Daily News and current executive editor and manager of the Clarion Herald, newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the book is a must read not only for long-time Finney fans, but also fans of Louisiana sports.
HISTORY: From its founding as an orphanage for young girls to its current life as a retirement community and assisted-living facility, New Orleans Women and the Poydras Home by Pamela Taylor chronicles the storied and vivid history of this local institution. The book, published by the Louisiana State University Press, is available this month at local booksellers and LSUPress.org.
SOUL: Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton has come home to his native New Orleans. To celebrate, he released Bounce and Soul Volume 1 in a partnership with PJs Coffee. Get the “mixtape” featuring Louisiana artists such as Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Trombone Shorty and Dee-1 at select PJs locations, as well as on iTunes and other music outlets.
JAZZ: New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones’ sixth independent album, I’m Talkin’ Bout New Orleans was released in March. The 11-track album is as smooth as it is creative. It allows you to be at complete peace while listening, which is something that can’t be said for many artists. Jones showcases the musical know-how that has gained him respect in the jazz community for decades now. In a time when the overall quality of music is less than appealing, Leroy Jones is a breath of fresh air.
