Mike Collins

Driving Ms. Dottie: on the Road with a Gospel Music Legend Mike Collins

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live on a tour bus, traveling from town to town, or what really goes on behind the stage before a concert appearance? What are some of the funny experiences that can happen on the road? Do overzealous fans sometimes go too far? What is it really like to get to know a famous Gospel singing legend? Larry Ferguson, manager of the late Gospel music artist and songwriter Dottie Rambo, has put pen to paper and compiled a number of adventures that answer these and many other questions in his book, Driving Ms. Dottie, co-authored by Mike Collins. The release, from Woodland Gospel Publishing, offers an enjoyable and touching "behind-the-scenes" look at living in the center of the Gospel music industry. The book also portrays the private side of Ms. Dottie that the public didn't get to see, away from the bright lights and stage, from a unique perspective that only her manager could tell. As Dottie herself revealed in the book's foreword [yes, she even gave her stamp of approval to the project!], some of the stories you'll read will make you laugh, while others will make you cry. But overall you will be able to gain an insight into what it's like to take the Gospel in song all over the world. Readers will find both a variety of stories and photos that focus on what may seem like an unlikely compilation of cherished friends, including Dolly Parton, Bill Anderson, Lily Tomlin, the Crabb Family, Stella Parton, Eva Mae LeFevre, Michael Sykes, Benny Hinn, Mark Lowry, Carol Channing, Barbara Mandrell, Tammy Faye Messner, Joan Rivers, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, the Gaither Homecoming Friends and others. Larry also pays homage to both Vestal Goodman (Dottie's closest friend) and Jake Hess. Larry tells the story behind Dottie's 2003 Stand By the River recording session with friend, Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton wrote about this title: "I am very honored to be included in his book, Driving Ms. Dottie. (I, too, love Ms. Dottie!). Larry has done a wonderful job, and I'm sure you readers will enjoy it." Homecoming Friends' comedian Aaron Wilburn, after reading a pre-release copy of the book, said: "Jump in for a joyride as Larry Ferguson takes us on a journey of laughter and reflections in Driving Ms. Dottie--and best of all, everybody gets a window seat and Larry pays for the gas! Bless his heart!"