Behind The Headlines: The Story Within The Story of Hoodlums, Big Wheels, and Celebrities.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in the Nashville Room of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: The typed manuscript is the working paper for a book to have been titled Behind The Headlines: The Story Within The Story of Hoodlums, Big Wheels and Celebrities. Battle looks back on significant or memorable people, places, and events from his journalistic career with the Nashville Banner newspaper, a career which began in 1943 during World War II and ended with the closing of the paper in 1998. Each folder contains material loosely linked by subject. The writings are not in chronological order. The material contains many anecdotes as well as behind the scenes information from Battle's days as a police beat, city, regional and business reporter and editor. Battle writes about the famous (and often infamous) individuals with whom he came in contact, especially those in country music. There are many interviews ranging from Marguerita Oswald (mother of Lee Harvey Oswald) to Roy Orbison, providing extensive quotes. Some of the pieces stretch over a period of time, while others are single incidents.

Cite as: Behind The Headlines: The Story Within The Story of Hoodlums, Big Wheels and Celebrities; Ephemera Collection, Nashville Room, Nashville Public Library.

Nashville Public Library has intellectual property rights to this manuscript.

Bob Battle;,Gift;,2004.,Acc. 2004.005.

Nashville Room of the Nashville Public Library also houses the Nashville Banner Collection, with clippings morgue, awards, photographs, photo negatives, and other components.

Bob Battle (1927- ) was born on his family's farm in Nolensville, Tennessee, just south of Nashville. He began part-time work at the Nashville Banner newspaper in 1943, and became a full-time reporter in 1947, having graduated from Nashville's Central High School in 1946. He worked at the Banner for over fifty years as City Editor, Managing Editor, Executive Editor, Regional Editor, Senior Editor, and finally Vice-President and Business Editor at the time the Banner was closed in February, 1998. In the 2000s he wrote a column for Williamson AM, the Tennessean's local supplement for Williamson County residents.

Finding aid available. Inquire at service desk.

Manuscript typed and arranged by the donor and author.