THE SOLIE CHRONICLES: the Life and Times of Gordon Solie
Release Date: August 2009 / Authors: Robert Allyn, Pamela S. Allyn, and Scott Teal / Publisher: Crowbar Press
DESCRIPTION
Since the late 1800s, professional wrestling has turned out many high-profile stars: names such as Frank Gotch, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Lou Thesz, Dusty Rhodes and Hulk Hogan. Perhaps one of the most well-known pro-wrestling personalities, however, wasn’t even a wrestler. He was a commentator and announcer named Gordon Solie. Famous dead-pan style interviews and colorful play-by-play broadcasts of wrestling led to Gordon’s induction into the WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), the NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), and the WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2008). Wrestling fans of the 60s, 70s and 80s remember Gordon’s legendary broadcasts on Championship Wrestling from Florida, Championship Wrestling from Georgia, and World Championship Wrestling. Born Jonard Frank Labiak on January 26, 1929, Gordon began working as a page and errand boy for a Louisiana radio station while he was in the U.S. Air Force. Known to his fellow servicemen as Gordy, he would later legally change his name to Gordon Solie, a name chosen to honor his family history. In 1950, he took a job as an announcer for WEBK in Ybor City, Florida. By starting his own radio sports interview program, Gordon made key contacts in professional wrestling and stock car racing. Subsequently, Gordon Solie set a course and made a major impact on the development of professional wrestling, national auto thrill show tours, stock car racing on Florida’s Suncoast, and ultimately, as the host for the highest-rated show on the largest cable network in America. The background material for this biography was found in Gordon’s personal files and taken from interviews with the people who knew him the best. It is written as a testament to a man who made his mark in many endeavors.
REVIEWS
Rich Tate: For those who didn’t acquire Gordon Solie: Something Left Behind (and why haven’t you?), this is what you were most likely hoping for, and now you can have it. While Something Left Behind was only a compilation of various writings from Solie, put together by Bob and Pam Allyn, the Allyns have now managed to piece together a biographical look at Solie’s life, both on and off camera, in a way no one else could. This is an excellent accounting of his broadcasting career, as well as other professional ventures and his personal relationships. If you admired Solie and want to know more of what made him tick, this book is must-read material. Extremely recommended.
http://www.1wrestlinglegends.com/crowbarpress/solie/index-rt.htm
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