Paul Kennerley
"When I started to write songs, it was very much with Waylon [Jennings] in mind. For an Englishman to write country lyrics about situations in England is impossible, so I hit upon the idea of couching it in this Southern roots thing." "I only used the Civil War as a backdrop to what I think is basically a romantic tale. White Mansions is not really an epic musical but rather a series of songs about the people involved and not so much the issues of the war."
I'd seen [producer Glyn Johns] named more than any other on the backs of my favorite records, so I found out where he lived and sent him a tape. Five weeks later, he called me up and said, 'I've heard your tape and I'd really like to make a record out of it.' I was incredibly lucky."
White Mansions: a Tale of the Civil War 1861-1865 was Kennerley's first album with Glyn Johns for A&M Records. The album was supported by advertising and merchandising with 90-second radio spots and print ads. For retail there was a poster, and browser box. Radio, retail and the press were sent an audio-visual presentation.
A&M Records, Ltd. became involved with White Mansions thanks to its association with Glyn Johns.
The concept album The Legend of Jesse James was A&M's first album directed to the country market. It was released on November 7, 1980.
- A&M Unveils 'White Mansions' Album. Walter Campbell. Record World, June 17, 1978.
- Brits Around the World. Peter Cronin. Billboard, February 18, 1995.
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