“This memoir touches upon the author’s life, music career, and friendship with famed singer Frankie Laine (That’s My Desire, Mule Train, Jezebel, That Lucky Old Sun, Rawhide, and many, many others.) The book imparts an entertaining and honest account of certain events in the author’s life. These events, accompanied by subsequent ties with Laine over the years, have neatly woven the chapters together. This tome, originally published two years before Laine’s death in 2007, provides not only a glimpse into the lives of fan and celebrity, but also provides validation to all who believe that some dreams do come true.”

—Barns & Noble review

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“This book reads like an intimate personal account, which gives it a leg up over books that speak of a biography in an impersonal way.”

—David Miller, host and producer of the music radio program “Swingin’ Down the Lane” (National Public Radio)

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“Craig Cronbaugh rightfully perpetuates the career of a musical talent whose contributions far exceed his pivotal singing in the theme songs of the TV show ‘Rawhide’ and the classic Mel Brooks film, ‘Blazing Saddles.’ He weaves this story into his own career memoir.”

—The Culture Buzz (John Busbee-KFMG
Radio)

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“This book isn’t your typical biography. It’s much better! Craig is a very open, honest person as he takes you through his life’s triumphs and tragedies. His love for his friends, family, and especially, Frankie
Laine, are very admirable as well. As you read it, you come to know that if you’re lucky enough to be a friend of Craig’s, you’re a friend for life. As you read the book, you see how Craig’s hero, Frankie Laine, comes to be a true, trusted friend over the years. And it all started with a phone call, asking if he could meet Frankie just to shake his hand! How many people can say that about their hero? One of the bonuses of the book is the photos from Craig’s personal collection that you won’t see anywhere else! After reading Craig’s book you’ll come to realize there aren’t too many people out there like Craig, and there aren’t too many stars out their like Frankie was.”

—Mary K. Garland

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“Have you ever wanted to pick up the phone and arrange to meet with your favorite celebrity? That’s exactly what author Craig Cronbaugh did. With barely enough money to pay his bus fare, this 29-year-old drummer from Iowa set out on a cross-country bus trip in 1985 to meet with singing legend Frankie Laine. His story provides a revealing glimpse into the life and personality of this musical giant and should be a much-treasured volume for Frankie Laine fans. But the real strong point in this book is the story of Craig Cronbaugh himself. Craig reveals himself through his pages as a far more real human being than the authors any autobiographies I’ve ever read — perhaps because he isn’t a celebrity. His trials and triumphs are experienced as those of a close friend you grew up with. As Craig’s life interweaves with Frankie Laine’s over the years, we’re treated to an intimate exploration of the role that “heroes” can play in our lives. As an added bonus, the book contains 20 pages of pictures — including several  previously unpublished snapshots of Frankie Laine, and exclusive quotes from Teresa Brewer, Connie  Haines, Gene Pitney, Jo Stafford, Lucy Marlow and, of course, Frankie Laine.”

—Michael Pendragon