[158] Legendary musician Daniels to sign copies of new memoir Nov. 2 at MTSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Legendary country music artist Charlie Daniels, one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, will sign copies of his new book, “Never Look at the Empty Seats: A Memoir,” at Middle Tennessee State University this week.

Daniels will sign from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Phillips Bookstore in the Student Union Building, 1768 MTSU Blvd.

The public is invited to attend. Copies of the book, which was released Oct. 24 and shows the softer, personal side of Daniels, will be available for sale. He will only be signing copies of the new book while on campus.

To find parking near the Student Union, visit http://tinyurl.com/MTSUParkingMap. All visitors are requested to use parking meters or obtain a permit from the Parking and Transportation Services office at 1403 East Main St. or print a visitor pass at https://mtsu.t2hosted.com. Visitor permits are $2 per day.

The Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center is named for the Danielses. Through Daniels’ Journey Home Project foundation, which assists other not-for-profits in securing funds to benefit veterans and assist in their transition from uniform into civilian life, gifts totaling $120,000 have been provided to the center.

The center is located on the first floor of the Keathley University Center and assists more than 900 student veterans and family members on campus this fall.

The center’s goal is to assist current military, veterans and family members in their move from military to college, then from college to a successful career.

In the book, Daniels travels the path from post-Great Depression childhood to when he and the Charlie Daniels Band performed for millions as one of the most successful groups of all time, and what he has learned along the way. The book provides insights into the musicians who orbited Daniels’ world, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette and many more.

Daniels, who turned 81 Oct. 28, has seen his career span nearly 60 years. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2016. He shares a life lesson for all in the book:

“Walk onstage with a positive attitude,” he writes. “Your troubles are your own and are not included in the ticket price. Some nights you have more to give than others, but put it all out there every show. You’re concerned for the people who showed up, not the ones who didn’t. So give them a show and … never look at the empty seats!”

For more on the event and the veterans center, call 615-904-8347 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/military/index.php.