Defenders of the faith have been raised up in every era of the Church to proclaim fidelity to the truth by their words and deeds. Some have fought heresy and overcome confusion like Athanasius against the Arians and Ignatius Loyola in response to the Protestant reformers. Others have shed their blood for the faith, like the early Christian martyrs of Rome, or Thomas More, John Fisher and Edmund Campion in Reformation England. 
Still others have endured a "dry" martyrdom like St. Philip Howard, Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty and Jesuit Walter Ciszek. Intellectuals have been no less conspicuous in their zealous defense of the faith, like Bonaventure, Albert, Thomas Aquinas, or Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. The stories of all these,and more, are told here in this book.

Defenders of the Faith in Word and Deed

Biographies & Memoirs

Connor, Charles

Leaders & Notable People

Ignatius Press

Charles Connor is the original pioneering drummer for Little Richard, and the man whom the "Godfather of Soul", James Brown, said, "Was the first to put the funk into the rhythm". As one of history's few successful left-handed drummers, the New Orleans-born Connor, created the "Choo-Choo Train" drumming style, which consists of eight notes. It has been used by nearly all subsequent Rock 'n' Roll drummers, whether they know it or not. Among the classic recordings featuring Connor's trademark drumming are Little Richard's " Keep A-Knockin", "She's Got It", and "Ooh! My Soul". In addition to Little Richard and James Brown, Connor has worked with such Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Lloyd Price and the Original Coasters. He has appeared in the film "The Girl Can't Help It". (co-starring Jayne Mansfield, Edmund O'Brien, and Tom Ewell); "Don't Knock the Rock", and "Mr. Rock 'n' Roll". Not one to rest on his past laurels, Connor remains a contemporary man who has succeeded as a devoted family man, author, songwriter, teacher, voice-over talent, media interview subject and public speaker. In his speaking appearances, he encourages both young and mature people to "Aim High and Achieve", and to "Never Give Up Your Dreams". Combining humor and wisdom, he offers practical advice that can benefit anyone. When he discusses such issues as taking responsibility, conquering anger and, remaining humble, Connor never talks down to people. He grabs their attention because he has the credibility of one who has "been there and done that". It is an inspirational story of how a young, struggling and hungry musician overcame obstacles such as racial prejudice, to become a career and personal success. Connor's basic message is that anyone, regardless of his or her age or circumstances, can change for the better. To find out more about Charles Connor, click on his web site: www.legendarydrummer.tv.

Don't Give Up Your Dreams: You Can Be a Winner, Too!

Humor & Entertainment

AuthorHouse

This book is loaded with untold stories about drummer Charles Connor and his road into Rock 'n' Roll history. Playing with legends like Roy “Professor Longhair” Byrd, Smiley Lewis, Guitar Slim, Jack Dupree then Shirley and Lee was just his launch pad before touring everywhere with Little Richard and his band The Upsetters; with whom he created his signature drum intro in “Keep A Knockin.” He would go on even further to work with other music icons such as Lloyd Price, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, the Original Coasters, “Big” Joe Turner, “Champion” Jack Dupree, Larry Williams, Don Covay, “Papa” George Lightfoot, Larry Birdsong, and more.Foreword by Chad Smith, Drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers“Charles is the real thing. He’s lived the life. He was such a badass that by the time he was 15 he had a regular gig with the legendary Professor Longhair. He was smooth enough to get a smooch from none other than Jayne Mansfield on the set of The Girl Can’t Help It. He played with Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and James Brown! And of course he recorded the burning hot two minute and change masterpiece “Keep A Knockin” with Richard, including its fiery train-inspired intro that the great John Bonham copped to jump start Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” This book has already been endorsed by Chad Smith - Drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marky Ramone - Drummer of The Ramones, Jonny Whiteside - Writer, LA Weekly, Kat Corbett - KROQ-FM 106.7 Radio DJ, Brian Beirne -- "Mr. Rock 'N' Roll" KRTH 101 Los Angeles Radio Legend, Bill Gardner - Host of KPFK's "Rhapsody in Black," Bill G. Ray - Writer for Drum Magazine, and Slim Jim Phantom - Drummer of The Stray Cats…to list a few!Charles “Keep A Knockin” Connor, original drummer for Little Richard, created the unique “Choo Choo Train” style of successive eighth notes with a loud back beat used by nearly all subsequent Rock 'n' Roll drummers. His drumsticks are on display at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Media and press interest in Connor continues with interviews on the E! Channel special, Hollywood True Stories: The Little Richard Story. His most recent interview in LA Weekly featured Connor in their 2014 People issue as “One of the Fascinating Angelenos.” Other recent projects include Connor’s motivational book, “Don’t Give Up Your Dreams: You Can Be a Winner Too”! Connor will also be featured in a 2015 documentary miniseries for BBC TV exploring the genesis, explosion and legacy of Rock 'n' Roll in America. In addition, Connor will be joining other notable music legends, such as, Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Elton John, Brian Wilson, and more in an upcoming PBS documentary miniseries airing early 2016; the documentary will be an exploration of the extraordinary influence of recorded music in the modern world. Connor released his second EP in 2013, “Still Knockin’” which debuted an original song written and sung by him, titled “Beginning of Rock 'n' Roll,” including brand new recordings featuring the voice of Kate Flannery.

Keep A Knockin'

Waldorf Publishing

In 1970 a fashionably cynical and somewhat naive young Frank Hayes takes a job at City Hall in racially tense Macon, Georgia. Mr. John Glover, an eighty-nine year old illiterate black man, asks Frank for assistance in understanding a city condemnation order against Mr. Glover’s home. Frank’s efforts soon put him in the arms of Shirley Willingham, wife of Stafford Willingham, one of Macon’s wealthiest real estate developers. But it is Johnny Mae Glover, the green-eyed granddaughter of the old gentleman he is trying to help, who steals Frank’s heart. Frank is taken under the wing of a grizzled fifty-five year old black ex-convict named Tiny who confides to Frank that he was the husband and convicted murderer of Johnny Mae’s mother. Johnny Mae does not know that black sheep Uncle Tiny is her father. Tiny believes Frank to be an angel sent to put his and Johnny Mae’s worlds right again. But before that can happen Frank, Tiny, and Johnny Mae are arrested and jailed for the murder of millionaire Stafford Willingham. With no money, no influence, few friends, and time running out, Frank digs himself deeper into trouble. Armed with only a smart aleck sense of humor and a quick brain, when he uses it, Frank has to figure out who he can trust and what is going on before he and his few brave companions become just the latest items in the obituaries. This story will make you laugh and it will make you cry. You will hurt for our heroes in their defeats and cheer for their victories. The intrigue and pace of action from beginning through heartrending and emotion-filled final scenes make this book hard to put down.

Murder In Macon: A Frank Hayes Mystery

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Connor, Beverly

Mystery

Quick Brown Fox Publishers

People are dying in east Tennessee. Children and the elderly and young adults in the prime of life, whole families are being found dead of unknown causes. Dr. Lee Turner, the deputy coroner for Bartram County, took the phone call that led her to the discovery of the first body, that of Dr. Alexander Hamrick, an aging scientist retired from the National Research Labs at Oak Ridge. Lee recently moved back to Carters Mill, the quiet little university town of her childhood, hoping for a slower pace of life and some peace of mind. But the discovery of the Hamrick body and those that follow turn her life and the lives of the citizens of Bartram County inside out. Lee works desperately to get to the bottom of whatever is going on, but not everyone is cooperative and happy with what she is doing. Powerful and sinister forces stand in her way at every turn. Through it all Lee has the support of her loyal assistant, the normally goodnatured and laid back Buddy Ruff who is not only her righthand man, he can be her righthand fist when the going gets dirty. She can only hope she has enough resources and enough time to solve the mystery as people close to her fall victim and she herself could be the next to die.

The Poplar Creek Murders