These are the memoirs of a 'grand old man' of Canadian and British music. He was born in 1909 in Manchester, England and died in Winnipeg, Canada in 1997. 
Leonard Isaacs was a remarkable person and he truly did live 'five lives in one'. He was a fine pianist, an inspiring teacher, a thoughtful adjudicator, a clear-headed administrator and an influential broadcaster with both the CBC and the BBC. 
But there was much more. At various times in his long life, Leonard Isaacs was also a tramp, a boy scout, a military bandsman, a composer and arranger, and the conductor of an ensemble that was nearly deported from Canada. He was also a proud father and husband. 
The book teems with anecdotes -- the one about a tour of rural England with a donkey pulling a piano is particularly delightful.

Five lives in one: Selected memoirs

Isaacs, Leonard

Biographies & Memoirs

Good Cheer Pub.

Leonard Isaacs recounts the many remembrances of growing up in Franklin, Tennessee. These recollections are funny, surprising and sometimes sad. All are highly entertaining. Franklin was a typical small town in the South, with its cast of characters: the wheeler-dealers, the store owners, the policemen, the preachers, the educators, the outrageous citizens, and all in between. You will no doubt discover that Leonard was unusually gifted to get into humorous scrapes and pranks - and also, how to get out of them, time and again. Leonard also covers race relations at that time in Southern history with sensitivity, and an unusual desire and ability to bridge racial divides - a trait which he maintains to this day. This book will either bring back memories of small towns in the South, or provide a glimpse for younger readers of what life was like in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s in Franklin, Tennessee.

Franklin Tennessee... The Jewel of the Harpeth

Community & Culture

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

In this, Leonard Isaacs' second book about growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, you will find more humorous, sad and entertaining stories about a wonderful little town, Franklin, Tennessee. These years before WWII were a much simpler time than present day. Therefore, you will enjoy a glimpse of small town life in Middle Tennessee through the eyes of a boy who was a very keen observer of his town and its citizens.

Franklin Tennessee... Nestled in the Valley of the Harpeth

History

Leonard Isaacs continues to recall many eventsthat occurred in Franklin, Tennessee that he livedand experienced with humor, amazing recall andan entertaining style.This third book covers the 30’s and 40’s with aparticular emphasis on the war years of1941-1945, from the bombing of Pearl Harbor tothe decisive Battle of Midway. Along the way hedescribes coming out of the Depression andbeginning to earn his own money in various jobs,including the High School years.Leonard will give young readers an idea of whatmany in the ‘greatest generation’ did to help thecountry emerge from deep economic trouble tofighting and winning WWII on multiple fronts.Older readers will recall either their experiencesor their parents’ experiences as this countryprovided safety and economic prosperity at greatpersonal expense. Recall those bygone days withLeonard – the songs, the radio shows, therationing and the sacrifices of all. Still, amidtumultuous times, much of small town lifecontinued on with strong social values and goodcommunity life.

Franklin Tennessee... A Diamond In The Rough

This is the fourth and last book of Leonard’s. This is difficult to write because I and the many readers of his first three books miss him dearly. I guess I thought Leonard would never die since he had survived so many close calls before. I had joked with him saying, “Leonard, don’t make me finish this book posthumously.” I now know that’s exactly what he did. That wasn’t his plan, of course, as I had talked to him about a week before his accident and he was diligently working on finishing it up. The book is about the war years in Franklin. I had asked him from the beginning to write about his war experiences. I knew that he was probably not wanting to write about many of his personal experiences given that some were painful memories. I heard him tell of his war episodes and I understand his feelings about them. However, he did write of the war years in Franklin in his books. All of his books are about Franklin, Tennessee, a town he dearly loved. Some of his earlier books had stories about the war years so I have included some of them here. I trust the reader will enjoy this book as well as the first three. I hope it will bring back fond memories of our dear friend, Leonard Isaacs. Leonard’s life was remarkable not only for his many youthful adventures, but also for his Christian life and example for us all. So I will say farewell to my dear friend and brother in Christ. We will see you again! I cannot conclude this introduction without mentioning Leonard’s wife and constant partner for life, Anne Isaacs. I am confident that he could not have dedicated the time and diligence it took to write four books without the encouragement and support of Anne. Leonard was totally devoted to Anne and she should receive deep appreciation from Leonard’s friends.

Franklin Tennessee 1941-1945, The Winds of War

Regional U.S.