Retired CBC music columnist working on book about Gene MacLellan

While he may have retired, former CBC New Brunswick reporter Bob Mersereau says he is busier than ever with work.

"The idea was to get totally involved in music and immerse myself in every project I could, so that's what I'm doing," he told CBC's Mainstreet.

Well-known for his coverage of music, especially the East Coast music scene, the former broadcaster and author is working with P.E.I. singer-songwriter CatherineMacLellanon a book about her father, GeneMacLellan.

• 'He was a wicked songwriter': Catherine MacLellan releasing album of Gene's songs

Gene roseto fame on CBC TV's Singalong Jubilee, and wrote the hit songsSnowbirdfor Anne MurrayandPut Your Hand in the Handfor Ocean. He died in 1995 in Summerside

Mersereausaid he went to see the opening ofMacLellan's show,If it's Alright with You The Life and Music of My Father, Gene MacLellan,earlier in the week.

"You learn that everything you thought about Gene MacLellanwas wrong," said Mersereau.

He said you learn about Catherine and the journey she took to learn more about her father who died when she was 14.

• Gene MacLellan show coming this summer, starring daughter Catherine

Mersereau said he actually started working on the book five years ago after being told by a friend there was no book written about Gene.

Early start

He said the early beginnings of the book also came at a time when Catherine was beginning to discover more about her father and cover some of his material.

Mersereausaid his research has showed that much of what people think they know aboutGeneis incorrect, including the fact while he loved P.E.I. and considered it home, he was not born on the Island.

• Remembering Gene MacLellan: 5 songs that changed his daughter's life

Gene's work isn't currently available on vinyl, said Mersereau.

The hope is the show and future book will encourage the record company to release the albums again.

Mersereausaid he expects the book to be released in 2018.

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