Billy Wilson of the Motown Alumni Association paid tribute to Tarplin as The Miracles' "secret weapon".

BBC: Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin dies at 70

So for a more objective assessment of his essays on pop culture (which include ruminations on rapper Mos Def, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and jazz bandleader Billy Eckstein), read this recent review.

FORBES: National Book Award Cheat Sheet

Wilson retained fourth in the standings with Gowland and Billy McConnell also failing to score points.

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