Stop Crying and Listen to the Music

About the Book

This is the story of a wonderful, talented, normal American-Lebanese boy who became a flawed and dysfunctional individual who thought nothing of himself.

Gary dealt with heartbreak, fear, a paralytic stuttering problem and lack of self-confidence but struggled and endured. Looking back from the end to the beginning of this book, Gary fought to hurdle his obstacles, proving that he was bigger and better than he ever thought. His evolution never stops. He discovers his human potential is unlimited as it is in all of us.

Where else will he go?
What else will he become with his new found powers?

My father was always an honorable friend, relative, father and husband. He gave 150%.

Every Lebanese-American I have ever known, first and foremost were my father and mother, have projected respectability and grace. Dad wanted me to be perfect and a fine American. Unfortunately, his methods were wrong in shaping me – but he never knew it. As he said so many times, Gary, I’m from the school of hard knocks with no education. I want you to have everything and be all that I couldn’t be.

About the Author

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa of American-Lebanese parents, Elias J. and Adele H. Ferris Nassif. Graduated from Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Colleges: Muscatine Junior College – Muscatine, Iowa Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa – BFA / Teacher’s Certificate Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, Illinois University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa – Post graduate work in Special Education Managed his father’s business with his mother after his father’s death. Taught art and special education in schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, seven years Created sculpture for commercial entities Moved to Los Angeles and worked in scenic art at CBS and NBC for: Dean Martin and Carol Burnett and many other major shows. Gary developed his singing voice, confidence and career. Eventually he was discovered by Al Viola, guitarist for Frank Sinatra for many years. He was featured with Queen of the Piano of Las Vegas – Mafalda – at the MGM Grand. 2 years (off and on) Gary headlined a show for 5,000 Shriners and families at the famed Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gary became a sculptor for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and founder Danny Thomas. He created the renown bronze: “The Jeremiah Children” as a symbol of hope for the children. Gary fought and won a life-long battle with stuttering, fear and low self-esteem. As a result of writing, “Stop Crying and Listen to the Music” – a memoir, Gary discovered that he had unlimited potential all along and the ability to exchange bad for good.