Veteran Music Writer Rob Simbeck Authors New Southern Wildlife Book

Rob Simbeck

Noted Nashville writer Rob Simbeck is releasing a new book, The Southern Wildlife Watcher: Notes of a Naturalist, on Aug. 28.

Published by the University of South Carolina Press, the book features a colorful look at 36 common and not-so-common animals found in the southeastern United States, from hummingbirds and bald eagles, to bullfrogs and bobcats, each presented through engaging storytelling supported by quotes from noted naturalists and biologists.

Simbeck moved to Nashville as a songwriter in the early 1980s, and became a journalist, author, and longtime Nashville Bureau Chief for “American Country Countdown” and “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40,” serving as a writer/interviewer for both syndicated radio shows. He also made a name for himself as an award-winning outdoor writer, with credits in Field & Stream, Birder’s World, Ducks Unlimited, and conservation/wildlife magazines in 20 states. He penned the internationally award-winning column, “For Wildlife Watchers,” for South Carolina Wildlife magazine for 25 years.

“I was privileged enough to work with most of the artists who made the airplay and sales charts since the early ’80s,” Simbeck said. “But I was also in the woods and fields with binoculars, a spotting scope, and a camera, writing about the creatures we share this part of the world with. As country fans know, those two worlds overlap, and it feels wonderful to have the support of so many friends from the music world.”

Kix Brooks, Lee Ann Womack and Craig Morgan are among the country artists who offered their endorsements for their friend’s latest book release.