By: Lennard James

In a deeply personal and inspiring new release, Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks, one of the most influential figures in the history of Black music, returns to his beginnings in Memphis, Tennessee, to tell the story of a neighborhood that helped shape generations. His new book, Lauderdale Sub, published by Ascent Books, is more than a memoir—it is a love letter to a community that built leaders, nurtured faith, and contributed to excellence long before society widely acknowledged their impact.

Through heartfelt storytelling and historical reflection, Dr. Westbrooks revisits Lauderdale Sub, a once-thriving community in Memphis where unity, discipline, and a sense of responsibility formed the foundation for success. It was here, among the families, churches, and childhood friends, that he learned many of the values that have guided his career in music, ministry, and education.

Dr. Westbrooks paints a vivid picture of life in Lauderdale Sub, a community that was full of laughter, accountability, and purpose. “Everybody knew each other,” he recalls. “You couldn’t walk down the street without someone calling your name or making sure you were doing right.” The neighborhood’s adults acted as its guardians and teachers, raising not only their own children but an entire generation. It was this culture of shared responsibility that contributed to transforming ordinary children into extraordinary achievers.

The book features families whose names still hold meaning in Memphis and beyond: the Westbrooks, Bishop, Bryant, Davenport, Hawkins, Hodges, Moore, Neely, Patterson, Porter, Smith, Stiles, and Weaver families, among others. It also honors the neighborhood churches that anchored the community: Morning View, Mount Sinai, and Carnegie Church of God in Christ (COGIC), where children learned not only scripture but also discipline, integrity, and pride in who they were.

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks

As Dr. Westbrooks reflects on this golden era, he reminds readers that Lauderdale Sub produced remarkable individuals who went on to influence the world. Among them were the late Bishop G. E. Patterson, one of the most respected spiritual leaders in America; James Neely, the legendary Memphis BBQ mogul; and Don Bryant, who co-wrote the iconic hit “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with his wife, recording artist Ann Peebles. Each of these names represents the brilliance that once radiated from this small yet mighty community, a brilliance that is still echoed in Memphis today.

Lauderdale Sub is not simply about nostalgia. It’s about legacy and the blueprint for how strong family values, faith, and community investment can help build lasting success. Dr. Westbrooks describes the neighborhood as “lively, friendly, and closely knit,” a place where the smallest gestures—from sharing food to offering guidance—helped lay the groundwork for generational success. The book stands as a tribute to families who lived in the neighborhood from the 1940s through 2023, preserving their stories and working to ensure that their contributions are remembered.

While Lauderdale Sub may look different today, Dr. Westbrooks reminds readers that its spirit endures. “A drive through the area today might not reveal the greatness it once held,” he writes, “but the legacy of those who lived there continues in our ministries, our businesses, our classrooms, and our art.”

The release of Lauderdale Sub adds another powerful chapter to the life of a man who has spent decades shaping both the cultural and spiritual landscape of America. Long before he became an author, Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks made history as one of the first African American music executives to hold leadership roles at major record labels. His innovative approach to marketing Black music and promoting African American artists helped open doors that had not been available before.

Throughout his career, he worked alongside icons of R&B, soul, and gospel, using his expertise and influence to elevate the sound of Black America to the world stage. His work in the 1970s and 1980s helped redefine how the music industry viewed Black artistry—not as a niche, but as a cultural powerhouse that shaped popular music globally.

Beyond his accomplishments in entertainment, Dr. Westbrooks has also devoted his life to ministry and service. Ordained in 1996 by the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), he earned his master’s degree in biblical counseling from the Eternal Word Graduate School and has worked extensively to expand the Church’s outreach and impact. His leadership in Monrovia and Azusa, California, helped strengthen ministries, bring new believers to faith, and extend vital services to those in need. Today, he serves as Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southern California and as Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Bishop.

Dr. Westbrooks’ career and character have earned him numerous honors, including the Faith Award from Faith Love & Hope Unlimited, the Music Pioneer Award from United Music Heritage, Inc., and the Vanguard Award from the Living Legends Foundation. Yet, for all the accolades, it is clear that Lauderdale Sub holds a special place in his heart. This book is not about fame—it is about remembering where it all began.

Through his storytelling, Dr. Westbrooks captures more than just a neighborhood—he captures a way of life that helped shape leaders in every field imaginable. From education and government to medicine, business, and entertainment, the values born in Lauderdale Sub continue to inspire generations.

Lauderdale Sub follows Dr. Westbrooks’ earlier works, including The Anatomy of the Music Industry: How the Game Was & How the Game Has Changed and The Harvard Report: Censored. Together, these titles form a body of work that preserves not just history but also lessons on perseverance, faith, and excellence.

For Dr. Westbrooks, the release of Lauderdale Sub is a full-circle moment. It connects his personal story to the broader narrative of Memphis, a city whose heart beats with creativity, faith, and resilience. “This book is dedicated to the families who made Lauderdale Sub what it was,” he writes. “Their stories are the foundation of who I am, and their legacy will always live on.”

With Lauderdale Sub, Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks offers readers a rare gift: a journey into the soul of a community that reminds us of all that greatness can begin at home. It is a story of faith, unity, and triumph, and a powerful reminder that even the smallest neighborhoods can produce world-changing legacies. Lauderdale Sub is available now through Barnes & Noble and major online retailers. Link: Lauderdale Sub Memories of a Memphis Neighborhood: Memories of a Memphis Neighborhood by Logan H. Westbrooks | eBook | Barnes & Noble®.