When Jay Nachman was a college student at Temple University, he would often sit with other students in his dorm and listen to music. There was always a debate on which album to choose. Artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, and Eric Clapton would be named, but it was hard to reach a consensus — that is, until someone suggested Graham Parker.

“Nobody would object to hearing Graham Parker,” Nachman told the Local. “It was uncanny.”

Nachman, who would go on to have a career in journalism and public relations, has channeled this lifelong interest in Parker’s music career into a new book titled “Graham Parker’s Howlin’ Wind.” The story follows the writing and recording of Parker’s debut album, “Howlin’ Wind,” with his band The Rumour, as well as tales of the British and American music scenes of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

On Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., Nachman will be signing copies of his book at Hideaway Music in Chestnut Hill.

A Graham Parker fan for life

During those dorm room listening sessions, Nachman said he was initially drawn to the power of Parker’s voice.

“He sings with a lot of passion,” Nachman said. “Then, as you listen to it more and more, you realize how great the songs are and how sympathetic the playing of his backup band, The Rumour, is.”

For Nachman, the blend of pop, rock, and reggae influences on “Howlin’ Wind” spoke to him through rebellious songs such as “Back to Schooldays” and “Not If It Pleases Me.” As Nachman writes in the book, “While [Parker] was writing and singing about his life, he was singing about mine.”

Nachman would go on to create a now-defunct blog in which he wrote several stories about Parker’s music. Parker read the stories and the pair connected. When Nachman decided to write a book about Parker, the singer-songwriter agreed.

Writing the book

Nachman began work on “Graham Parker’s Howlin’ Wind” roughly three years ago — researching, interviewing Parker and his band members, fact-checking, writing, and rewriting. Throughout that process, he was struck by several surprising facts.

First, Parker told Nachman about some of his biggest musical influences. Although The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had an impact on him, Parker also described being affected by older singers.

“Parker talked about listening to songs that his parents would play on the radio at home and he mentioned some of those old-school singers like Bing Crosby and the Danny Kaye song ‘Inchworm’ in particular,” Nachman said. “He said these things burrow into your consciousness. I thought that was interesting. Who would have thought that those 1940s and ‘50s big band singers … would have influenced him?”

Nachman was also fascinated by Parker’s experiences with LSD, which compelled him to express himself through music.

Although “Graham Parker’s Howlin’ Wind” contains biographical details, Nachman said the book also gives a sense of larger themes in the music community. It includes stories about iconic artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Band, the Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, and Paul McCartney and Wings, making it an ideal read for any classic rock fan.

“It’s a story of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but really not hardly any sex,” Nachman joked.

Nachman hopes more people will be introduced to Parker’s music through the book, particularly “Howlin’ Wind.” Reflecting on Parker’s modern day legacy, Nachman said the singer doesn’t have a lot of popular acclaim. However, among fellow musicians, he is very well regarded.

“Among his peers and among the fans who know, he’s widely respected,” Nachmand said. “Who knows, maybe someday that will translate to more popular notoriety.”

Hideaway event

Nachman was assisted in writing the book by Janet Benton, a Chestnut Hill resident who served as his chief editor, and Pam Kerr, his designer. He also credits Parker and his bandmates with being a tremendous help.

“I had to ask them to remember events that occurred 50 or more years ago,” Nachman said. “We did a lot of head scratching to get there, but they were all very accommodating, and there wasn’t anybody who wasn’t willing to talk about their role in the Graham Parker story.”

During the Fall for the Arts festival in Chestnut Hill on Oct. 19, Nachman was walking by Hideaway Music’s stand and “a light bulb went off.” He spoke to the business’ owner, Brian Reisman, about having an event in the store.

“I’m looking forward to talking music and rock with people,” Nachman said. “People love to talk about their favorite bands, their favorite concerts, their favorite albums, and other topics, like what makes a song a hit and a musician a star. Those are very interesting and passionate discussions for people.”

Jay Nachman will sign copies of “Graham Parker’s Howlin’ Wind” at Hideaway Music, 8232 Germantown Ave., on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. Learn more at grahamparkershowlinwind.net.

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.