TUPPER’S STORY
IN 3 MINUTES
1962: Quits teaching, enters advertising as a copywriter and art director.
1963: Signs as artist with legendary Monument Records, debuts with Discover Tupper Saussy album produced by Fred Foster (producer of Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson). Dave Brubeck's liner notes introduce Tupper to the world.
1965: World premiere of Tupper's symphonic tale for children, Beast With Five Heads, performed by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Willis Page, conductor. Al Hirt records Tupper's Melissa and Contrary Waltz for RCA.
1966: Now full partner and creative director of McDonald & Saussy Advertising, Tupper wins numerous awards for highly successful campaigns for Purity Dairies, Genesco, Commerce Union Bank, May Hosiery Mills, and Jamison Bedding. Floyd Cramer records Tupper’s Melissa for RCA.
1969: While working on a Piano Concerto commission for the Nashville Symphony, Tupper is inspired to create Neon Philharmonic, writes Morning Girl. Ray Stevens records another composition of Tupper’s, The Earl of Stilton Square.
1970: Morning Girl and Neon Philharmonic nominated for two Grammys. Orchestrates Roy Orbison's monumental Southbound Jericho Parkway (a Bobby Bond composition) for MGM.
1971-73: Tupper orchestrates and conducts the "Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree" orange juice commercials for Anita Bryant. He composes, arranges, and conducts the swinging Mama Cass Elliot (Mamas & Papas) commercials for Hardee Hamburgers.
1973-75: Three of Tupper’s song are recorded by great artists: Brenda Lee cuts Feel Free, Perry Como records Love Don't Care, and Patti Page cuts Someone Came to See Me.
1977: Tupper's IRS send-up, the epic comedy The Gimmes, attracts two undercover agents opening night who start a file on the play, saying "Saussy criticizes tax men."
1978: Files an income tax return that offends the IRS.
1979: Exposes the unconstitutionality of dollars irredeemable in gold and silver coin in his grassroots bestselling book The Miracle On Main Street.
1980-87: Publishes the monthly periodical THE MAIN STREET JOURNAL from a former washeteria in Sewanee, Tennessee. Lectures extensively throughout the US on "saving yourself and America from financial ruin."
1985: Tupper is charged by IRS with 3 counts of willful failure to file income tax return. Jury acquits him of 2 counts, but finds guilt for the tax year 1977. Sentenced to one year in federal prison camp, but remains free pending appeal.
1986: James Earl Ray, accused assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, contacts Tupper, asks him to co-write, edit, and publish his autobiography. Tupper agrees and does it.
1987: Rather than surrender to federal prison camp, Tupper goes underground. Weeks later, James Earl Ray's book, Tennessee Waltz is published by St. Andrew's Press.
1987-97: Tupper, using various identities, patronizes libraries all over the country researching clandestine elements in the formation and operation of the United States government.
1997: Having helped a fellow fugitive who managed to get caught and then snitched, Tupper is peacefully captured in Venice, CA.
1999: After serving 14 months in Taft Correctional Institute in southern California, Tupper returns to Santa Monica, CA to complete final manuscript of his book project.
2001: Rulers of Evil: Useful Knowledge About Governing Bodies, is published by Harper-Collins.
2003: Tupper's music is rediscovered. The Neon Philharmonic / Brilliant Colors: The Complete Warner Brothers Recordings is released by Rhino Handmade in a special collectors' edition, compiled and produced by rock musicologist Andy Zax.
2005: Returns to Nashville after nearly 30 years' absence.
2006: Producer Warren Pash discovers Tupper Saussy and records The Chocolate Orchid Piano Bar, a collection of new and previously unreleased Saussy songs, performed by the composer at the piano.
2007: Stay tuned.
TUPPER SAUSSY “NOT A MAN TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.” ~ THE GUARDIAN
