Ferriday Louisiana

Ferriday, a once wild and woolly railroad stop across the Mississippi River from antebellum Natchez, Miss., claims to have produced more famous people per square mile than any other small town. Its impressive list cites rock singer Jerry Lee Lewis, TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart and C & W singer Mickey Gilley. Other natives include journalist Howard K. Smith, general Claire Lee Chennault and trombonist Peewee Whittaker. Puzzling out this celebrity phenomenon in her often-rambling book, biographer and novelist Dundy ( Elvis and Gladys ) traces the region's colorful history, examining its rich mix of culture and religion and its anything-goes atmosphere. Insightful and entertaining profiles of a delightful place, its celebs and townsfolk. (June)