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Best Classical Musician Biographies

Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven
The fruits of this lifetime’s immersion are distilled in this remarkable book, grounded in the most recent Bach scholarship but moving far beyond it, and explaining in wonderful detail the ideas on which Bach drew, how he worked, how his music is constructed, how it achieves its effects—and what it can tell us about Bach the man. In performance and now in print, Mr. Gardiner is Bach's most eloquent champion.”. — The Wall Street Journal. As eloquent a writer as he is a musician, Gardiner brings to his study the invaluable perspective of the practitioner.”. — The New York Times Book Review. “So thoughtful, well-researched, and beautifully written that it should satisfy both the well-informed enthusiast and readers simply seeking to become better acquainted with a musical giant. So it is with John Eliot Gardiner’s Bach .”. — The Daily Beast “A nuanced account. [Gardiner] writes with the care of a scholar, the knowledge of an expert musician, and the passion of a believer.”. — The Christian Science Monitor. [He] has done a masterly, monumental job of taking the measure of Bach the man and the musician.”. — The New York Times. he also comments on these scores from practical experience, having spent countless hours working out instrumental balances and sonorities, textures and dynamics, in concert halls and churches alike.”. — The Washington Post. and a powerful sense of its cultural context, structural evolution and doctrinal intent. His ‘portrait’ reads like a pilgrim’s progress, in which a privileged man-of-the-modern-world is transformed by Bach’s musical revelation.”. — Financial Times. [Gardiner] discovers a wealth of hitherto unseen invention and ingenuity.”. — The Economist. “An erudite work resting on prodigious research and experience and deep affection and admiration.”. — Kirkus Reviews. “Typical John Eliot to combine so much erudition with even more passion and enthusiasm. John Eliot Gardiner uses his extraordinary immersion in Bach’s music to illuminate Bach the man more brilliantly than in any previous work, and has created his own deeply moving work of art.”. —Amanda Foreman, author of A World on Fire. Like all great biographies of creative artists it builds a bridge from the past to the present and brings the work to new life.”. —Ian Bostridge. [Gardiner] tells this long and richly involved story in a way that makes everything clear, and sets the life and the music in a historical perspective where every detail is relevant and every comment illuminating. Simply as a biography this is splendid, but the fact that it comes with such a wealth of musical understanding and experience makes it invaluable.
Reviews
"That is saying a lot as I have been buying and listening to and reading about Bach for the past 50+ years. Just a quarter of the way into its more than 600 pages, I can report that this book should prove to be invaluable to anyone interested in Bach, the Baroque, and the musicians of that era and before."
"All in all however it is a great book if you can filter out the endless references to every Bach work and technique employed in every part of Bach's work (sometimes breaking it down measure by measure, instrument by instrument) It gives a great insight into the life of Bach."
"Gardiner's discussion of the choral works is somewhat unique in current Bach literature, dealing extensively with relationships between music and text, including their liturgical / theological role and significance."
"I believe Gardiner and his Monteverdi Singers have recorded the entire vocal music of this genius, which is no small offering."
"Gardiner assembles a unique and detailed portrait of Bach the man and composer using all of the advances in scholarship since the 1950s, including the flood of research to come out of the former Iron Curtain countries over the past two decades. He brings to the task a frighteningly keen intellect, a lifetime of study and performance on Bach's music, including all of the vocal works, and a genuine talent for writing. Even the end-pages have something to say: Both front and rear pastedowns are facsimiles of the autograph manuscript to the aria "Gerne will ich dich bequemen" from the St Matthew Passion."
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The Music of Silence - New Edition
This newly revised and updated edition is an even deeper and more intimate analysis of his life, loves, and losses the result of wisdom gained from the increased personal and artistic maturity gained in the subsequent decade of his life.
Reviews
"I read the first autobiography that Andrea wrote and wanted to read this updated version."
"The book provided with excellent insight for his climb to fame via struggle,hard work and determination ."
"well written ( by a very poetic soul) and very well translated!!"
"I just got this today, I must read it, too bad no pictures."
"Fabulous!!"
"Andrea Bocelli writes honestly about his life."
"Enjoyed reading this book."
"His struggles were deep, his abilities to learn and perfect numerous languages, overcome insecurities regarding inter-personal relationships, and his drive to become a professional are mind-blowing."
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Mozart's Starling
But after rescuing a baby starling of her own, Haupt found herself enchanted by the same intelligence and playful spirit that had so charmed her favorite composer. The intertwined stories of Mozart's beloved pet and Haupt's own starling provide an unexpected window into human-animal friendships, music, the secret world of starlings, and the nature of creative inspiration. "This hard-to-put-down, charming blend of science, biography, and memoir illuminating the little-known story of the composer and his beloved bird is enlivened by the immediacy of Haupt's tales of Carmen, and brimming with starling information, travelogues, and historical details about Mozart's Vienna. "Weaving together cheerful memoir, natural history, and biography, the author celebrates her 'insatiably social' pet starling, Carmen; investigates Mozart's experience with his avian companion... and offers intriguing details about starling behavior. " Mozart's Starling is a delightful, enlightening, breathless flight through the worlds of Carmen and Star, two European starlings who join their human counterparts in exploring life and music and nature, helping to shed light on the connection between humans and birds -- those of us bound to terra firma, and those who are free to soar. "Lyanda Lynn Haupt raised a starling of her own to see if the tale of Mozart and his starling could be true. I enjoyed Mozart's Starling immensely, and I challenge anyone to read it and still treat starlings inhumanely. "By raising up her own pet starling, Lyanda Lynn Haupt reveals something that music historians have missed -- how daily life with a bird impacted Mozart during his most productive period. Haupt's adventure with the starling that became a companion and bond-mate prompted a classic adventure into the nature of the bird, music, and Mozart's relationships.
Reviews
"Perfect for bird and music lovers and easy to read ."
"And yes, Mozart did have a pet tame starling that flew around in his home, adding to what was a joyful blend of chaos, commotion, and some of the most brilliant composing ever to grace our planet."
"A nature study of the starling and its ability to mimic; a memoir of life with Carmen, the starling; a consideration of the creative life and person of composer Mozart, the beauty of his music and the depth of his personal philosophy; the interrelation of all living things--Haupt takes us on a continually deeper look into the human experience. Haupt, a naturalist and birder, was inspired to verify the story of Mozart's pet starling which reportedly sang a line of his Piano Concerto no. So Haupt arranged to adopt a baby starling to learn more about the species and their rare ability to mimic. Carmen is a wonderful character and helps us understand why pet birds were so popular in 18th c Europe."
"I would love to meet Carmen, Haupt's starling!"
"Haupt provides a wealth of information about birds in general and starlings in particular. She compares her experiences with her starling, Carmen to the "imagined" experiences Mozart had with his starling, Star. When Haupt is content with the bird, is the bird also expressing contentment with her vocalizations? Sadly, Haupt seems to add to this by giving credence to the "possibility" that Star "sang" to Mozart before he bought her and that the bird served as an "inspiration" for many of Mozart's works including "The Magic Flute"."
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Best Biographies of Classical Vocalists

Wagner: Terrible Man & His Truthful Art (Heritage)
In the course of this penetrating study, Father Lee argues that Wagner's ambivalent art is indispensable to us, life-enhancing and ultimately healing. 'If you agree with me that art is a reason to be alive rather than a life-support system, you'll find plenty to stimulate and entertain in this book.'.
Reviews
"This book contains what was originally a series of three lecture by Father Owen Lee, a renowned Wagner scholar best known for his appearance on the Metropolitan Opera broadcast intermissions over several decades."
"Father Owen Lee, whom some of us Old Guys remember from when he used to be a regular commentator on the Saturday afternoon radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, is very knowledgeable about Wagner, the composer whom many of us love to hate and hate to love."
"Father M. Owen Lee, who is known for his erudite commentaries on Metropolitan Opera broadcasts has recently published another book about the Wagner's Ring Cycle, called "Athena Sings. In their tenth year of war, after the death of Achilles, the Greeks heard a prophecy "that the city would never be taken unless the wounded Philoctetes was brought to Troy with his bow (the gift from Apollo)." Father Owen is not a Wagner apologist, but he asks us to recognize our debt to the "hateful, wounded man [we] are in need of"---he whose music can penetrate deeply into our psyche and bring us, if not peace, then at least self-knowledge. He is even tempted to wonder if Wagner had Martin Luther in mind when he created his tormented young hero, "who was gifted in song, clashed with the Pope, sought refuge in the Wartburg, defied the society he knew, and profoundly changed it.""
"This small thin book is a wonderful antidote to the current politically correct trivialization of Wagner's cultural and artistic reputation."
"Really excellent book."
"A great read for any Wagner fan!"
"Makes me wonder why one has to be almost emotionally devoid to be a genius...but when one reads this one gets a glimmer of the answer..."
"The second lecture has some material which has already been covered in other books - notably Aspects of Wagner by Magee - but is still interesting."
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Best Strauss, Johann

The Last Waltz: The Strauss Dynasty and Vienna
Captured in a beautiful package, including more than fifty color photographs, The Last Waltz tells the intriguing story of the Viennese Strauss family known for producing some of the best known, best loved music of the nineteenth century. "Very readable ... elegantly prepared with plenty of quality illustrations ... makes a fascinating read about one of the greatest musical dynasties that ever lived. John Suchet puts their personal lives into the context of the politics of the day without missing out on the musical history. Stuffed full of facts, both historical and musical, this is in no way a dry academic tome because John Suchet, as always, spins his enthusiastic way through the drama as if guiding us personally in the footsteps of the protagonists and their times. Importantly, and unlike almost every other contemporary writer in this field, Suchet embraces the fact that the Strauss family's music-making did not end with the death of the 'Waltz King' in 1899, but continued well into the 'swinging sixties' of the 20th century." "Handsomely produced and superbly written… As a former News at Ten anchor [Suchet] knows a thing or two about distilling narratives and crafting pay-off lines. The snippets and anecdotes have been carefully collected and put together in such a way that dipping in and out of the book is easy - highly recommended for anyone wondering what is behind the Blue Danube!"
Reviews
"Vienna outgrew its wall, tore it down, and made it into a boulevard where they placed some of their most important new buildings, like the opera house."
"These family members were the music superstars of the late 19th century, and the fame, trials and tribulations they went through would be the subject of front line news in magazines and papers today."
"I liked the writing style which is part story, part history/biographical and part gossipy....and not in the least bit overly music interpretation."
"It is hard to find a biography about Johann Strauss, Jr. and this one is excellent."
"A must have book for all music lovers and if you've never been to Vienna you really want to after, or even better during, reading this book."
"Great condition, good book (loved the lustrations and pictures)."
"It is a very well research story of the Strauss Family, the musical history of Vienna and Europe during their lifetime and an insight into the private lives of all the members of the Strauss Family."
"Really enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who loves music and the historical background of Vienna."
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Best Rachmaninoff

Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in Full Score
Just as Serge Rachmaninoff's piano virtuosity ranked him among the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, his compositions for piano and orchestra won him an important position among modern composers. 1 in the years 1890–91, while he was still a young student at the Moscow Conservatory, and revised it nearly three decades later in 1917, when he began to devote his life mainly to his international career as a piano virtuoso.
Reviews
"Regarding those who say that the type is too small to allow pianists to learn their parts from this version of the score: fine, get a 2-piano version for your technical mastery of the music, BUT get this too if you want to be a real musician when learning this music."
"Love Dover Publications."
"Rachmaninoff is one of the truly great romantic composers, and I have purchased all of the scores for enjoyment."
"A must have for fans of the Rachmaninoff piano concertos... cheap in price while well printed and bound - it's a great addition to any music library collection!"
"His writing this while still a student in the Moscow conservatory is just a preview of what a notable pianist and composer he would become."
"The score of the First Concerto is basically the revised version, except there are occasional passages where the piano writing is something other than what you will find in any two-piano score."
"Structurally, it seems to be identical to the revised version, but much of the piano figuration (I'm unsure about the orchestral part) is based on the original version."
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Best Purcell

Henry Purcell (Oxford Studies of Composers)
It is the first book to explore in detail the historical context of Purcell's music, dealing fully with the institutions he worked for, the origin and development of the various genres to which he contributed, and the sources of his music. -- Observer Review "The great merits of the book derive from the fact that the author knows the music well both as scholar and as performer and similarly knows the music by Purcell's predecessors and contemporaries....It is as clear as its subject allows and perserverence is rewarding. -- Early Music Review "A balanced study of Pucell's music...his discussion of music is insightful, and his observations concerning instrumental developments are particularly valuable."
Reviews
"This is a lovely and lively performance of one of Purcell's best."
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Best Ravel

Daphnis and Chloe in Full Score (Dover Music Scores)
Often described as Ravel's orchestral masterpiece, Daphnis and Chloe is a 20th-century classic, a rich musical setting of the Greek novel by Langus.
Reviews
"This work of Ravel's is one of the greatest gems of 20th Century music of the world."
"The pages could be a little bit whiter for a clearer reading."
"I just kinda sits there and lets you look at it."
"It serves my needs as a study score."
"Great score and easy to read."
"This is a great score of this piece, it is easy to read, and obviously is a print for the original copy."
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Best Liszt

Reflections on Liszt
In a series of lively essays that tell us much not only about the phenomenon that was Franz Liszt but also about the musical and cultural life of nineteenth-century Europe, Alan Walker muses on aspects of Liszt's life and work that he was unable to explore in his acclaimed three-volume biography of the great composer and pianist. Alan Walker is Professor of Music at McMaster University.
Reviews
"If the three volumes on the life of Franz Liszt by Mr. Alan Walker left you begging for more, then this book is for you."
"I've read the three Liszt biographical volumes a few times each already, and yet I find things I haven't caught previously.This is another of that type of book, where one can read it many times and still find it enjoyable.Mr."
"I have read pretty much everything Alan Walker has written about Liszt, including his Von Bulow biography."
"As I expressed to Dr. Walker in writing, there are those gifted pianists who have the experience and ability to interpret the music of Franz Liszt while Dr. Walker has the equal ability [and credentials therein] to interpret Franz Liszt the man. There are many tomes and recitations, indeed even dedicated websites, about Franz Liszt but Dr. Walker's writings offer an almost You-Are-There quality of his narrative and thus you at least figuratively yet perceptively 'see' and 'hear' Liszt more so than you simply read of the man whether Liszt remarks to one of his students about certain "uninvited guests" [sic -- Liszt's buzz-word for 'wrong notes' or "clinkers"] or Liszt becoming yancy when pressured or indeed even very politely cajoled to play [which happened virtually everywhere he went] versus his own initiative and hence 'desire' to play, as Dr. Walker puts it, "because it is then within his gift to do so.""
"A NICE ADDENDUM TO WALKER'S MAGNUM OPUS ON LISZT."
"hope my nephew likes this."
"for lisztomaniacs only."
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Best Jazz Musician Biographies

Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens
— The Philadelphia Inquirer With his brand of keenly intelligent humor that ranges from world history to historical politics, sexual politics, mad ancient kings, and chickens with guns, Eddie Izzard has built an extraordinary fan base that transcends age, gender, and race. "[A] candid new book...The comedic tour de force [Eddie Izzard] opens up about his mother's death, coming out as transgender, and his quest for romantic love." "Beloved British comedian Eddie Izzard [writes] with the same wit and candor that characterizes his stand-up [and] tackles his sexuality, his troubled childhood, and the tumultuous early days of his career, even as he recounts his many excellent roles, albums, and tours." Izzard’s chronicle is reminiscent of his shows, a stream of surprising associations, full of footnotes and copious asides on subjects like NASA and Action Man.” —Nick A. Zaino III, The Boston Globe. I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of working in a Vatican slaughterhouse, acting as Deputy Foreign Minister in Gladstone’s first administration, his whacky exploits at his uncle’s Taxidermy Cafe, and his tragic death at the age of only eight at the Morris Dancing Finals in Bruges.” —John Cleese “Eddie Izzard is my favorite stand-up chameleon.” —Eric Idle.
Reviews
"I had no idea how Eddie Izzard came to "be" as the comedian I love."
"While the book started slow and it was a bit tough getting through his younger years as vague memories and “I think that’s how it happened moments”, I really enjoyed learning about Eddie’s road to fame."
"Wonderful book with fab pictures."
"What can I say -- it's Eddie Izzard, the amazingly funny, ultimate executive transvestite."
"I unexpectedly got the large print version and now I want everything in that font!"
"I love Eddie Izzard’s incredibly creative ideas and especially enjoy his comedy."
"So reading the footnotes while reading the book isn't practical."
"I'm a huge Eddie Izzard fan, so, of course I bought the book."
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Best Heavy Metal Musician Biographies

Runnin' with the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen
The manager who shepherded Van Halen from obscurity to rock stardom goes behind the scenes to tell the complete, unadulterated story of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, and the legendary band that changed rock music. A man who’d worked with some of rock’s biggest and most notorious names, Monk spent seven years with Van Halen, serving initially as their tour manager then as their personal manager until 1985, when he and David Lee Roth exited as controversy, infighting, and egos consumed the band. Lifting back the curtain on one of the great untold stories of rock music, Monk details the most outrageous escapades from his time as confidant, fixer, and promoter—from hotel room destruction to outrageous backstage behavior to Eddie Van Halen’s high-profile marriage to Valerie Bertinelli to the incredible drug use and drinking that would ultimately fuel the conflict between the band members.
Reviews
"Anytime I can listen to live recordings from that era or read about their dominance of rock 'n' roll from 1978 thru 1985, I do so eagerly. I always knew DLR was a narcissistic egomaniac, and that the VH brothers had hard fought lifelong battles with alcoholism, but this book surprised me with how deeply Alex/Edward spiraled into their addictions, or just how much Dave became full of himself to the point that he was downright mean and intolerable to be around. If you want an honest behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of the one of greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time, then read this book."
"Noel Monk was Van Helen's tour manager and after that manager from 78 till 84, so you bet he knows a lot stories from the band."
"If you're a Van Halen fan, you'll be captivated by the stories told by Noel Monk, as only he could tell them."
"Good book but alot of redundant comments about the band members and how great the Manager/Author was."
"Noel gives a very honest account of his interaction with the band members."
"I loved this book the story was awesome I thought the. Story was well written well there you go."
"Loved this book."
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Best Punk Musician Biographies

NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories
NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories is the first tell-all autobiography from one of the world's most influential and controversial punk bands. If you need a little history lesson on how all this shit started, and what the true meaning of being punk rock is, I suggest you read this book now! Classic Rock , May 2016 “Compiled in the style of Motley Crue's The Dirt , this readable and engaging account of a band who live life almost as fast as the music they play is predictably rip-roaring For being a book that spares nothing, this one is hard to beat.”. Their new book, The Hepatitis Bathtub And Other Stories , details it all and does so in true, painfully honest NOFX fashion The band held nothing back.”. NeuFutur , 4/6/16 “Surprisingly sincere Much like the band's music, which buries moments of deep political and emotional topics inside of goofy, often sophomoric humor, the book's emotive moments are buttressed by wild stories about partying on the road Even if you've never been a big fan of NOFX, the book is a refreshing honest look at a struggling independent band dead set on compromising nothing and still managing to be successful.”. Bad Feeling Magazine, 5/15/16 “With often unflinching honestly, NOFX have recounted a harrowing story that showcases the real life pain behind the band's often-obnoxious façade. In the beginning, you'll be glad these people weren't your friends, but by the end you'll wish they were A book that's impossible to put down—even if you will occasionally want to hold it at arm's length.”. Like the few great band bios, the array of experiences described in The Hepatitis Bathtub are enough to set anyone into contemplation about strength and perseverance, love and depravity, camaraderie, and a place for misfit rock and rollers in a society that to this day clings to rigid standards. Tampa Bay Times , 4/17/16 “A harrowing memoir The Hepatitis Bathtub is peopled with lunatics, sociopaths, addicts and loved ones who couldn't escape the punk abyss, with the band struggling to survive dark turns ranging from drug abuse to counterfeiting to disastrous investments to friends' deaths to, um, matricide (allegedly).”. Exclaim.ca, 4/18/16 “Tells the band's rise from shitty L.A. upstarts to the kings of pop-punk It's also teeming with the kinds of sordid tales of drunken hooliganism and abject squalor that would put Mötley Crüe to shame.”. Chapter 16, 4/20/16 “A tell-all memoir The overarching themes of the book are universal and inspiring, but on a concrete level this memoir is pretty raw Absolute candor is actually what unifies the book and makes it impossible to put down From their humble beginnings in one of the country's toughest punk scenes to superstardom, NOFX never fails to entertain.”. Nashville Scene , 4/21/16 “[A] revealing new memoir Staggering and, in some cases, heartbreaking But Hepatitis Bathtub makes it impossible to look the other way The format reads like a sweeping, intriguing conversation, but the book also has a cinematic quality, as each person recalls the same moments in time from his own perspective.”. Nashville Tennessean , 4/20/16 “Offers a no-holds-barred look at the band, as the four members—‘Fat Mike' Burkett, Aaron ‘El Jefe' Abeyta, Eric Melvin and Erik ‘Smelly' Sandin—share memories from their 30-plus years together.”. , 4/25/16 “Every bit as hilarious, disgusting and boundary-hyphen free as you'd expect from a band who've spent three decades in the punk trenches filling themselves with drugs and booze.”. New Noise , 4/12/16 “The candid demeanor of their stories mirrors the ethics the band have held all along—not always pleasant, but a direct reflection of their early DIY roots Hepatitis Bathtub covers it all. Whether a casual listener, hardcore fan, or a ‘couldn't give a fuck about NOFX' character, this book is an evolutionary tale of grimy, realistic fun worth learning to read for.”. No attempt is made to cover or smooth out any rough or hard memories, everything feels as though it has been included in the name of telling the whole story The character of each band member is meticulously presented and articulated and, after one has made it through the whole book, readers are left feeling as though they truly know them In a world where many rock bios seek to do little more than collect myths, NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories bravely stands and tells the great, unbelievable truth.”.
Reviews
"Pretty rare for me to make it through a whole book (thanks dyslexia), also pretty rare to read a music bio book that goes into the details of how screwed up people can get but also has some light at the end of tunnel redemption."
"This is one of the most intense and brutally honest "rock" biographies I've ever read."
"Fast paced, candid, fun, easy to read and shocking (if i had not grown up with many of these guys - but I did). The author and the band were able to give us four different life stories, and show the reader how they got from there to here. This book was an honest look at the LA/Hollywood punk rock scene in the 80s which was a historically important, and really fun time. It was an inside look at the music business, and the reasons why so many got into punk early, and what the costs were physically, financially and socially to the pioneers of LA punk rock. I rate a book on many things, first and foremost: did it keep my attention, was it well written to the point that I forget the story teller and become immersed in the story, did I feel something or learn something from it, and did I enjoy it?"
"Incredible to hear some of the first hand stories of what the L.A. punk scene was like in the 80s."
"These guys put it all out there for their fans to read."
"I discovered NOFX in 1989, and became a big fan from the early stuff up through "Heavy Petting Zoo," From that point on I started losing interest and gradually lost touch with the band."
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Best Rap & Hip-Hop Musician Biographies

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane
” — Complex “A cautionary tale that ends in triumph.” — GQ “A revelation and a welcome addition to hip-hop’s literary legacy.” — All Hip Hop. Born in rural Bessemer, Alabama, Radric Delantic Davis became Gucci Mane in East Atlanta, where the rap scene is as vibrant as the dope game. He inspired and mentored a new generation of artists and producers: Migos, Young Thug, Nicki Minaj, Zaytoven, Mike Will Made-It, Metro Boomin. In his extraordinary autobiography, the legend takes us to his roots in Alabama, the streets of East Atlanta, the trap house, and the studio where he found his voice as a peerless rapper. There are scenes from Gucci Mane’s new autobiography that seem better fit for a gripping Oscar drama than for the story of a guy who recently won his first MTV Video Music Award.” —GQ. The book provides incredible insight into one of the most influential rappers of the last decade, detailing a volatile and fascinating life . By the end, every reader will have a greater understanding of Gucci Mane, the man and the musician.” —PITCHFORK. A thorough look into the experiences that molded one of rap's most polarizing figures in recent memory.” —VICE. Through sheer grit, shrewd intelligence, and a stubborn unwillingness to be counted out, he transformed himself from a street hustler, drug dealer, and occasional strong-armed robber into a modern day Zone 6 prophet. Even while incarcerated, Gucci remained a cult hero to a generation that reached far beyond the Southern city where his influence first blossomed. His is a story of overcoming adversity, taming internal demons and rejecting the imposed labels of others." “The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, written with music journalist Neil Martinez-Belkin, quietly defies the conventions of the celebrity memoir genre; in parts, it reads like what I can only describe as pop culture poetry. In its conversational candor and the razor-sharp image it evokes of a particular era, it felt reminiscent of Patti Smith’s Just Kids.” —LITERARY HUB.
Reviews
"Don't get lost in the sauce."
"It’s very much “this is what happened”, starting with Gucci’s family history and early childhood all the way up to the present-day Gucci Mane that we know and love."
"I finished this book and couldn't put it down!"
"got this for my son for Christmas -- he really enjoyed the book and the life of Gucci Mane."
"What an amazing story."
"I support Guwop telling his story and his amazing transition in life."
"I ordered two copies of Gucci Mane’s autobiography as gifts and the conditions that they came in were a dissapointment."
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Best Rock Band Biographies

Born to Run
He describes growing up Catholic in Freehold, New Jersey, amid the poetry, danger, and darkness that fueled his imagination, leading up to the moment he refers to as “The Big Bang”: seeing Elvis Presley’s debut on The Ed Sullivan Show . Like many of his songs (“Thunder Road,” “Badlands,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “The River,” “Born in the U.S.A,” “The Rising,” and “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” to name just a few), Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography is written with the lyricism of a singular songwriter and the wisdom of a man who has thought deeply about his experiences. Born to Run takes readers on a riveting ride through the everyman rock star’s deeply lived existence.” — Associated Press. His story is intimate and personal, but he has an interest in other people and a gift for sizing them up..” —Dwight Garner, The New York Times. He delivers the story of Bruce—in digestibly short chapters—via an informally steadfast Jersey plainspeak that’s worked and deftly detailed and intimate with its readers—cleareyed enough to say what it means when it has hard stories to tell, yet supple enough to rise to occasions requiring eloquence—sometimes rather pleasingly subsiding into the syntax and rhythms of a Bruce Springsteen song." “A virtuoso performance, the 508-page equivalent to one of Springsteen and the E Street Band's famous four-hour concerts: Nothing is left onstage, and diehard fans and first-timers alike depart for home sated and yet somehow already aching for more.” — NPR.
Reviews
"The motivations, the demons, the anxiety, the joys, the fears, the hopes, the dreams, all the elements that have constituted the Boss’s muse over these past 50 years are explained here. I do not want to reveal any of the revelations the reader will discover within the pages of this book, but I can say it was interesting to learn that Bruce possesses many of the same insecurities of us mere mortals. Bruce discloses, in great detail, particulars of his early years, his upbringing, the issues that influenced the way he thinks, his musically formative years, his wide held acclaim, his family, his doubts, his fears, and a treasure trove of personal details I have never heard before. Bruce has obviously spent much time in intense introspection, and he shares many of his insights and conclusions here. Now that the great James Brown has passed on, the moniker, “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business,” clearly belongs to Bruce. His unique gifts of lyric writing, musical composition, musicianship, and studio and on stage performance have rarely been seen in a single person. If you have ever wondered exactly what it is that makes one of the greatest of this or any other generation’s musical talents tick, it is all right here. Through a lifetime of events he details here, his skills developed and he has evolved into the national and world treasure affectionately referred to as "The Boss.""
"Bruce Springsteen's book follows the advice of "write it like you say it.""
"Not only great songs that many of us love and identify with, but now he’s given us this inspiring autobiography! Hopefully, those reading the book, who have never suffered from it, will understand how it never goes away, but can be managed (exercise, meds, and support from loved ones)."
"I especially enjoyed reading about some of his specific songs and what they really mean."
"Incredibly well-written, Mr. Springsteen can describe a scene in such a way that makes you feel like you are there -- smelling the smells, hearing the sounds, and feeling the feelings."
"I love Springsteen and the real story though I read another Bio a very good one by an Author named Carlin; but reading his own words about how it all came to be was fascinating and totally interesting and lesson in single minded deterimination to succeed!"
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Best Pop Artist Biographies

The Beatles Anthology
What a book The Beatles Anthology is! They talk in turn about those early years and how they came to join the band that would make them known around the world as John, Paul, George and Ringo. At last, here is The Beatles' own story. Those are augmented by excerpts from interviews with John that are integrated effectively and almost seamlessly with the new material, and by occasional comments from the group's closest associates, such as recording producer George Martin. Although the contents are somewhat sanitized--this is, after all, essentially a group autobiography--the four address less-pleasant incidents, such as the sacking of original Beatles drummer Pete Best and the petty squabbles that led to the group's 1970 breakup.
Reviews
"Fantastic book for any true Beatles fan!"
"Love this and all the picture books I have found on The Beatles."
"Beautiful hard back book!."
"Excellent!"
"Anything about the Beatles is more than PERFECT."
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Best R&B Artist Biographies

My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire
"To the readers of this book you need to know that EW&F is simply the greatest living group in my lifetime. White reflects on the great blessings music has brought to his life and the struggles he’s endured: his mother leaving him behind in Memphis when he was four; learning to play the drums with Booker T. Jones; moving to Chicago at eighteen and later Los Angeles after leaving the Ramsey Lewis Trio; forming EWF, only to have the original group fall apart; working with Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond; his diagnosis of Parkinson’s; and his final public performance with the group at the 2006 Grammy Awards. The band’s performances were no less forgettable than their perennial hits: “Shining Star,” “Reasons,” “Got to Get You into My Life,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Let’s Groove.” Maurice also produced music for Deniece Williams, the Emotions, Neil Diamond, James Ingram, Barbra Streisand, and Jennifer Holliday. Maurice White’s story illuminates Earth, Wind & Fire’s position as a band essential to American culture, and offers an intimate look at his final days, from his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to his faith, which helped him not only to cope, but also to savor every single moment.
Reviews
"I have always loved EW&F it was a part of my childhood, my mother always played their records and when I became an adult I have collected all of their songs. Maurice White had always been a mystery to me, but for some reason I felt if I could ever meet him he would instill in me so many spiritual truths that I had questions about."
"I liked it because it helped relived the EWF times I enjoyed as a teenager Val in Boston, listening and dancing to their music, and giving me backstage information about the and, as well as a historical account of the and that I wasn't aware of, of hope, persistent perseverance, self confidence and determination by Maurice."
"This story did bring me upt to speed on the inner workings of EWF and Maurice White and helped clarify somethings against rumor control."
"The music of EW&F is timeless and lives deep in the heart and soul of those of us touched by this gift from the universe."
"But Maurice’s story is fascinating and he goes into great detail of his life in music, and is not timid when it comes to self analysis and self criticism."
"Reese fills in a lot of gaps and embellishes other known personal info for an enjoyable read."
"Enjoyed reading and learning more about the life and inspirations of Maurice White's music and influences behind it all."
"If your are a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire as I am, this book is a "must have"."
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Best Country & Folk Composer Biographies

The Anthology Part 1 Limited Edition
Most of all, though, the years were filled with music being made. But you’ll also find a few recordings that we’ve never shared, some of my favorites.
Reviews
"I’ve been a Garth fan for 25+ years so this may be a little biased but I am loving the story of Garth, the story of the music, the photos, the insight into the Garth Brooks “ride.” My absolute favorite thing is hearing the day-writes, first takes and demos compared to the masters of the songs we came to know and love."
"It is deeply personal and like everything Garth Brooks does, it has integrity."
"My wife just loves looking through the book as she listens to his songs."
"Great book and love the CDs included."
"It is put together so well and is stored in a protective jacket."
"This sure lets you know Garths feelings and history ."
"Never before released tracks, such as, the first cut of That Summer and Tony Arata's demo of The Dance are something everybody should hear!"
"I got my sister and brother each one and they absolutely love them!"
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