Tag Archives: biography

It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music

it's about time jeff porcaro

One of the most recorded drummers in history, Jeff Porcaro was a music superstar. With It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans provides insight into Porcaro’s musical career. Starting with his childhood and formative years, the book recounts his establishment on the L.A. scene, rise to stardom with Toto, and legendary career as one of the most sought-after studio drummers in the world until his tragic death in 1992 at only 38 years of age.

It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, by Robyn Flans, Hudson Music, www.hudsonmusic.com.

George Harrison on George Harrison

George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters

George Harrison on George Harrison

Grammy-winning music writer Ashley Kahn dispels the misnomer of George Harrison as “The Quiet Beatle” through Harrison’s own words. Kahn collects and arranges interviews and articles spanning Harrison’s career, from The Beatles’ first radio interview in 1962 to online chats in 2001, the year he passed away. Through Kahn’s chronological arrangement, Harrison shares his life story in real time, allowing readers to witness the personal and spiritual growth of an icon.

George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters, edited by Ashley Kahn, Chicago Review Press, www.chicagoreviewpress.com.

Freddie Mercury: A Kind of Magic

Freddie Mercury: A Kind of Magic provides a rare look at the talented singer, songwriter, and musician whose four-octave voice defined the sound of Queen. Author Mark Blake describes the book as a celebration of Mercury’s humor and showmanship, but also his abilities as a musician and songwriter.  Included are: the first-known photographs of Mercury after moving to England in 1964, newly discovered details about his early teenage years, and examples of his earliest attempts at songwriting.

Freddie Mercury: A Kind of Magic, by Mark Blake, Backbeat Books,
 www.halleonardbooks.com.

Ray Reed Jazz Originals

Ray Reed Jazz Originals: 45 Great Compositions by The Jazz Master

Ray Reed Jazz OriginalsRay Reed was a first call, woodwind multi-instrumentalist who performed on hundreds of jazz recordings over a 40-plus year career, including with Stan Kenton, Johnny Mandel, Bill Holman, and Frank Zappa orchestras. He also worked with Med Flory’s Grammy-winning Super Sax. Over his career Reed composed more than 100 jazz tunes. This book includes 43 of his better known compositions, as well as a comprehensive biography of Reed. It is available with or without a CD with printable pdf lead sheets in concert, Bb, and Eb keys.

Ray Reed Jazz Originals: 45 Great Compositions by the Jazz Master,
by Bob Irvine, Infinity Publishing, www.buybooksontheweb.com.

The Life and Career of Lou Reed

The Life and Career of Lou Reed: Waiting for the Man

loud-reed

In this revised edition of the acclaimed biography, the author provides a rich and sweeping account of Lou Reed’s four-decade career. As the cool, defiant narrator of subcultures, Reed’s implacable mystique was undeniable, from his early days as Andy Warhol’s sexually ambivalent protégé performing with the Velvet Underground to his gradual reinvention as one of the most original musicians of his day. In this book, Jeremy Reed (no relation) offers an insightful and well-written narrative worthy of his famously erudite subject.

The Life and Career of Lou Reed: Waiting for the Man, by Jeremy Reed, The Overlook Press, www.overlookpress.com.

MICK JAGGER book

Book: Mick Jagger

MICK JAGGERMick Jagger is an icon in rock and roll culture. Now in his 70s, he continues to perform his inspiring lyrics and celebrated dance moves with the same cheekiness and attitude that first made him an international sex symbol more than 50 years ago. This book introduces readers to the man behind the legend, focusing on his rich musical career and offering some behind-the-scenes glimpses into his personal life. This 207-page volume includes dozens of spectacular photographs taken throughout the years.

Mick Jagger, text by Billy Altman, edited by Valeria Manferto de Fabianis, www.sterlingpublishing.com.