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This biography details the life of legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye. The author goes into great detail recounting Marvin Gaye's musical career (both before and after he became an internationally known pop star). But the most memorable episodes come from Gaye's life offstage. His constant battle with drugs and his dysfunctional relationship with his father (which ultimately ended with his death at the hands of his father) provide the most intriguing moments of the story. This book is not only a must read for fans of Marvin Gaye, but it will also satisfy the appetites of true-crime readers as well.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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The greatest opera diva of the twentieth century transformed herself in true ugly duckling fashion. As a girl she was overweight, wore thick glasses, and was socially inept. Her mother forced her to take voice lessons, taking Maria away from her father and New York which she loved, back to Greece just as World War II was starting. As her talent matured, extending her range from mezzo soprano to coloratura, and she began performing on opera stages throughout the world, she slimmed down to become a glamorous artist who changed opera forever. Rather than standing on stage, singing a part, Maria brought a role to life, using her acting talents to expand the meaning of the roles she sang. To some Maria Callas was a breath-taking artist; to others she may be best known as the woman Aristotle Onassis discarded after a long term relationship so he could marry the widowed Jackie Kennedy making front page news around the world. Edwards writes with compassion and honesty, describing the soaring heights of Maria's popularity contrasted with the deep depression that enveloped her as her Voice began to fade.

Reviewed by Susan H., Main Library

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This fascinating, funny and tragic look at the art and excesses of punk starts with the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol scene in New York, includes the MC5 and the Stooges and ends with the pathetic heroin related deaths of a couple of icons well after the scene peaked. It’s interesting not only for the required reminiscences of musicians. Some of the more revealing stories come from the bands’ friends and girlfriends that show that they also helped define the culture with their style and personal art. Recommended for those that already have a familiarity with the music and can handle the very frank discussions of sex and drugs.

Reviewed by Ed M., Morrison Regional

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If you loved his lyrics, you'll love his autobiography for the same reason. Written in the same streetwise and rambling, and at times surreal, style, it tells a story that is all too familiar and - at the same time - new. He names all his many influences; some, like Woody Guthrie, no surprise at all, others you'd never have imagined. In the process, he reveals just how turned-off he was by the many attempts to label him the spokesman for his generation, to the extent that he released two lackluster albums in revenge. As for his "sell-out" - evolving from folk to rock - he makes it very clear that nothing has ever mattered to him except music. He had, moreover, given fair warning long before he became a folk icon that his greatest desire was to join Little Richard.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Antonio Stradivari crafted the most perfect violins and violoncellos ever made any time, anywhere. Indeed, from 1666 until he died in 1737, he built what would become the universal pattern for the modern violin. This book traces the histories of the Messiah, the Viotti, the Khevenhuller, the Paganini, the Lipinski, and Yo-Yo Mah's cello Davidov. These instruments, as well as the other 600-plus Strads known to exist, are named for their most famous players - with one exception. The Messiah, rarely played, still in mint condition, and flamboyantly beautiful, got its name from a frustrated violinist awaiting its post-purchase delivery. Like the Messiah, he complained - always expected, never to appear. The Messiah is the template for every Strad copy ever made. The Messiah is just one of many fascinating tales in this book. It concludes, however, that like anything else, these perfect instruments are slowly wearing out. Someone needs to learn the master's secret....soon.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Using extensive research and interviews of family and friends, the authors tell the captivating tale of the Carter Family, from their humble roots in the mountains of Virginia to the heights of country music stardom. A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and sister-in-law Maybelle were raised in mining towns where they grew up singing the hymns and mountain ballads of their ancestors. Their talent took them out of the mountains and into history as pioneers of country music. With the growth of radio, and then television, their fame grew and their music was heard around the world. However, what makes this a fascinating read are the details of the Carter's personal lives, from A.P. and Sara's divorce to Johnny Cash's relationship with Maybelle's daughter June.

Reviewed by Erin N., South County Regional

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One of the most recognized songs of the Swing era, “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You”, opened with the warm expressive sounds of Tommy Dorsey on trombone. The new biography by Peter Levinson makes it plain that the “sentimental gentleman of swing” was neither sentimental or a gentleman. He was a highly skilled musician and a demanding taskmaster who led one of the most successful Big Bands of the Swing era. He was also famous for his temper and his feuds, particularly with his brother and rival bandleader Jimmy. The author takes us back to the Swing era when name bands toured in rickety band buses, playing one night stands in multiple ballrooms in too many towns across the country.

Reviewed by John C., Main Library

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Opera! An art form full of soaring passion, towering emotion and horrific bloodshed; and that’s just on the stage. As Joseph Volpe relates in his memoir, the behind the scenes histrionics could rival anything found in Pagliacci. Volpe began as an assistant carpenter at the old Met and finished with 16 years as General Manager. Along the way he had to coddle, cajole, and berate many a Diva (opera divas actually can sing) as well as many others from stage hands to patrician directors. A book that opera aficionados an others will enjoy.

Reviewed by John C., Main Library

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Christian rock music really began in the late 1960's with the Jesus People movement. Starting off slowly at first, it has now become a huge music industry. Andrew Beaujon sets out to discover the subculture within a subculture of Christian rock music. He gives a brief timeline of the history of Christian rock, as well as interviews with what he terms "Christian Rock Lifers", people who have been very influential in the Christian rock subculture. Beaujon covers everything from influential bands and Christian rock festivals to the recording process and Christian music labels. Body Piercing Saved My Life is a fascinating look into the ever-growing phenomenon of Christian rock music.

Reviewed by Jessica B., Mint Hill Branch

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Scar Tissue is a surprisingly frank autobiography from the Red Hot Chili Pepper's hyperbolic frontman, Anthony Kiedis. A pull-no-punches narrative tracks his daredevil adolescence in Hollywood with a drug dealing father, the formation and evolution of his famous band, loss of friends to substance abuse and an eventual meeting with the Dali Lama. While providing all the self-destructive sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll misadventure readers may expect, this book shines as a diary of struggle to overcome personal demons and addictions. Kiedis never sugarcoats, idealizes or gets on a soapbox. Instead, he imparts a real sense of frustration at missed opportunities for growth and the precarious nature of recovery. From a crucible of excess, Kiedis emerges spiritually aware and prepared for a personal and artistic resurgence. Great read.

Reviewed by Paul D., Main Library

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What is love? Rob Sheffield has no idea until he meets Renee, a Southern, punk-rock loving girl who turns his world upside down. They initially have nothing in common but their eclectic taste in all kinds of music, but this mutual love of music quickly turns into love for each other. Throughout their courtship and marriage Rob and Renee make mix tapes for each other filled with songs they know the other will love. This passion for music and mix tapes is what helps Rob heal when Renee suddenly dies. Music is what drew Rob and Renee together and what allows him to work through his grief. In this moving tribute to love and music Rob discovers that Love is a Mix Tape.

Reviewed by Jessica B., Mint Hill Branch

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Guitarist/singer/songwriter Eric Clapton has had a long, storied career. But reading the beginning of his memoir, it's a wonder that he had a career at all. He leaves one group after another--the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith--either just before their big break, or after a short period at the top. Then he begins to tell about his wild personal life, and it's a wonder that he survived at all. In the end he conquers his addictions and finds a happy family life. Fans will find this a worthwhile read, although there is surprisingly little discussion of musical creation and performance.

Reviewed by Mark S., University City Regional

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Pattie Boyd isn't an artist, but her story is well worth telling. This brutally honest memoir follows Pattie, the inspiration for Eric Clapton’s “Layla” and George Harrison’s “Something”, through her turbulent marriages to both men. Pattie’s position seems enviable to anyone at first glance, but her experiences with the childish and self-centered deities of the British Invasion leave the reader glad to remain obscure. This inside look at the lives of the Beatles and Clapton are genuine and devoid of hero worship, reducing them to talented people who were never forced to grow up. Her story reminds us that it’s one thing to love the music, and another to love the musicians.

Reviewed by Meri H., University City Regional

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With their stripped-down melodic and harmonic ideal, The Police breathed life back into rock music in the late 70’s and early 80’s. With One Train Later, guitarist Andy Summers has done the same for the rock autobiography. Summers’ cerebral, self-effacing wit abounds in this narrative as he recounts his “outsider” adolescence, his lifelong obsession with the guitar and an ever-expanding spiritual awareness. Through his eyes, the reader gets an insider’s view of the stars of the British Invasion and psychedelic 60’s. We learn of his brief expatriation to sunny California where he questions his musical future before returning to England in pursuit of a dream. Amidst the trials and tribulations of The Police, we learn of his interest in returning to his jazz roots and his interest in photography as another creative outlet. Intelligent and entertaining!

Reviewed by Paul D., Main Library

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If you see music as a reflection of the cultural and historical time in which it was created, you will see that Chang's book describes a unique creative form of youth rebellion in a post-civil rights era. A time that was defined by a new found capitalism and a newly global and highly industrialized society. He describes that generation's worldview and how it transformed not just music and pop culture but commented on American politics and multiculturalism like no other generation before. This book tells an American history story through its generation's musical roots but also shows how the integration of all races who created this musical genre was mirrored in the social bond being formed and is a harbinger of social change to come. It is the most urgent and passionate narrative of Hip-Hop culture, but also American culture. Chang is really describing all of us and what American life is about.

Reviewed by Cooper Lawrence, Radio Host and author of The Cult Of Celebrity: What Our Fascination With The Stars Reveals About Us (skirt! books)

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Have you heard of Western singers like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Bob Wills? This Encyclopedia will offer insight into their music and others. You can discover how Bob Willis' Western Swing style inspired modern groups like Asleep at the Wheel. Also, you may enjoy reading about Roy Roger who along with his wife, Dale Evans Rogers, were also skilled Western actors. Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy, was known for Western and Country music, but also Gospel and patriotic music as well. There are so many unique things to learn about the Country singers, that you will enjoy the book.

Reviewed by Janice B., Scaleybark Branch

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The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is arguably the most important album in the history of recorded sound. The music, sometimes cryptic lyrics and images from the record have become part of global culture and continue to be cited as an influence on artists to this day. Almost everyone knows a story of “secret” significance behind some detail of this classic record. Famed Beatles producer George Martin dispels the conjecture with insight that could come only from one within the band’s protective enclave. He provides minute details of each track’s composition, performance and production along with priceless anecdotes about the Fab Four. Not just for the devout Beatles fan. A true gem!

Reviewed by Paul D., Main Library

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