Rock Stars Up Close

The Palm Harbor Library just received a copy of Death of a Dreamer: The assassination of John Lennon by Alison Benke. Although the Beatles continue to rule as one of the most talented bands of all time, we may be approaching a time when young people don't recognize the names of the individual Beatles. In a perverse way, tragedy helps to preserve their legacy. Janis Joplin has better name recognition than Gracie Slick, for example. And would the Doors still get any press if not for the early death of Jim Morrison?
In any event, Death of a Dreamer is one of numerous biographies focused on musicians of the sixties and seventies.

Even more interesting than a biography, however, is when the musician tells of his or her experiences first hand. There are some fascinating autobiographies for readers who can tolerate accounts of bad behavior! For most musicians, drug use and groupies were indeed part of their story, but far from the most interesting part. To read of the drive and passion that led to many musical innovations in the early days of rock is like having a front row seat at a concert.

Try some of these autobiographies if you'd like a glimpse into an earlier era:
My Cross to Bear by Gregg Allman
Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me by Pattie Boyd
Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words by Johnny Cash
Clapton: the autobiography by Eric Clapton
Chronicles by Bob Dylan
Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley
Life by Keith Richards