Showing titles in Composers & Musicians

Vivian Stanshall is the quintessential pop hero of the 60s, 70s, and 80s who first shot to fame in 1968 in the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. Viv was well known too for his ribald tales of the upper-class Rawlinsons and Maynards who were the bees’ knees for anyone with a warped sense of humor. Born in 1943 in Oxfordshire, his family settled in the coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea. After being a bingo-caller to painting fairground attractions (with a spell in the merchant navy), Stanshall enrolled at London’s Central School of Art and Design.

The irresistible story of a one-man cultural phenomenon. Minister for the Counterculture, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline, chronicling the making of a DIY icon.

Jimi Hendrix, born on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, was a revolutionary rock guitarist and singer. Despite a challenging childhood, he showcased his guitar talent during his teenage years. After a stint in the U.S. Army and moving to New York City, he formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience in London in 1966. The band's debut album, Are You Experienced, launched him to fame, with his innovative guitar techniques leaving a lasting impact. Hendrix's life was tragically cut short when he died in London on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27.

Dark Horse takes listeners into the life of George Harrison, the most enigmatic Beatle, tracing his journey from Liverpool to global stardom and his deep spiritual quest. With rare insights, exclusive interviews, and decades of research, it captures his influence on world music and his profound legacy.

Norteña. Memorias del comienzo es la historia de un enamoramiento: el de Julieta Venegas con la música. Criada en Tijuana, en ese paisaje singular donde el desierto se encuentra con el mar y una frontera divide —o junta— dos países y dos formas de vida, Julieta recorre los primeros años que la formaron como artista: cómo aprendió a escuchar, cómo aprendió a tocar, cómo fue encontrando su propio sonido. La música llega primero como herencia familiar, como alegría compartida, como el idioma que su familia ya hablaba antes que ella.

Ni siquiera una enciclopedia completa tendría espacio suficiente para contener una historia como la de Michael Jackson. Cuando nos dejó, con tan solo cincuenta años, su bagaje vital era ya casi inabarcable. Y, aun así, ¿qué sabemos realmente de él? Su paso por este mundo dejó más...

The unexplored story of rock’s greatest and perhaps most enigmatic instrumentalist. A contender for the G.O.A.T. – the greatest of all time – Jeff Beck left an indelible mark on rock history. His sudden loss in 2023 prompted an outpouring of grief and respect from his peers that only...

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974), born and raised in Washington, DC, was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra. Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Ellington wrote or collaborated on more than one thousand compositions. Music critic Ralph J. Gleason called him "America's most important composer.

The second volume of Peter Guralnick's critically acclaimed Elvis Presley biographies 'Homeric in its play of beauty and folly, this is a monumental work' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'Riveting ... A masterwork' WALL STREET JOURNAL The next chapter in the definitive biography of Elvis picks up where...

The first volume of Peter Guralnick's critically acclaimed Elvis Presley biographies 'Elvis steps from the pages. You can feel him breathe' BOB DYLAN 'Wonderful' RODDY DOYLE Last Train to Memphis is arguably the first serious biography that refuses to dwell on the myth of Elvis. Aiming instead...

In this exclusive promo interview for their 30th Anniversary DVD release, Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom of Blue Öyster Cult reflect on the band's journey from their early days under a different name to becoming rock icons. They share insights on how they choose songs for their live shows, favourite venues, and the challenges they faced whilst recording the anniversary DVD. The duo also discuss their songwriting process, the meaning behind classics like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burning for You," and their music's appearances in films and even The Simpsons.

In this candid interview, Brad Delp, the iconic voice of Boston, shares the story behind one of rock's most successful debuts — from early demos and repeated rejections to global success. He reflects on working with producer Tom Scholz, the making of classics like More Than a Feeling, and the challenges of performing them live. Along the way, Delp opens up about the band's influences, handling criticism, and their deep connection with fans. Honest, personal, and revealing, this is a must-listen for classic rock fans.

In this insightful interview, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead reflects on a lifetime of music — from shaping a retrospective of his work to the ever-evolving nature of songs on stage and in the studio. He shares stories of collaboration, songwriting, and the magic of live performance, where music becomes a powerful exchange between band and audience. Touching on influences from jazz to Bob Dylan, Weir offers a rare and thoughtful glimpse into his creative world. Insightful, spontaneous, and deeply personal, this is a must-listen for fans of classic rock.

An in-depth interview with John Fogerty that goes beyond the usual highlights to explore the roots of his unique American voice. He reflects on childhood inspirations, early guitars, R&B radio, and the curiosity and discipline that shaped his path long before fame. Fogerty also reveals how the mythic bayou world of Creedence Clearwater Revival emerged from a kid in the Bay Area, and how the band's name captured a sense of America, clean water, and revival. He also discusses writing with urgency, especially Proud Mary, which he knew instantly had the makings of a classic.

Enter the world of Carlos Santana in this inspiring interview as he shares his thoughts on music, creativity, spirituality, and what makes songs timeless. Santana reflects on legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, whilst revealing stories behind working with Michelle Branch, Seal and Rob Thomas. Passionate, uplifting, and full of wisdom, this is a rare glimpse inside the mind of a true music icon.

A rare and revealing interview with Peter Gabriel on the release of his landmark 1986 album So. Speaking with Rhona Elliott, he explores the creative process behind the record, the soul and world-music influences behind Sledgehammer, and stories behind Don't Give Up, Red Rain, and In Your Eyes. Gabriel also reflects on technology, activism, and music's power to drive change, including his support for Amnesty International and the impact of Biko. A fascinating portrait of an artist balancing chart success, bold ideas, and humanitarian vision.

In this insightful and wide-ranging interview, Peter Gabriel discusses the creation of his landmark album So, including the rhythm-driven writing process behind songs such as “Sledgehammer,” “Red Rain,” and “In Your Eyes.” He reflects on the influence of soul music, world rhythms, and innovative technology, while sharing stories about collaborations with Kate Bush, Stuart Copeland, and Youssou N'Dour. Gabriel also speaks about creativity, dream states, visual ideas, and the future of interactive entertainment, as well as his commitment to global causes through WOMAD and Amnesty International.

Chet Atkins was arguably the most influential American guitarist of the twentieth century and, through his work as a recording executive, is often credited as a founder of the Nashville Sound. In Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, noted music historian Don Cusic illuminates the legend, detailing Atkins's...

Brought to you by Penguin. The groundbreaking reckoning with the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band from the award-winning, bestselling author of classic histories of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. A New York Times Most Anticipated Book of 2026 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN … THE ROLLING STONES What...

"As a member of EWF during its heyday, Johnson was arguably the band’s most important member … A gentle reminiscence about a hard-driving pop act."—Kirkus Reviews Embrace over fifty years of Earth, Wind & Fire through percussionist and vocalist Ralph Johnson’s profound memoir. Ralph has...