This book is okay, but not great. It isn't a biography, but rather a compilation of facts about people, events, and things in Elton's life in alphabetical order. It does however give some really good info on Elton.

This A to Z format should become an ongoing series (as with Omnibus Press' Complete Guide To The Music Of...). This lists people, places and songs in encyclopedia format, capsule reviews of his albums (up to Made in England) and and list of song titles. This is a perfect intro to the music of Elton, but a little short on details regarding his biography.

Mr.Bernardin has shared his wealth of knowledge on the subject of Elton John in a clear, concise and enjoyable format. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to know the all of Elton.

If you were American and into rock during the late Sixties and early Seventies, chances are that the only thing you knew about the Guess Who were their hits on AM radio. John Einarson's biography gives you much more information about one of Canada's best bands. I remember buying their album ROAD FOOD when it first came out---once you got past the "hits" that were on it (in this case, "Clap For The Wolfman" and "Star Baby"), you discovered other equally great songs that should've been more widely known. That was the case with so many Guess Who albums. Einarson does a great job outlining the band's history and putting it in the context of the Canadian rock scene of the time, one that a lot of Americans probably weren't aware of. If you know the group, you may not agree with all of his assessments (I don't), but good for him for reminding the world of a terrific band.

The best thing about "American Woman" is that it brings us the tale of Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, and the rest of the members of the Guess Who in a way that American fans of the group rarely had a chance to experience. Although the book is highly opinionated (particularly when it comes to looking back at the band's music), it delivers the odd yet gripping story of a band that, if it hadn't kept tripping over its own feet, might have been as big as The Eagles. This is vital reading for music fans who don't want to buy into Rolling Stone's version of what the '70s were really like.

John Einarson gives an insiders view on the Guess Who from their early days as Chad Allan and the Reflections to their becoming the Guess Who in 1965. Despite many changes in band personnel, the band continued to release good material, mostly written by Cummings and Kurt Winter. Lots of good stories and background information on the recording of each album from "Shakin' All Over" through "Power In The Music". Complete discography included.

This is, as they say, the definitive work on classic big band and swing music, full of profiles of bands and band leaders large and small, from the Artie Shaws and Glenn Millers to the Will Bradleys and Hal Kemps. The scope of the book is very well-rounded, including information on often-neglected "sweet" band musicians such as Isham Jones, along with pre-big band acts like Ted Lewis. The downside is that Simon -- a jazz music critic for "Metronome" magazine during the big band years -- wears his insider credentials on his sleeves, and is a bit of an insufferable name-dropper. Nonetheless, this is a great reference work, and a nice look back at the glory days of swing.

This book occupied a prime spot on my fathers bookshelf while I was growing up. I frequently heard this music as a kid, and was intrigued by its swing and feel. I had the pleasure of befriending George Simon, and found him to be a first class gentleman. I visited him at his home, and we would discuss the music and his experiences. It gave me tremendous insight into the times, and was always interesting. George was about fifty yeasr older than I ( I have lost touch with him after his move to Florida) but due to his involvement with the Grammys he could go from Harry James to Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix with ease. An interesting and insightful book by someone who loved the music and all it stood for.

George Simon was an intimate part of the big band scene. He was there when it was born and he was there when it atrophied during Word War Two. He was an original member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra (he played drums) and one of the first writers for Metronome Magazine, the trade mag for the music industry in that time. I have a hardcover copy of the 9th printing. The original copyright is indicated as 1967. I also have an accompanying three record set that is unique in that it was a cooperative effort by three competing companies: RCA, Decca and Columbia. It's a shame that this isn't available too! Over 400 bands are mentioned, some extensively. It is full of first-hand accounts, anecdotes and many photos. I felt as if I was there! George Simon gave us a true window into this piece of music history. If I had an extra thumb, I would give it three thumbs up!

I was excited about getting this book, because I'd read Lewisohn's similar book on the Beatles. I love chronological order, and I tried to put a date to each song on Hendrix's first three albums. But what was disappointing was that McDermott seemed to forget to mention several song and their recording dates. But the text is otherwise great reading, and the photos are wonderful. I just wish it truly was "Complete" as the Lewisohn book seems to be.

This is a great book written in chronologic style detailing the creation of some of the greatest music ever made. This book is often hard to follow and somewhat incomplete but there are many bits of information to satisfy all levels of Jimi fans and some great pictures. I really enjoyed reading this book and especially liked reading about Experienced, Axis, and Ladyland.

It's a great book for those who like jimi hendrix.It explains how, where and when jimi has ever recorded his songs. Although, it's an overdetailed book that will annoy who's not a loyal fan...

Pete Shotton was John Lennon's best friend throughout his life, and this book gives a positive upbeat and revealing look at that friendship.

Starting from their rebellious childhood antics in Woolton and Quarrybank we are taken on a "Magical Mystery Tour" through the Quarrymen formation and onto Beatles superfame. Throughout it all Pete was the sane down-to-Earth component of John's life. Here's a glimpse of the Real John Lennon from getting every bird around (and the rest) to going off the deep end with Acid. It's sure to entertain you and keep you laughing with uncanny Lennon humor. The book is no whitewash, but neither is it the blackwash of Goldman's book. It's basically as close to the truth as a good friend can get. I also recommend The Man who Gave the Beatles Away and the new book, Lennon in America. I await the release of John's Diaries.

I very highly recommend this book to any Lennon/Beatles fan with a good sense of humour and an open mind. I Loved Every Page Of It. You wont be able to keep a straight face while you read it. What A Clown!

There are only three decent books on John Lennon: Albert Goldman's, Ray Connelly's and Pete Shotton's "In My LIfe". This book is almost completely free of the schmalz that ruins other biographies. It's truthful and frank and is quite fascinating. A good thing about the book, is that it focuses on the man rather than the music. From reading it, you do get an idea of what he was really like. Regrettably, I lent my copy to a friend who promptly left it on a table in a cafe or hostel in Paris (early '96). So if you found it - I want it back!

Occasionally sentimental, even purple in its prose, this is still a must-read. Primarily an account of the author's experiences climbing in Yosemite in the 70's and 80's, it's one of the only books I know of that covers this period.Useful little sidebars give practical climbing information,and many of the stories are just plain fall-out-of-your-Portaledge funny.

can't imagine a better evening than being in an appropriately rowdy spot listening to John Long tell tall stories, improbable stories, and hilarious off-the-wall stories about the great days at Camp 4 in Yosemite. He has a knack of not taking himself seriously, but shining through is his tremendous joy in living to the hilt and exuberant satisfaction of being among the best at what he does.

"What he does" is extreme rock climbing, and these essays peppered with dollops of very good advice tell what it was like in the glory days of the '70s on the big walls. A large part of John's enjoyment was his fellow fanatics, the beauty of the surroundings and, most of all, the burning desire to achieve the status of the coolest guy on the wall.

He starts with his childhood rambles (he had to be a prototype hyperactive child) and some sort of record, never once refers to a deprived misunderstood childhood. He freely admits most of his parents' gray hairs are attributable to him. He and his friends did not know the meaning of "impossible." They decide to learn the techniques of climbing (but nothing of equipment. "Equipment!" Who can afford equipment? and the next year they will somehow get to Mt. Everest and give it a go.

This delightful read is just as likely to be of interest to the general reader as the incipient or experienced rock climber. If the author could bottle and sell his self-confidence and joie de vivre, he would make millions. Spend an afternoon with John Long. You won't regret it.

This book had just enough technical information mixed in with stories and philosophy to make it a great read. I am not a rock climber but I am always interested in the extreme lives of others for they give up so much to get so much. The counter culture John Long describes is hilarious without being condescending like you might find in say snowboarding. They seemed to have welcomed anyone willing to try. For the price of a movie, this is a better buy.

Everyone knows a book about The Beatles, or any one of them, especially Lennon, is a guaranteed sell/ source of income. And those who cannot resist will write one. Lennon's political "activism" is hyped beyond that it was. He was naive in politics, as especilly shown by his bothering with (being used by) Rubin and Peel, both of whom I knew, and knew for what they were.

This book amazed me on how accurate and truthful it was. It contains many many quotes of Lennon which supports every bit of information presented. I originally borrowed the book from a library for a school project and was very unhappy about having to give it back! I would have loved to have kept it. It is a must have for any John Lennon fan.

It is true that Lennon had much to learn about politics.It is also true that he had even more to learn about life.He even had much to learn about music (he would have been the first to agree with the last point),but he had something that only a select few people from his "genre" had,and that was desire to be heard.Naturally,when he was heard he had much to say.When he got the opportunity to say it,he had much tendency to speak it with words that made only sense to the ones who lived in his world (or at least wanted to).There were a few messages he made,however,that did not only affect millions of lives,but may have even changed it for the better.This was a power he began to realize during the height of his success with the Beatles,and it scared the hell out of him.Probably beyond what any of us could possibly concieve,it ripped him to shreads.Yoko helped much in the way of opening him up,but in using him as a puppet (as many did),she really only made matters worse.It was not until just before his death that he really began to realize that what he wanted in life was peace and good music.Not the peace of the world,but peace of mind for himself.The book Come together captures this emotional roller coaster ride better than any book written on the subject.Next to Barry Miles' "Paul Mccartney:many years from now" it is without question the most honest and well written account on one of the greatest pop culture stories ever told.And it is written with wit and wisdom,as well as sympathy for a man that was terribly misunderstood,even by his own self.Something to be read numerous times,especially the account on the "more popular than Christ" contreversey.Lennon is a true icon for this century,but he was also very human (more than most),and this book portrays this fact very well.

Do you have a love of coffee shops and music, yet also find it difficult to concentrate on a "normal" book because of all the girls walking by. Here's the answer. I don't know how many times I've picked this up to read for just 3 minutes, then closed it up without being in the middle of a chapter. Really though. Great quotes on everything from thinking and writing, to drinking and fighting, by everyone from Neil Young to Morrissey, and Bowie to Henry Rollins. Enjoy.

GREAT book. I love this book. Has many many great quotes in it.

if you're a fan of music AT ALL, there is going to be one quote in this book that makes it worth buying.

Judith Furedi's book is a devotional tribute to John Lennon, full of her own poems written directly to him, placed alongside artistic photos and sketches that reflect all phases of Lennon's life. She openly invites her readers to participate in the completion of this book by pasting their own poems or memorabilia about John alongside hers on blank pages. I was surprised that this "fun" book revealed such powerful and stunningly beautiful poetry that choked me up in unexpected emotion. The author's obvious fascination for John Lennon as a young fan who loved the Beatles transforms into a deeper devotion as she scales the walls of his youth and grasps the sadness of his separation from mother Julia in "The Blank Page." After following John through the exciting days of Beatlemania, she expresses concern at his new relationship with Yoko and the sadness of the break-up of the Beatles, then openly questions his initial dive into "Seclusion" in New York. After giving the nod to his new role as family man, twelve painful poems openly confront the horror of John's assassination and the mind of his killer. Her afterlife eulogies deal with John's philosophies which she mirrors back to him, and questions his whereabouts in the cosmos. I recommend this book for Lennon fans who care deeply about the impact he made during his life. You'll need to hurry--this is a very limited pressing and won't lsat long!

This is a book full of pure creation. This is a concept that Lennon himself would have loved. The creative process that Ms. Furedi has started here with her very strong poetry is not done after the work is published, to say the least. The reader is asked to join in this process to finish the book in any way they see fit. There are blank pages inserted throughout for the readers input, be it writing, drawing, photographs or any other form of self expression. The intent is for these books to all be one-of-a-kind stand alone works. There is also an intent in sharing these personalized volumes with others, either directly (person to person) or in a cyber forum. A novel approach, as a Beatle (and Lennon) fan, an artist and a writer myself this work has huge appeal. Get a copy of this and join in on the journey !

Judith Furedi not only captured the spirit of us all in her open and honest poetic style, she reached out and touched upon a life force that John Lennon exuded and which can still be felt now 23 years later.

Dear John: Letters From A Fan In NYC, is one of those books that affects positive change from within. It is powerful. It is truth. It is........really real.

Kudos and thanks to Judith for her honesty and her artistry.

Not much can be said about the book that hasn't been said in the other reviews you will find here. The insight into this fascinating man's life is invaluable. His struggles and his triumphs make the everyday things we face seem small. And the boy can flat out write a song, too! But...and there is always a but...I think the publisher of this book must have had a copyeditor's strike. While it did not detract from the effect of the book, the glaring errors and typos did distract this reader. Twice, not once but two times, the author refers to the rock band Tesla as Tessler. Does the publisher not have anyone available to research and proofread a detail like this? There were other mistakes, that with a careful copyeditor, would have been caught. The rambling "And then this happened...and then this happened" style was appropriate to the rambling life of Steve Earle. My high school English teacher, however, would have given this manuscript back to Ms. St. John and her publisher and reminded them that their audience pays a lot of money to read well-edited books.

I know I am nit-picking...otherwise, I buzzed through this book in two nights. Great read, highly recommended.

Steve Earle chose to dive into the fires of hell at a young age. Before the age of 30 he had tried just about every drug under the sun and was a hardcore heroin addict. What's amazing is that Steve managed to do all this, still write amazing albums and perform and tick off everyone who cared for him in the process. Such is the life of a drug addict.

St. John's often unflattering biography (written with Earle's co-operation and input from friends, family members and former friends and business associates)captures this dynamo in action; he knew from the start what type of songs he wanted to write and record. It was always a matter of finding someone that would let him do it. The same thing goes for his drug abuse. He managed to go down for the third time and still save himself. He also managed to alienate just about anyone that cared for him without any insight into his immoral and reckless behavior.

Luckily, the same insight that allows him to inhabit the characters of his often heartbreaking songs, eventually allowed him to see himself for what he was; a junkie wielding his needle like a bulldozer and rolling everyone and everything he cared about. He still disagrees with some of his former associates, lovers, wives (he's been married 4 times and had two children out of wedlock)but he's just as apt to turn that critical eye on himself and attack his own behavior in the past.

He's still an amazing writer and performer. Unlike his mentor Townes Van Zant, Earle managed to recapture his life before his self destructive behavior took too much of a physical toll (the best quote from Earle--"If I thought I'd live this long I would have taken better care of myself" applies to him as much as to Van Zant). He just managed to finally capture the demons driving him, bottle them up and put them on the shelf for display in his songs. They'll always threaten to break out but at least he has a place to put them where they'll do less harm to him and others.

He could be (and sometime still is) an awful person to those he loves. Fortunately, he recognizes the addictive behavior that drove him for so long and drove those around him away. Hardcore Troubador is a harrowing but irrestible read--just like the very drugs that almost destroyed Earle.

He's had a hell of a life and he hasn't always been a hell of a guy...but he remains one of the most prolific, talented, and dogged songwriters around. I haven't stopped listening to Steve Earle since I've finished reading this book and his book of short stories.

He's worked hard to maintain his unique voice and his activism. This biography gets underneath all his songs - placing his music in the context of his life. I highly recommend this book, and his music.