Biography: arts and entertainment Books

Book SynopsisThis intimate story of Lynyrd Skynyrd tells of how a band of lost souls and self-destructive misfits with uncertain artistic objectives clawed their way to the top of the rock 'n’ roll world. Based on interviews with surviving band members, Whiskey Bottles and Brand-New Cars shares how lead singer and front man Ronnie Van Zant guided the band’s hugely successful five-year run and, in the process, created not only a new country rock idiom, but a new Confederacy in constant conflict with old Southern totems and prejudices. Placing the music and personae of Skynyrd into a broad cultural context, this book gives a new perspective to a history of stage fights, motel-room destructions, cunning business deals, and brilliant studio productions. It also offers a greater appreciation for a band whose legacy, in the aftermath of their last plane ride, has since descended into self-caricature.Trade Review"An excellent look at a band whose creative evolution was tragically cut short." Booklist

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Book SynopsisIt has been 40 years since the untimely death of L.A.'s mystic and rock's Dionysus Jim Morrison yet the Doors have consistently inspired new generations of fans worldwide ever since. Highlighting one of the most influential original and outrageous American bands of the 1960s ÊThe Doors FAQÊ is a dynamic unorthodox exploration of this remarkable band and its enigmatic lead singer.ÞDrawing upon unique sources Rich Weidman digs deep and serves up fresh perspective on the music from the garage to the hits to the outtakes; and on the band's members from their roots influences and key industry partners to their rare talents personal foibles love affairs and arrests. This volume also details every studio album and live recording all the highs and lows of the Doors in concert (including the notorious 1969 Miami concert) Morrison's 40-day trial and the death of the Lizard King in Paris in 1971 as well as post-Morrison milestones. Unlike the straightforward narratives of other Doors biographies this inventive ceremonious biographical collage leaves no stone unturned covering the band both with Morrison and post-Morrison including the 2010 ÊWhen You're StrangeÊ documentary and the recent pardon of Morrison by the State of Florida for the Miami concert. Countless rare images from album art to ticket stubs to posters accompany the text in this dazzling edition of solid rock scholarship.

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Book SynopsisWhy is Elvis Presley's body of recorded work still so relevant nearly 60 years after he began recording? ÊElvis Music FAQÊ is for anyone who has been inspired by an Elvis Presley record. Following in the tradition of the FAQ series in ÊElvis Music FAQÊ a lot of rare information is woven together in one concise entertaining package.ÞThere are chapters about every year of Elvis's career including a look at his pioneering original record label Sun; insight on his management; the continued importance of television in his career; a summation of each Presley concert tour; the inside scoop about the role Elvis's band members and songwriters played in his sound; stories about the amusing musical oddities created by those trying to ride on the Elvis success train; details about the contentious role drugs played in his career; and finally a full review of every record the King ever issued.ÞOne might say that the only truths about Elvis Presley can be found in the grooves of his records where his natural talent and passion for music comes through always. ÊElvis Music FAQÊ aims to be the one essential companion that explains the reason why the voice heard over the speakers still carries such resonance. Dozens of rare images accompany this engaging text.

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