Latest Music Books

For the first time, rock music icon Gregg Allman, one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band, tells the full story of his life and career in My Cross to Bear. No subject is taboo, as one of the true giants of rock ‘n’ roll opens up about his Georgia youth, his long struggle with substance abuse, his string of bad marriages (including his brief union with superstar Cher), the tragic death of brother Duane Allman, and life on the road in one of rock’s most legendary bands.

Loretta Lynn’s rags-to-riches story–from her hardscrabble childhood in Butcher Holler, Kentucky, through her marriage to Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn when she was thirteen, to her dramatic rise to the top of the charts–has resonated with countless fans throughout her more than fifty-year career. Now, the anecdotes she shares here give us deeper insight into her life, her collaborations, her influences, and how she pushed the boundaries of country music by discussing issues important to working-class women, even when they were considered taboo. Honky Tonk Girl: A Life in Lyrics is one more way for Lynn’s fans–those who already love her and those who soon will–to know the heart and mind of this remarkable woman.

Mambo Diablo: My Journey with Tito Puente – Countless stories have been written about Tito Puente’s percussive musical abilities, but never before have his talent and intuition, as well as the mishaps and controversies surrounding him, been presented with such vivacity and love, chronicling the popular and combative King of Latin rhythm who climbed from El Barrio to international fame and recognition, influencing multiple generations of jazzers and Latin rockers from Dizzy Gillespie to Santana. Tito Puente was more than a flamboyant percussionist; he was a multi-instrumentalist and gifted composer.

Céline: Beyond the Image – With more than 600 previously unpublished photographs, this book tells the story of Céline Dion through the unique and up-close perspective of photographer Laurent Cayla, revealing also his personal struggles with depression and dependency on alcohol and drugs and the hope Céline and her husband gave him for change. From tender family moments and glimpses of Céline with other celebrities and stars to private backstage views and captivating scenes on the stage, Céline fans will relish this panorama of both inside and outside the spotlight.

From patriotic “God Bless America” to wistful “White Christmas,” Irving Berlin’s songs have long accompanied Americans as they fall in love, go to war, and come home for the holidays. Irving Berlin’s American Musical Theater is the first book to fully consider this songwriter’s immeasurable influence on the American stage. Award-winning music historian Jeffrey Magee chronicles Berlin’s legendary theatrical career, providing a rich background to some of the great composer’s most enduring songs, from “There’s No Business Like Show Business” to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”

 

In Dwight Yoakam: A Thousand Miles from Nowhere, award-winning music journalist Don McLeese offers the first musical biography of this acclaimed artist. Tracing the seemingly disparate influences in Yoakam’s music, McLeese shows how he has combined rock and roll, rockabilly, country, blues, and gospel into a seamless whole. In particular, McLeese explores the essential issue of “authenticity” and how it applies to Yoakam, as well as to country music and popular culture in general.

 

The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook – It’s not an exaggeration to say that The Sound of Music is the most beloved film musical of all time. It has touched more than one generation, as over the years, many parents have shared the magic of this wonderful movie with their children. Seven very special children experienced The Sound of Music firsthand: the seven young actors cast as the von Trapp children. Now, for the first time, they tell their stories about making this celebrated film, from their auditions to rehearsals in Los Angeles to an incredible spring and summer in Salzburg, Austria.