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20 items

• Before Elvis

  the African American Musicians Who Made the King

  Lauterbach, Preston

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  Before Elvis examines the lives, music, legacies, and interactions with Elvis Presley of the four innovative Black artists who created a style that would come to be known as Rock 'n' Roll: Little Junior Parker, Big Mama Thornton, Arthur 'Big Boy'…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• One Foot on the Platform

  a Rock 'n' Roll Journey : Writings on Music

  Goddard, Peter

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  One Foot on the Platform is a posthumous collection of essays and writings by acclaimed music critic Peter Goddard, reflecting on over 50 years of covering rock, blues, jazz, and more. Featuring new pieces on iconic artists like Bob Dylan, David…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Song So Wild and Blue

  a Life With the Music of Joni Mitchell

  Lisicky, Paul

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  From the celebrated novelist and memoirist, a gorgeous account of how Joni Mitchell's work has shaped his writing throughout his life.

• John & Paul

  a Love Story in Songs

  Leslie, Ian, 1972-

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  John & Paul is a revealing biography of the complex, often turbulent relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Spanning their 23-year connection, acclaimed writer Ian Leslie explores how their deep bond shaped The Beatles' music and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fahrenheit-182

  a Memoir

  Hoppus, Mark

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  Fahrenheit-182 is Mark Hoppus’s candid, humorous memoir about growing up in the 1980s amid family turmoil, identity shifts, and a love for punk rock and skate culture. Tracing his journey from an anxious, misfit kid to co-founder of blink-182, the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Heartbreak Is the National Anthem

  How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music

  Sheffield, Rob

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  An intimate look at the life and music of modern pop's most legendary figure, Taylor Swift, from leading music journalist Rob Sheffield.

• Never

  the Autobiography

  Astley, Rick, 1966-

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  This memoir traces Rick Astley’s unexpected rise to global fame with “Never Gonna Give You Up,” his whirlwind pop career, and his decision to leave it all behind after six years to prioritize family and personal well-being. Reflecting on fame, media…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Bright Lights, Dark Shadows

  the Definitive Story of Abba

  Palm, Carl Magnus

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  Bright Lights Dark Shadows is the definitive biography of ABBA, charting their rise to global fame after winning Eurovision in 1974, their breakup, and their remarkable resurgence. This updated edition covers the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage concert…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Over the Influence

  a Memoir

  JoJo, 1990-

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  In her raw and revealing memoir, singer JoJo shares her journey from child star to young woman navigating fame, addiction, and identity. Discovered at 12 and catapulted to fame with her hit “Leave (Get Out),” JoJo recounts growing up in a troubled…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Lollapalooza

  the Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival

  Bienstock, Richard

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  The definitive, no-holds-barred oral history of 1990s alt-rock festival Lollapalooza---told by the musicians, roadies, and industry insiders who lived it.

• I Heard There Was a Secret Chord

  Music as Medicine

  Levitin, Daniel J.

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  Neuroscientist and author of This Is Your Brain on Music Daniel J. Levitin reveals how the deep connections between music and the human brain can be harnessed for healing.

• Nina Simone in Comics

  Adriansen, Sophie

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  This is the story of Nina Simone -- a gifted pianist, powerful singer, and fearless civil rights activist. Born into poverty and segregation, she rose to fame through talent and determination, becoming a trailblazing artist and enduring inspiration…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Rush at 50

  Bukszpan, Daniel

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  Rush at 50 presents an authoritative and illustrated retrospective of one of rock's most beloved acts, as told through 50 landmark releases, career pivots, and professional associations.

• How Women Made Music

  a Revolutionary History From NPR Music

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  Based on the NPR series "Turning the Tables" this chronicle of the transformative impact of female artists on music history features insights from icons like Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, Patti Smith and Nina Simone.

• The Piano Player of Budapest

  a True Story of Hope, Survival, and Music

  De Bastion, Roxanne

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  After inheriting a century-old family piano, singer-songwriter Roxanne de Bastion uncovers the remarkable story of her grandfather Stephen -- a famed musician who survived WWII concentration camps. Through recordings, letters, and memoirs, she…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• So Tell Me What You Want

  My Story of Making It in the Mad, Bad and Fab Pop Music Industry

  Chapman, Nicki

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  In this memoir, Nicki Chapman shares her journey from overlooked assistant to influential music industry figure and Pop Idol judge. Swapping a planned trip to Australia for a career in London’s male-dominated music scene, she rose through the ranks…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Hip-hop Is History

  Questlove

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  A comprehensive fifty-year history of the hip-hop genre, from renowned artist and author of Music is history, Questlove.

• When I Left Home

  My Story

  Guy, Buddy

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  Blues legend Buddy Guy shares his story of growing up in rural Louisiana, making his way to Chicago, and becoming one of the most influential blues guitarists in history.

• Beethoven

  a Life in Nine Pieces

  Tunbridge, Laura, 1974-

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  Laura Tunbridge's Beethoven offers a fresh perspective on the composer's life, focusing on key moments, his music, and new insights into his personality. The book explores Beethoven's self-promotion, influences, and how contemporaries perceived his…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Go Ahead in the Rain

  Notes to a Tribe Called Quest

  Willis-Abdurraqib, Hanif

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  A love letter to the influential hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, mixing personal reflections, cultural commentary, and history to explore the group’s legacy.