Cher has had a very eventful and unusual life. She has a good memory too. In great detail she recounts this life from childhood through the her succesCher has had a very eventful and unusual life. She has a good memory too. In great detail she recounts this life from childhood through the her success in music and comedy in recordings, TV and Vegas and her romances with famous men.
Her mother, who had a chaotic childhood, had a chaotic adulthood too. Work as an actress was not reliable so Cher and her single mother moved often. Some moves included one “stepfather” or another. There is quite a bit on poverty when there was no job or man. Cher describes the changing situations and the effect of all the moving.
Around age 17 Cher found 26 year old Sonny Bono who took her under his wing. Cher writes of the relationship, how it became a romance and then a musical act, a marriage, a comedy act, a family of 3, a legal issue and then a divorce.
There is a lot of detail on the boom and bust of their enterprise. You learn how they worked with Phil Specter and moved to different agents, labels and venues (including the UK). There is a dizzying number of associates, staff and friends, many of whom are household names.
Cher’s description of the “bust” period is the best writing in the book. Cher and Sonny travel from motel to motel with their young daughter for whatever gig Sony could get them. In this period they honed their act based on audience response to include the comedy with which they worked their way back to success.
In the second boom period, as in the first, there is a lot on the fashionable set, their parties, their homes and their clothes.
In the TV periods you learn a lot on how a show like theirs comes together. Cher is in her early 20’s at this time and becomes more aware of Sonny’s shortcomings as a husband. Through her increasingly romantic relationship with David Geffen she learns that her role in “Cher Enterprises” is not at all reflected in the corporate name. How she gets out of the contract is told in general terms.
She is open about how difficult it was to transition to performing on her own. She credits Sonny as her coach and misses him professionally. They never argue over their daughter, whom Sonny sees often.
From her relationship with Sonny which seemed to have elements of the older man to a daughter, she went into what seemed to be a very romantic relationship with David Geffen, and then on to a very choppy relationship with Greg Allman with whom she had a son.
There is a bit on reuniting with Sonny professionally and then separating.
The book has a lot of photos. While many are unartful “snaps” they are are of their time and help to tell the story.
As the book ends, Cher is angling for a film career. Since this is “Part 1”, most readers, including me, will be looking forward to the next....more
Most of the Goodreads readers who have given this book 5 stars read the audio version. I read the hard copy and, at least for me, this was a good and Most of the Goodreads readers who have given this book 5 stars read the audio version. I read the hard copy and, at least for me, this was a good and mostly readable book, but not a five star one.
Pacino starts with a good section on his childhood after which the book becomes one of episodes that are not well tied together. The most egregious example of how choppy this is. is that on p.264 a son is mentioned… a son old enough to discuss the dialog of “Glengarry Ross”. Where did he come from? Later, twins are born. Now, did I miss who the mother(s) of these kids is (are)? I understand any celebrity’s reticence to expose family to publicity but that is not the case here since Pacino writes more about them later and there are B&W photos in the book.
There are many gaps, while less significant, they make for a bumpy read.
Two audio readers (maybe more) praised the ending. If you read it, you see that it rambles. I presume this sounds intimate when heard, particularly in a studied actor’s voice, but for reading it is a hodge podge.
Pacino’s positive attitude comes across throughout the book. When his accountant stole his money, money that could not be recovered, there is no self pity. He puts on his boots and looks for work (maybe this book is one result of that). He writes of other set backs, but does not “dish”, he moves ahead.
He often returns to his background and how that influenced the person he is. Given the Hollywood milieu, this obviously makes him an outsider which he discusses.
There are a lot of photos. No Index. Some notes.
I am rating the print version with 3 stars. Based on the very good reviews on this site, those who are interested in Pacino should seek out the audio version where the non-sequiturs and leaps from topic to topic will not stand out. A lot of this is intimate and hearing it from Pacino directly would bring it alive for you as it has for others....more
The author, Staci Robinson, was encouraged by Tupac’s mother to write this book She accepted with reluctance given that she is a screen writer and hadThe author, Staci Robinson, was encouraged by Tupac’s mother to write this book She accepted with reluctance given that she is a screen writer and had never written a biography. Afeni Shakur made a good choice and an impressive work results.
The book shows Afeni as a significant influence in her son’s life. Despite her lack of formal education she negotiated the legal world and served in many capacities for the Black Panther Party. If any of this was paid, it was hardly enough. Despite working a number of jobs, this was an impoverished single mother led family.
Robinson shows how poverty defined the family’s life. Tupac has one pair of pants and two shirts. Rent frequently gets behind and the family moves sometimes crashing with relatives. Tupac is always hungry. In California he sees even more clearly the giant gulf poverty and wealth.
Afeni inculcated honesty and Panther values of fairness in her children. She saw that her talented son had a role in “Raisin in the Son” when it played at the Apollo Theater. Mother and son value education: Tupac devoured everything from Shakespeare to Malcolm X.
Wherever they move, Tupac applies for and is accepted in the arts magnet school. (NYC, Baltimore and Marin County). His talent stands out in all 3 and in each he makes good friends. When he finally drops out of school, he joins a poetry writing group and again, makes a lasting friendship.
There are many examples of Tupac’s short fuse. He can blurt out in anger, walk off a job or slug a colleague.
Robinson shows how celebrity came quickly, but not easily. He worked long days and nights to write and record. He took opportunities, be they carrying luggage or making cameo appearances. When he got the stage, he stole the show.
With fame and fortune he could provide for his mother and family. It also seemed to usher in more violence. He was roughed up by cops, shot, had $40K in jewelry stolen and served over a year for what looked like phony rape charges.
The book ends with the murder. You see how the Vegas trip might not have been spontaneous. You see Tupac’s eerie sense that something would happen particularly in telling his cousin not to leave the hotel room. You see how quickly it went down.
This is a stunning summation of a complex person and full life. Text from Tupac’s lyrics and poetry were perfectly selected to enrich the content as did the many reproductions of Tupac’s hand written notes. Robinson conducted many interviews and uses quotes that fit or tell the story (my pet peeve: biographers who wedge in quotes because they have them, Robinson is not one of these). There are many b&w photos, good notes and a working index.
This is highly recommended if you are interested in rap music or in this unusually talented person....more
Britney Spears endured the betrayal of her family. They preyed on her so that they could live a high life on her work. They had elaborate vacations whBritney Spears endured the betrayal of her family. They preyed on her so that they could live a high life on her work. They had elaborate vacations while they had Britney locked in institutions.
I read this book to get answers, but Britney wrote a very controlled memoir. I’ve come away with more questions than I had before. The questions are not about her talent, her honesty or her suffering. They are about the fundamentals – how did this really start and why did it go on so long? Did she really have no recourse?
In her life before the conservatorship Britney, with some help from her mother, established an impressive career. She was independent… she swam with the big fishes… she partied with Madonna and Paris Hilton… she was a success. A career the size of Britney’s suggests that there are friends in high places and access to the top lawyers who could advise her… advocate for her. What happened?
How did Kevin Federline win his suit for custody of their sons? He had abandoned his kids from his first wife. What behavior showed her mentally impaired such that a conservancy was needed? If a conservancy was necessary, her father's history of alcoholism and (lack of) employment should have disqualified him as the "conservator".
These fundamental items are not clear. Neither are the contours of the conservancy. Britney seems able to do some things… like initiating the Vegas residency. She has a “team”. While her father sets limits, she does get to vacation with her sons. Could these channels have been used to plan reversals?
After 13 years, getting her freedom seems easy… she asks her publicist to find her a good lawyer.
Britney has figured out the “why” of her family’s role in her captivity. Of the “why” for herself not initiating change earlier… other than posing it was her naiveté, lack of self confidence and her desire to please… remains elusive. It may take years of therapy for her to have these answers....more
Author Bill Janovitz has done his homework. From approximately 137 interviews, a large number of printed primary and secondary sources and recordings Author Bill Janovitz has done his homework. From approximately 137 interviews, a large number of printed primary and secondary sources and recordings (albums, concerts and other material) he has assembled this bio of a large life.
I’ve long wondered what happened to Leon Russell, once a top rock and roller, who faded away. As fake news (emanating from Leon himself) would have it, Elton John “found him in a ditch” and brought him back to life. That was how Leon felt but in reality, Leon was in debt, in poor health and in a creative slump but living well..
There is not here much on Russell Bridges’ (Leon Russell's) youth. The book essentially begins with Leon in his teens when he began his adult career. He played local and regional gigs, (notably for Jerry Lee Lewis) and traveled to California where he easily found work as a studio musician. He was in demand as a piano player before he was old enough for a union card.
There is a lot of detail on whom he played for and with. He also became known as an arranger, and here there are lots of names and songs on that output too. As he went off on his own, there are descriptions of TV gigs and his promotion of Gary Lewis and the Playboys. You follow his growing solo career through the dizzying mentions of performances, band members, back up singers, quasi-managers and hangers on. It becomes like a reference book.
His communal life style evolves with his career. It is documented through first hand accounts. Large scale touring culminates with the Mad Dog and Englishmen Tour where you learn about career jealousies, Leon's conducting skills and Rita Coolidge's bad experience. After it, you watch Leon buy houses, land and a church and set up one studio after another in CA, OK and TN. He continues to tour, and this is, again, like a reference book of his reduced entourage and venues.
There is a good description of how he fell from the career high… where the money went (no one issue) and didn’t come in (slump in creative output; gigs at small venues) and how he responded, then, how the happenstance of Elton John’s mentorship lifted him up personally and somewhat financially.
I came away with a greater appreciation of Leon Russell. Here are some areas where, besides the great music, Janovitz shows that Leon deserves credit: - promoting the careers of many young artists. (He gave young Elton John exposure in the US when he needed it, and you later see this consideration coming back to him) and paying talent well. - Being the first to have a home recording studio - Foreseeing music video and pioneering mobile units. - Attempting to develop a mechanical system of drumming which today is provided by readily accessible software. - Standing up on race. Hiring Black talent and supporting them in the face of overt racism.
For me, it seemed that the book had two styles. The text of the first 2/3 is heavy on interviews, quotes, anecdotes and music reviews such that they often seem strung together. There are a lot of names of who played on what cut, album, tour or who was living where. The never ending strings of names bogs down the text.
In the later 1/3, where Leon is in a downward trend and begins to reemerge, the text is more alive. For instance, the writer doesn’t quote others describing Leon’s financial troubles, he gives the reader a digest of his research. Quotes amplify the story, not tell it. The same is true as he describes how Elton "found" Leon, the logistics of getting the "Union" album made and getting Leon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Here are some areas where I would have (and I presume other readers too) liked more depth. Note they are all from the first 2/3:
- How did his partial paralysis happen at birth (a defect or medical error)? The “overcoming” story needs examples, who encouraged him? What steps did he take? How long did it take to get to various milestones. This could be a very inspirational story. - What of the absent father? The difficult mother? The rift with the brother? - Why is X-wife, Mary, so bitter? Why does she keep their children from him … and why do they flee her as soon as they are 18? - What other entertainers run multi-million dollar operations like a mom and pop shop? (Publishing – Producing – “non-marketing” – Booking – Bookkeeping/Managing cash) consolidated by the main performer? The only one I can think of is Frank Zappa, but his operation was not so large or complex.
I recently read I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen where Leonard Cohen, by necessity, at a mature age, revived a somewhat dormant career. Russell, with age and health issues was in a similar boat. Neither Russell nor Cohen played a blame game. Neither sought pity from colleagues or fans. Neither took revenge on those who cheated them. Both worked at what they knew and "came back". Had Leon lived long enough (Cohen did) he would have met his goals.
If you are a Leon Russell fan you will want to read this book. The truest fans will love every word, (but I expect they will want more on the items listed above). Casual fans may get bogged down in a seeming catalog of information and not finish the book.
I appreciate this work, but withheld a star for over reliance on detail in the first part....more
This biography of Leonard Cohen highlights his work and puts it in the context of his life. Silvie Simmons, with Cohen’s cooperation, takes you from hThis biography of Leonard Cohen highlights his work and puts it in the context of his life. Silvie Simmons, with Cohen’s cooperation, takes you from his birth to 2012, the book's publication date. Cohen died in 2016.
There is a lot on his family and youth in Montreal. You learn how his appreciation of his Jewish heritage was formed. You see how in high school he was active in art and theater related activities, served as student council president and more. After graduating from McGill University you follow his life as he travels to the US (NY, CA and TN), Greece, the UK, Cuba, India and elsewhere. He always returns to Montreal. He has a long experience as a Buddhist monk, but does not “return” to his Jewish faith… he integrates it.
The bulk of the book; however, focuses on his work. Simmons cites many songs and poems over his 60 year career discussing the many drafts… the circumstances that fed them and how some took years to perfect. Some were co-written; many were influenced by his lover/muse at the time. The painstaking process was somewhat improved with technology (Cohen was a late adapter… but adapted) in creating his art.
This is a very detailed work. Besides listing who performed with Cohen on the stage and in the studio, you are given descriptions of how personnel were selected, the physical location, how Cohen and others were dressed, background on the technical staff and producers. There are objective and subjective descriptions of the audience and fans.
Here are a few thoughts, observations, loose ends:
• Early in both their careers Charlie Daniels played back up for Cohen in the studio and on the road. • Cohen met wife, Suzanne, when both signed up for Scientology classes. • Cohen’s albums rarely cracked the top 50 list in the US, but topped the charts in the UK and elsewhere. • Cohen, according to Simmons, teamed up with Phil Spector because their mutual manager needed to get another album from Spector… Really? Especially after a dinner at Spector’s when Leonard and Suzanne were locked in and “allowed to go home the next morning.” • Not only did Cohen’s business manager steal millions from his account, she also took boxes of his writings and drawings… so many that once access to her home was allowed it took two days to move them out. • Cohen’s lovers/muses are 15-20 years younger than him. • An amazing number of awards and honors were bestowed on Cohen.
What appears to be a drug addition, and his treatment of women are not addressed. Do these relate to his (partial) cloistering? The theft of his money by his once (considered) loyal business manager?
While the descriptions can get very wordy, they do define the era(s) and place(s). They often bog down the text but can be excused for the research and care that went into producing this biography. If you are not familiar with Cohen, you could get easily lost in this. Cohen fans, who have not read this so far… what are you waiting for? You will love it....more
This tribute to Amy Winehouse by publicist and friend Naomi Parry creates a portrait of her life. The text tells the story of her musical development This tribute to Amy Winehouse by publicist and friend Naomi Parry creates a portrait of her life. The text tells the story of her musical development which is added to by reflections by friends, colleagues and fans. The photos tell the life and style.
The book is visually beautiful. It is arranged chronologically with photos of Amy and her personal items. You see Amy performing, posing and putting on make up. There are reproductions of her hand written drafts of lyrics and many of her clothes. All photos are in color. The paper is high quality making the book heavy to hold.
In these 280+ pages of photos, Amy is mostly alone. Photos of family include one of her father in a collage and two with her husband. There is a photo with the author and one with Tony Bennett. There are only 2 or 3 other photos with someone who is named. Others in the photos are anonymous fans, band members and people in the background. While there are tributes from celebrities and colleagues, Amy is clearly a loner.
Her wardrobe was extensive and and the photos show that she had an eye for jewelry and other accessories. She rarely appeared in something twice. Besides the wonderful clothes she wore, Parry takes you into her closet for more. There are also sketches of clothes, presumably custom designed for Amy. There are photos of her shoes and underwear.
There is a photo of Amy’s 5 Grammy Awards. Her sense of style is shown in still pictures where her instruments and the mementos of her life are lovingly arranged.
This unusual book, suits its highly individual subject making it a fitting tribute to Amy Winehouse. Fans will undoubtedly cherish it....more
This is Steve Martin's take on his career. With graphic art by Harry Bliss you see Martin leave stand up comedy and take the movie train. After he getThis is Steve Martin's take on his career. With graphic art by Harry Bliss you see Martin leave stand up comedy and take the movie train. After he gets off the train he writes novels and scripts. The bio is followed by one frame comics.
Martin was in 40 movies. He shows a few of them in 2-3 pages of graphic panels. Typically the entries feature a star or director he worked with and something unique about that person, set or script. Martin's dog gets more than a cameo. Almost all entriess have some subtle humor. You learn a bit of movie-craft, for instance the title: All cast members have a number and "Number 1" is the lead and "is walking" means "is arriving".
My favorite movie write up is for my favorite Martin movie "Roxanne" . You see Martin develop his idea (he discusses it with his dog). Looks for a writer. He looks for financing. Not finding a writer he writes it himself and tells his dog his philosophy of adapting a script.
The one frame comics that comprise the last half of the book are cerebral and/or dry: an ash tray reminisces about better days; a devil applies for a job; a dog (maybe a lab) engages in dog conversation with a sexy poodle over a martini; the difference in what dogs read from what cats read.
You see Tony as a sensitive boy watching his father being bullied by his mother. Living beyond their means with a house and a car they could not afford, they indulged Tony in private schools and trips to France. He had good friends in high school and followed his sweetheart to Vassar (where he dropped out for the Culinary Institute of America).
Following the C.I.A. Leerhsen describes a 20 year marriage to Nancy. In this period Tony lived out his cooking career in kitchens where he was influenced by employers who, shall we say, did not use team building management techniques. Tony and Nancy are heroin addicts and they lived with financial uncertainty as Tony struggled with depression amd self doubt.
Tony wrote a successful book and opportunity knocked. He grabbed the brass ring but the wife he loved wanted no part of either TV or travel… she would not go with him. He had kicked the drug habit, but took the depression, alcohol and self doubt along with him into “paradise”.
Leerhsen takes you through the negotiations for the 3 travel/food series and how difficult it is to pull off this style of show. In this period, Tony marries Octavia with whom he has a daughter. Traveling life is hard on his little family, depression continues, he meets Asia who plays with his mind. There is detail on their stormy affair and the last straw events.
Throughout most of the book, the prose reads very much like a Bourdain monologue.
While the content of this book will be disturbing to Bourdain fans, sources are documented in the Endnotes. If you are generally interested Bourdain, I suggest you start with In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain that covers the shows and how they were created. If you want to get into the psyche of Bourdain, this is the book for you....more
I couldn’t put this down. I knew the contours of the story so it wasn’t to see the ending… the writing was so good. Ronnie Spector and Vince Waldron pI couldn’t put this down. I knew the contours of the story so it wasn’t to see the ending… the writing was so good. Ronnie Spector and Vince Waldron pull you in and you live the story with them.
Ronnie takes you through her youth in Spanish Harlem and how the Ronnettes started and rose to prominence. You see how Phil Spector’s style perfectly matched Ronnie’s voice and how he demanded perfection. Ronnie's description of her marriage shows her husband's disturbing (and outrageous) possessive and controlling tactics. Had he been a proper mentor, I presume Ronnie would have thrived in the disco years.
Following her divorce, you learn the pitfalls of re-establishing a career and the problems of performing while drunk. There are interesting cameos for the Beatles, the Stones, Cher, David Bowie and others.
Through this all, there are great descriptions of her relationship with her mother and how the Ronnettes went separate ways. There is a very dramatic childbirth.
The book has an index that worked for me; the B & W photos didn't. There is an annotated discography.
This is is a re-issue of Spector’s 1990 biography with a November 2021 Postscript. Ronnie Spector died in January 2022 (her obsessed ex-husband died in prison a year earlier).
If you are old enough to remember how fresh the “wall of sound” was to the ear, or how the Beatles were a breakthrough, you will particularly enjoy this book....more
Mayte Garcia was 16 years old when she met 33 year old Prince in 1990. She had studied ballet (and been a prima ballerina) and had successful career aMayte Garcia was 16 years old when she met 33 year old Prince in 1990. She had studied ballet (and been a prima ballerina) and had successful career as a belly dancer earning awards as well as good fees. At 16 she had bought her own car and had $100,000 in the bank. With front row tickets to a Prince concert, her mother saw that Prince received a video of Mayte dancing. He responded with a backstage invitation.
It’s not difficult to imagine how the phone calls that followed would affect a teenager still in high school. You can see how this significantly older man, who fused musical styles for a young audience was fascinated by this beautiful teen with this exotic career.
After graduating from high school, she becomes part of Prince's New Performance group. While they are living separately (she in a Prince owned place near, or maybe at, Paisley Park) you can see Mayte and Prince growing as soul mates. They share a love of performance. They critique the art, content and technical aspects of what they do. She delves into the artistic work at Paisley Park, admires his art, drive and ability to challenge artists. You see him respect her artistic judgment. She demands nothing from him materially and does not pry into things he does not want to discuss.
She describes Prince’s home production studio that has its own costume department and hair salon. She writes about creating some of the albums and videos. Her writing on the Prince tours is fascinating. You learn the A – B –C accommodations; – how an advance “foo foo” team arranged Prince’s hotel rooms to be like home – how you get reminded of what city you are in, etc. As a performance professional she glowingly writes about the lighting, sound, synchronization etc. and the technical work that supports the art that is perfectly executed at each show.
While Mayte does not call this out, it appears that Prince’s relationships are primarily on his terms. He calls people; no one calls him. He leaves people (starting with his father), sometimes at critical moments. He terminates long term staff. He changes his name, without telling anyone what to call him. He, alone wants to make the medical decisions that affect his both Mayte and their son. He thinks Mayte should share his religious beliefs.
The unequal power dynamics of Prince and his crew are similarly not stated outright. He takes ideas and phrases, sometimes whole verses from everyone and incorporates them in his lyrics. It seems that like Mayte, no one gets credit. Similarly, Mayte provided choreography and artistic services for which she was paid by housing and had to ask for more than $300/month when her savings were depleted. I wonder how much like this was going on. I heard an interview with Appolonia who said she gladly gave Prince her lyrics since he did so much for her career.
The writing of the sad ending of the Garcia-Prince marriage is on par with the writing of many leading writers. With all that has gone before, you feel the couple’s joy of soon becoming parents quickly dash to panic and pain. You see Mayte and Prince trying to live with the loss of their child and the disappointment of not having a second. Mayte needs Prince and he checks out emotionally and then physically. He is relying not just on this coping pattern, but also the pattern of finding a new partner.
This book is 5 years old, so Prince fans most likely have read it; if not they will want to.
In showing how independent artists built international careers in the 1980’s and 90’s (Frank Zappa comes to mind as another) this book can be inspiring to others. It may be of interest to young girls for its examples of how women have built artistic careers. For parents who have lost a child, they may receive comfort in seeing how they are not alone. For general readers it is engrossing and highly recommended....more
Anthony Bourdain never fit the Foodie mold. Can you imagine Bourdain in a studio kitchen demonstrating recipes? Competing on Iron Chef? Launching prodAnthony Bourdain never fit the Foodie mold. Can you imagine Bourdain in a studio kitchen demonstrating recipes? Competing on Iron Chef? Launching product lines? I can’t even imagine him remaining a restaurateur. As a food-travel-social commentary host, he not only found his niche, he developed it in a way that was uniquely his.
He didn’t do it alone. Tom Vitale worked with Bourdain for almost 16 years in various capacities on over 100 episodes for the Food Channel and CNN. This is a page turning recount (I binged this in one day) of what it was like in this “dream job” of travel, adventure, food, booze, drugs and the art of storytelling.
This dream job has the usual stress of deadlines, costs and equipment along with that of conscience when working in dangerous countries. In dictatorships you ask for help from people who, if they agree, can be doing this at great cost to themselves. In places were starvation is prevalent, how does one feel about having and filming food? What about betrayals/scams of the locals you hire?
To add to this, phobia prone Vitale always feels on the verge of being fired (even many years of touring). Things go wrong (as they do in any job) Tom stresses out. He has to prod a moody and reluctant Tony for “content” or direction. Tony would single Tom, (sometimes others) out and humiliate him (them). The chicken incident in the Congo stands out.
Vitale writes about the different local fixers they worked with; how they hired a militia; the problem of tainted food (the crew rarely eats the camera food; it eats locally) and paying bribes along with the logistics of filming food. He has to be sure the locals do not cook a protected or beloved species for Tony. He shows how they worked with the secret service to make sure everything was perfect for an appearance of President Obama. In the Caribbean they saved a beach and public fishing zone from further high end development. There are many wonderful (positive and sad) stories all over the globe.
If you traveled with Tony you might be shocked, but not surprised, by his suicide. There are some examples of Tony's dark side and one episode, known to Tom alone, may have been an earlier attempt. Tony made some stray comments and not funny jokes like this paraphrase: “The hotel was so bad that the shower curtain bar couldn’t hold me if I tried to hang myself.” They worked in places where they risked their lives. Was Tony immune to risking his life?
Tom writes about Asia Argento, Tony’s girlfriend. When he was emotionally ready, he met with her to share grief. He asked her the very delicate question of how she felt about breaking up with Tony just before the suicide. She says about all she can say … she has to live with it.
In the CNN episodes the team seems to be on its own. While they work for an independent production company I was surprised (since the series carried the CNN name) that they blazed their own trails when the CNN news teams could have at least recommended fixers in Libya, the Congo, Iran, etc.
Despite Tony’s stinginess in complements (and Tom’s need for them), there had to be tremendous synergy. Tom pursued technical quality and the art of the show. Had he not prodded Tony for the "content", story line and perspective that only Tony could offer, I don't think we would we have had so many wonderful episodes.
The introductory overview by Anthony DeCurtis is a great summary of this 60 year phenomena. He writes how the Stones grew from a struggling blues bandThe introductory overview by Anthony DeCurtis is a great summary of this 60 year phenomena. He writes how the Stones grew from a struggling blues band to “The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World”. DeCurtis captures their significance and essence of their trajectory . Young people may be surprised by the early photos.
The book has a topical arrangement:
- Blues Roots – Buddy Guy salutes the Stones for what they have done for the blues. There are short statements on the blues by Mick and Keith.
- Short interviews of Mick and Keith by Edith Grove – with misc. hand written documents and album covers.
- Recording – an interview of Don Was and quotes from the band. On p. 62 there is a great photo of Jagger in 2002, but photos are mainly filler: old equipment, magnetic tape box labels, log book covers.
- Songwriting – this will be of most interest to not just fans but also those who study music and the creative process. Keith and Mick have different takes on “Satisfaction” - A thunder storm is transformed into “Gimme Shelter” – “Jumping Jack” is Keith’s gardener who walks with “plunk” sounds from his boots. There are hand written drafts that I found very hard to read.
- Instrument folio – If you are interested in instruments, you will appreciate these 44 pages of mostly color photos of guitars, harmonicas and drum sets. There are 2 pages of antique instruments that need a better explanation.
- Style – clearly my favorite chapter. Great styles – 100 pages of mostly color photos arranged chronologically so you see the evolution of their styles and the times. This section, along with more narrative, would be an excellent stand alone volume.
- Film – a short chapter reflecting that the Stones have not done much in film
- Art and Design – seems to be a miscellaneous photo collection of covers, logos, different views and a photo of Jagger and Warhol
- Live- Patrick Woodrull writes about the process with squibs and photos on selected tours and Willie Williams writes of designing performances for maximum video. This chapter (and the book) ends with tour posters and Ronnie Wood’s song drafts.
Loyal Stones fans will want this book on on their coffee table. For casual fans this is for browsing at the home of your friends who are serious Stones fans. ...more
With this memoir you get more than a biography. You get commentary on film and a story of personal growth. One takeaway on film is that to play the roWith this memoir you get more than a biography. You get commentary on film and a story of personal growth. One takeaway on film is that to play the role, you need to know the ending. In this book, Will tells his story such that you fully understand the how and why of what comes at the end. In choosing Mark Manson, a self help writer, as his co-author the book signals it will go in that direction the self-discovery direction.
Will’s father, Daddio, was determined to beat the odds against Blacks in the 1940’s and 50’s. He battled racism and the world in general to create a successful refrigeration business. He sold and repaired a/c and refrigeration equipment. He made, bagged and delivered ice. He was able to support, but not nurture, his family. He drank and beat his wife and kids. He instilled a work ethic in Will who considered himself a coward because he could not protect his mother. His mother, “Mom-Mom”, similarly battled racism, got an education and worked in education with the dream of sending her three children to college. His grandmother, Gigi, was active in the Church and served as an example of kindness to Will.
Here are some takeaways and comments: • The 3 main influences in his upbringing served Will well in becoming an international star. • I was not aware of the immensity of Will’s success. While I knew he was a bankable star, I never watched “The Fresh Prince…”, could not identify a rap he recorded and have only seen 3 of his movies. • He stayed loyal to his friends from Philadelphia who could take the pace and grow with him. • He and his long term friend/manager plotted his career, from rap to TV and TV to film and then to international film. For instance, despite needing the money, Will turned down a $10 million role and a month later took a $300,000 one that would better position him. • He casually sought advice from Arnold Swarzeneger --- and followed it • The way Daddio handled the former manager who tried to kill Will was essentially the same as how the crew of “Ali” handled the South Africans who mistreated one of their crew. • I agree with Jada about the film Will showed Gigi – and (while I was not asked) I think Jada influenced Willow’s rebellion. • I agree with Will on the $1,000 payment to the barber… I hope he made it up to him. • It’s hard to believe that an actor who prepares for a role like Will does would not understand the feelings of others. I believe his father’s training created difficult to dislodge priorities and the reflex of putting those priorities first.
Some reviewers disapprove of Will’s choices and behavior. It appears that they took it out on the book. Will is honest. When you see what he does at the end, it may be that he, now, disapproves of the same things.
I definitely came away with a lot of respect for Will Smith and how he broke so many barriers. I also understand of what lead up to his Academy Award behavior....more
In this memoir Rickie Lee Jones writes of her roots, her life as a runaway and her struggle to create a career as a singer songwriter. She breezes thrIn this memoir Rickie Lee Jones writes of her roots, her life as a runaway and her struggle to create a career as a singer songwriter. She breezes through the last 30 years which include her stardom, her marriage, her daughter and an update on her family.
Going back and forth in time you learn about her childhood and the struggles of her parents. She gives the sad back story of each so you understand them. While her father had only an 8th grade education, he had musical talent as did his parents who were vaudeville performers. Her mother was an orphan who experiences sadistic care givers in both an orphanage and foster care.
Rickie Lee’s parents made bad decisions for themselves and for her. At least as a runaway, she would not be vulnerable to their bad choices, her father’s violence, her mother’s sporadic rejection, a resentful older sister and a brother who required care and seemed ungrateful for her attempts to help him. There are breaks when the family is not impoverished but they do not last long. Moving is constant. Rickie often attends 3 schools in one year. Her childhood hung like an albatross through her personal and professional life.
There are some great B & W photos of the her parents and past generations.
There is a lot about her life as an underage hippie in California: hitchhiking, friends, scams pulled by hippies and some pulled on them, group living situations etc. There are life threatening situations and the kindness of strangers (a snow plow operator, a pimp, a police officer, etc.). There are a few times she calls her mother who somehow has the resources to send her a plane ticket home – and given all the moving, I was surprised there was a home to go to.
She describes her fledgling career, how she met people, got gigs, worked cooperatively, was disappointed in others and met people who helped. The breakthrough came at age 22 with “Chuck E’s in Love”. There is a lot on performances, touring, romances (she lets him off easy, but Tom Waits is an insensitive cad towards women, even those he professes to love) and “the snake” (heroin) in her “Garden of Eden”.
The story essentially ends around 1980. She speeds through the rest: marriage, a daughter, connections with family, her albums and awards. Plenty of material remains for a volume 2.
Jones’s experience of life is unique as is her writing style. You can fly along with her for over 500 pages which never let up in surprises. If you are interested in Rickie Lee Jones, (or hippie life and the CA music scene in the 1960;s & 70’s) you will want to read this book....more
While the friendship is covered, this book is more here about Carly than her friendship with Jackie. There are glimpses of the social whirl at Martha’While the friendship is covered, this book is more here about Carly than her friendship with Jackie. There are glimpses of the social whirl at Martha’s Vineyard and how Carly’s celebrity opens doors.
Carly writes of feelings so personal, they were hard to read. She examines her insecurity, why she is attracted to creative people (ruthlessly examining if she is a snob), how she divvied her inheritance to help her siblings (ungrateful, they later assisted in what sounds like a near disinheritance by her mother). To better understand Carly you need to read Boys in the Trees which is a much better book
This is the post-Onasis Jackie. She is very supportive of Carly and seems to be filling role Carly's mother never played. They share poetry, art and the same social set at Martha's Vineyard. Jackie publishes Carly's children's books. Jackie comes off stiff and guarded, especially compared to Carly's energy and obvious vulnerability.
Carly sees Jackie as a strong role model as well as a supportive friend. Barbara Leaming’s Mrs. Kennedy: The Missing History of the Kennedy Years suggests many childhood parallels. While Carly had Jackie on something like a pedestal, Jackie may have seen in Carly the woman she might have been, had she been born at a different time.
This is a quick read. Not essential, but if you are interested in those interested in these two women you will want to read it....more
Who was Stan Lee? - An avuncular promoter of comic heroes? - A creator of comic heroes? - A man oblivious to the legal ramifications of his actions? - AWho was Stan Lee? - An avuncular promoter of comic heroes? - A creator of comic heroes? - A man oblivious to the legal ramifications of his actions? - A fraud and/or a crook? The answer could be all of the above.
Abraham Riesman has sorted through this 95 year long life through interviews, film clips, court cases and comic art to tell the story. He frequently uses the word “charisma” to describe Lee, and others do too. Lee frequently uses “Coming Soon” announcements for books, films and events, most of which never occur.
The teenaged Lee went to work at one of his uncle’s publishing companies. Starting at the bottom it did not take him long to work his way up in the division that became Marvel Comics. He oversaw writers who generated ideas that became stories in magazines (and a few strips) upon Stan’s approval. Sometimes he contributed to or initiated ideas, sometimes he wrote the dialog and all the time he took the credit.
Who owns the superheros and other IP that resulted from this creative process? The free lance writers and artists? Lee? Marvel?
Riesman shows the IP ownership issue through sorting through the web of corporate policies, statements of the artists and writers, court documents and records of the changes in Marvel’s ownership. In its bankruptcy, Lee, already the public face of Marvel's superheroes was let go. Using his celebrity he formed new companies claiming the superheroes as part of their intellectual property. Once Marvel reorganized he landed a 6 and maybe 7 figure (annual) contract to continue to promote its super hero properties. This, of course, is in conflict with the interest of the shareholders of the companies he formed. It may be something like hush money from Marvel, to keep Lee from developing the properties on his own.
If it were fiction, the new companies would be an entertaining story. They were built on the dubious IP ownership claims and failed, with big losses for investors and shareholders. Some (of the very colorful) partners and associates went to jail (some had been there before). Lee was never charged with any crime.
Sixty years after the fact, when Marvel was finally owned by deep pocketed Disney, the family of one artist, Jack Kirby finally got recognition through the justice system. Others gave up, died, or await adjudication.
While the book is primarily about Lee's career, it begins with Lee's parents who left Romania prior to WWI, when anti-Semitism became life threatening. (Interesting that another notable cartoonist, Saul Steinberg fled Romania for the same reason after WWII.) Riesman describes Lee’s non-relationship with his brother and his love for his wife and daughter, for whom Lee’s million dollar/year salary was not enough.
Business partners have colorful grifting backgrounds (Peter Paul really takes the cake!). Somehow deals are done before their criminal pasts are discovered.
Lee never wanted a career in comics and on various occasions, this slips out in interviews. He doesn’t read comics, he wanted to write novels, he wished he took a different route.
Riesman never develops the title. I’m not sure what he thinks Lee is a “true believer” of.
In the end, who did I think Stan Lee was? A very sad man for sure, most likely a criminal too.
If you are interested in Stan Lee and/or the history of comics, this is a must read for you....more
In 67 short chapters the life of John Lennon and the brief but productive life of the Beatles are told. Interspersed in these chapters is the story ofIn 67 short chapters the life of John Lennon and the brief but productive life of the Beatles are told. Interspersed in these chapters is the story of Mark Chapman’s journey from Hawaii to New York on a mission to kill John Lennon. There are no more than 50 pages on Lennon’s last days.
The authors cover Lennon and his role in founding the Beatles and how the group rose to fame and separated. There is no interpretation or critique of Lennon's life or his relationships with the band and its members. For instance, the treatment of Julian is simply said to be the need to spare hurt to Yoko - whose daughter was taken from her - to have Sean around. John’s time LA with May Pang is explained as being initiated by Yoko and agreed upon by all. The reason for John’s skipping the Concert to save Bangladesh was given as avoiding expectations that the Beatles would get together again. The book shows more incidents of “coming together” than bitterness after the Beatles’ breakup. I doubt that any of this is as simple as it was portrayed.
The while there is not much text on Mark Chapman, his last day’s freedom are told in what detail is known. In contrast to the treatment of Lennon, the authors get inside his head and conclude that he is looking for celebrity and in shooting Lennon, everyone will know his name and recognize his bravery.
This book is a very fast read. I learned a lot more about the Beatles than I previously knew. The page by page documentation in the end, while thorough, was not helpful. If you are a fan of the music, but know little about Lennon, this is a good place to start. If you are a big fan and know all the albums, concerts, producers, etc. there will not be much new, but you will find it a pleasant reminiscence of the time....more
Dodd Darin tells his parents’ lives as a narrator weaving together interviews and letters. The story is a period piece glimpsing two 1950/60’s lives aDodd Darin tells his parents’ lives as a narrator weaving together interviews and letters. The story is a period piece glimpsing two 1950/60’s lives and careers. It shows the extremes families went to in those times to hide alcoholism, anorexia, childhood sex abuse and unwed motherhood.
The parents came from two different worlds. Bobby Darin was from rough part of NYC and Sandra Dee was sheltered by a fanatically devoted mother who sacrificed reality for appearances. You see Bobby scrambling to make his way and Sandra having modeling and film offers laid at her feet.
Their romance could have been a script from a 1950’s romantic comedy. He was attracted to her beauty and its implied virginity. He won her by persistence. Neither understood the essence of the other.
Once married, the ardent suitor, who played a perfect Prince Charming role, spent time, formerly devoted to her, with his pals. His response to her loneliness was that he was a good provider, he had no other women and they had great sex; what more could she want? She was still a teenager and a survivor of sexual abuse and an anorexic – what did, or could, he know of these problems? Or that she had them?
Dodd follows their careers and lives. You see Bobby, both loyal to and dismissive of friends and family. You see him mentored by George Burns with a touching story about Gracie Allen’s death. You see Bobby taking risks, making it big, supporting social justice, giving wealth away, changing his style, starting a publishing business and having others inform both Sandra and later his second wife that there will be a divorce. He wonders: who is his father? He could not understand the pressure that led his mother to hide his father's identity and, as he learned later, that of herself; neither does he appear to appreciate the sacrifices his family made for him. At the age of 37, lifelong health issues catch up with him and you see him lose this fight.
You see Sandra’s career peaking at a time of changing tastes and the end of the studio contract system that coddled its stars and kept them employed. Unlike Bobby, when her career dried up she did not try anything new, professionally or personally. No work, the divorce and an enabling mother resulted in what seems like agoraphobia. Sandra’s mother’s death put her more on her own with several attempts to break free of alcohol and anorexia, but still emotionally unable to attend her son’s wedding.
Both Dodd’s parents reached the pinnacle of success in their fields. Neither was happy for reasons that may have been set in motion when they were kids. Bobby was extraordinarily able to cope with change while Sandy was unable to cope with anything. While they may have loved each other, they do not seem to know each other. Sandy’s demons have names and can be diagnosed and there are potential treatments. Bobby’s demons were more complex.
While this book is 20+ years old it remains relevant, not for just being a saga of stars as the entertainment business supersized but also for defining in personal terms the issues of success, addiction, child sex abuse, anorexia, family, and change....more
This biography covers Cary Grant from his days as a poor kid from an alcoholic and troubled home to his rise as a US film star epitomizing grace and cThis biography covers Cary Grant from his days as a poor kid from an alcoholic and troubled home to his rise as a US film star epitomizing grace and charm. Its author, Steven Eyman, having written extensively on the film of this era is well qualified for this undertaking.
The early part pulls you right in. Grant’s early life is one of poverty and parental neglect. He was left to fend for himself. As a young teen he joined the traveling shows. (Did his father - who committed his mother to a mental institution and told his young son his mother was dead - even miss him?) He became an acrobat and stilt walker from which he acquired skills in poise and timing that served him throughout his acting career.
The last chapter is outstanding. In it you see the character of Cary Grant in retirement and as a father. Unfortunately you have to wade through a tedious middle section to get there.
The middle 300 pages are forgettable. Eyman writes of films whether or not Grant is in them and whether or not they get made. He goes on about proposed movie titles, there are tangents about Hollywood stars and details on who attended what parties with snippets of conversation. Grant’s movie years, in both acting and producing, are like a stream of anecdotes.
The middle/movie career part also suffers from being vague. For instance there are a lot of pages on Grant’s relationship with Alexander Korda, who coordinated Britain’s spying on the US. If it isn’t known whether or not he recruited Grant, maybe Eymore should just come out and say so. Similarly, did Elia Kazan keep his promise to Grant's friend Clifford Odets in his HUAC testimony? Whatever he said, its relevance to Grant is not clear, nor is why this is covered and Grant's own testimony is not.
Through most of the book, Eyman is ambivalent about Grant. Was Grant’s acting all style and no substance? Eyman goes back and forth on this. Was Grant a tightwad? Eyman says he is– but gives many examples of his generosity. In the end, after all the negative passages, Eyman credits Grant’s talent and generosity.
One important topic omitted in the trivia of the middle chapters is Grant’s relationship with his parents. Despite reference to several trips back to England, and his recent discovery that his mother is alive, very little to nothing is said about the family visits. This contrasts with how how his visits are treated in the final chapters.
While I don’t think the sub-title is fully accurate, Eyman does develop the theory that Grant never left behind the poor, unloved boy he was in Bristol and that his sophisticated cool stage persona became his off-stage persona. The "disguise" is what he needed to meet people without feeling he did not belong.
I don’t usually give a book 2 stars, but this author is experienced and can and should have done a better job....more