What are your 5 favorite biographies/auto-biographies (BOOKS ONLY PLEASE) related to the MUSIC INDUSTRY?

[humprof]

I’m halfway through this and loving it, but then I’ve been a Richard Thompson fan for decades. It covers 1967-1975, when Richard and his cohort were in the process of inventing folk-rock, ekeing out a musical living, and (mostly) surviving youthful folly. Some nightmare gigs in here that'll resonate for anyone who's ever played in public, and a range of musical encounters including Linda Ronstadt, Jimi Hendrix, and John Cage's apartment (he was out at the time). Give it a go.View attachment 65807

Getting lots of good reviews. Also a nice interview on NPR this morning:

In 'Beeswing,' Richard Thompson Revisits A Big Life Just Shy Of The Mainstream

Richard Thompson, a British musician who somehow avoided pop stardom throughout his career, has just written about his early days in a new memoir called Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice.

www.npr.org

 

[esimms86]

The following is not, strictly speaking, a biography or autobiography but it looks like this thread is not being strictly adherent to the strict definitions of those categories. Anyway, there's a serious amount of Jimmy Page's autobiography in this one. If you're a big fan of Page/Led Zeppelin then this one is not to be missed!:

 

[ProgRules]

This has likely already been mentioned; blame it on my failing memory if so, though it bears repeating:

Bill Bruford's autobiography is hilarious- in that wry English manner- and also very astute and enlightening. He comes off as very intelligent- not the 1st thing I think of when it comes to drummers...

He seems to have weathered the storms of stardom, success, inevitable decline, vast changes in the music business and staying true to himself and his muse amazingly well. He comes off very humble. Incredible story- to leave a band you founded just as it's becoming one of the biggest bands on earth- and to pay for that privilege!

Highly recommended even if you're not a Yes, King Crimson, Prog or Jazz fan. It's really the tale of what it's like to be a working musician. A great read!

 

[kfbkfb]

"Clive: Inside the Record Business"

I bought this in paperback at the grocery store in the mid-1970s, I had previously purchased
"CBS: Reflections in a Bloodshot Eye".

The "Clive" book does mention Quadraphonics (part of his job is to review reports from CBS Labs).


Kirk Bayne

 

[Muppet69]

The double book by Julian Cope called Head-On and Repossessed is a really great read with some funny stories and history of him and the teardrop explodes.

 

[markshan]

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon - Wikipedia