Starting today, we will once again count down twelve music books from the past year that we think would make awesome Christmas or holiday gifts. There was a lot to choose from this year, as it seems there was truly something for everyone. And, to make your holiday shopping a snap, you can purchase your book via Amazon with a single click — just click on the book! Happy shopping, happy reading, and happy holidays!
1. HOW MUSIC GOT FREE: THE END OF AN INDUSTRY, THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, AND THE PATIENT ZERO OF PIRACY
Stephen Witt
What happens when an entire generation commits the same crime? This page-turner tells the story of how and where we got to the MP3 age of music.
"...will go down as one of the cornerstone books about the music industry." — AllMusicBooks reviewer
2. THIS IS ALL A DREAM WE DREAMED: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD
Blair Jackson & David Gans
Perhaps the most fun to read of all the books on the legendary band, this one should be under Deadheads and newbies trees alike!
"...a rolling caravan of Dead stories designed to take you 'Further' into the Grateful Dead universe..." — AllMusicBooks reviewer
3. DYLAN: DISC BY DISC
Jon Bream
Gorgeous book in which longtime Minneapolis Star Tribune critic Jon Bream invites musicians, authors, scholars et al. to break down and discuss album of Dylan's ouevre.
"Very entertaining read, but if you're a Dylan freak, be prepared to disagree...sometimes loudly!"
—upcoming AllMusicBooks review
4. PLAYBOY SWINGS: HOW HUGH HEFNER AND PLAYBOY CHANGED THE FACE OF MUSIC
Patty Farmer
Need something for the man who has everything? You can't go wrong with Playboy and Jazz!
"...a cocktail party that you never want to see end." —NY Journal of Books
5. THE DOORS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY GIllian Gaar
WHOLE LOTTA LED ZEPPELIN: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE HEAVIEST BAND OF ALL TIME
Jon Bream
Today's pick is a two-fer, depending on your musical tastes! Both books are visual bonanas and "msut-haves" for Doors or Zeppelin fans. Or put 'em both under the tree for your rock and oll honey.
"...provides a template for excellence in art direction, design and packaging for such “heritage” bands."—AllMusicBooks reviewer
6. INVITATION TO OPENNESS: THE JAZZ & SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY OF LES MCCANN 1960-1980
Les McCann, Pat Thomas (Editor)
If you have a fan of BW photography or the beauty of jazz, this book needs to be under the tree for them this year. Doubly so if they are fans of both! Documents the jazz scene and its players, including Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Count Basie, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Bill Evans.
"...a carefully compiled work with superb reproductions...essential not only as a book to read start to finish, but as an attractive coffee table book as well." —AllMusicBooks reviewer
7. VAN HALEN RISING: HOW A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BACKYARD PARTY BAND SAVED HEAVY METAL
Greg Renoff
The untold story of how rock legends Van Halen made the unlikely journey from Pasadena, California, to the worldwide stage..
"Great quotes and stories abound...Renoff has penned one hell of a fun read." —AllMusicBooks reviewer
8. SAM PHILLIPS: THE MAN WHO INVENTED ROCK 'N' ROLL
Peter Guralnick
Famed Elvis biographer brings us the life of Sam Phillips, the visionary genius who singlehandedly steered the revolutionary path of Sun Records.
"Beautiful and meticulous." —The New York Times
9. TOM PETTY: THE BIOGRAPHY
Warren Zanes
Tom Petty's story has all the drama of a rock and roll epic. This is the remarkable rock and roll history he and his band helped to write.
"Warren Zanes has crafted a warm, honest, and most importantly, human story of one of the great musicians of our time. And if that’s not something to cheer about, what is?" —AllMusicBooks reviewer
10. SINATRA: THE CHAIRMAN
James Kaplan
Just in time for the Chairman's centennial, this is the endlessly absorbing sequel to James Kaplan's bestselling Frank: The Voice.
"An appropriately big book for an oversized artistic presence."
— Kirkus Reviews
11. BOYS IN THE TREES: A MEMOIR
Carly Simon
Simon's memoir reveals her remarkable life — enriched by music, shrouded in secrets, and her romantic entanglements with some of the most famous men of the day.
The Miami Herald calls it "dishy (and) compulsively page-turning."
12. IT'S A LONG STORY: MY LIFE
Willie Nelson
This is the unvarnished, complete story of Willie Nelson's life, told in his distinct voice and leaving no moment or experience unturned, from Texas and Nashville to Hawaii and his legendary bus.
"...it rang clear and true, sometimes painful, sometimes exhilarating. No one tells this tale better than Willie." — AllMusicBooks reviewer
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