singers biography books

100 Must-Read Musician Memoirs and Biographies

Ashley Holstrom

Ashley Holstrom helps make books at Sourcebooks. She lives near Chicago with her cat named after Hemingway and her bookshelves organized by color. Newsletter: Crooked Reads . Twitter: @alholstrom .

View All posts by Ashley Holstrom

At least, that’s how I ended up obsessed with Guns N’ Roses. And The Doors. And Motley Crue. And Aerosmith. And, in the future, many more that I’m holding on to for just the right moment.

Here are 100 musician memoirs and biographies, sorted by the music’s genre (loosely defined), to get you rockin’ and rollin’ and movin’ and groovin’.

Country/Folk

My Cross to Bear by Gregg Allman

Bound for Glory by Woody Guthrie

Rat Girl by Kristin Hersh

Love, Janis by Laura Joplin

Coal Miner’s Daughter by Loretta Lynn, George Vecsey

Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography by Jimmy McDonough

Reba: My Story by Reba McEntire, Tom Carter

It’s a Long Story: My Life by Willie Nelson

Lynyrd Skynyrd: Remembering the Free Birds of Southern Rock by Gene Odom, Frank Dorman

Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt

The 50th Law by 50 Cent, Robert Greene

Sentences: The Life of MF Grimm by Percy Carey, Ronald Wimberly

Fight the Power: Rap, Race, and Reality by Chuck D, Yusuf Jah

The Way I Am by Eminem

Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood by Ice-T, Douglas Century

Unashamed by Lecrae Moore

The Tao of Wu by The RZA

The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur

How to Ruin Everything: Essays by George Watsky

Gone ‘Til November by Lil Wayne

The Good Life by Tony Bennett

The Godfather of Soul: An Autobiography by James Brown

Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker by Stanley Crouch

Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis

Can’t Be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters by Robert Gordon

Blues All Around Me: The Autobiography of B.B. King by B.B. King, David Ritz

John Coltrane: His Life and Music by Lewis Porter

Jazz Cleopatra: Josephine Baker in Her Time by Phyllis Rose

Now and Then… by Gil Scott-Heron

Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong by Terry Teachout

Pop/Punk/Reggae/Ska

Catch a Fire: The Autobiography by Melanie B.

Black By Design: A 2-Tone Memoir by Pauline Black

Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash by Pat Gilbert

Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock’s Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout by Laura Jane Grace

If Only by Geri Halliwell

Herbie Hancock: Possibilities by Herbie Hancock, Lisa Dickey

Reckless: My Life as a Pretender by Chrissie Hynde

Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs by John Lydon

I’ll Never Write My Memoirs by Grace Jones, Paul Morley

A Natural Woman: A Memoir by Carole King

Army of She: Icelandic, Iconoclastic, Irrepressible Björk by Evelyn McDonnell

Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones by Dee Dee Ramone

Get in the Van: On the Road With Black Flag by Henry Rollins

Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or My Life As a Fabulous Ronette by Ronnie Spector, Vince Waldron

Rod: The Autobiography by Rod Stewart

Diana Ross: A Biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli

In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran by Nigel John Taylor

I, Tina by Tina Turner, Kurt Loder

Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley by Timothy White

Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been by Pharrell Williams

Rock ‘n’ Roll

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine

Between a Heart and a Rock Place: A Memoir by Pat Benatar

Chuck Berry: The Autobiography by Chuck Berry

Moonage Daydream: The Life & Times of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein

Lips Unsealed: A Memoir by Belinda Carlisle

Cash by Johnny Cash

Clapton: The Autobiography by Eric Clapton

Journals by Kurt Cobain

Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins

Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello

  Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross

Neon Angel by Cherie Currie

Touching from a Distance: Ian Curtis and Joy Division by Deborah Curtis

Hammer of the Gods by Stephen Davis

Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett

Fleetwood: My Life and Adventures in Fleetwood Mac by Mick Fleetwood, Stephen Davis

Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick

Diary of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star by Ian Hunter

Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol

Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury by Lesley-Ann Jones

Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis

White Line Fever by Lemmy Kilmister

The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band by Tommy Lee

Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead by Phil Lesh

Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love by Courtney Love

The Long Hard Road Out of Hell by Marilyn Manson

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd by Nick Mason, Philip Dodd

It’s So Easy: And Other Lies by Duff McKagan

Autobiography by Morrissey

Joan Jett by Todd Oldham, Joan Jett

I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne

Rocks: My Life in and out of Aerosmith by Joe Perry

Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley

Life by Keith Richards

Crazy from the Heat by David Lee Roth

Bird Lives!: The High Life & Hard Times of Charlie (Yardbird) Parker by Ross Russell

Slash by Slash, Anthony Bozza

Somebody to Love?: A Rock-and-Roll Memoir by Grace Slick, Andrea Cagan

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Face the Music: A Life Exposed by Paul Stanley

Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good by Corey Taylor

Who I Am by Pete Townshend

The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa, Peter Occhiogrosso

Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke by Peter Guralnick

Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday, William Dufty

Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye by David Ritz

Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues by Elijah Wald

Hit Me, Fred: Recollections of a Sideman by Fred Wesley

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Passionate and highly personal accounts of extraordinary lives, the best music memoirs offer everything from creative insights to rock’n’roll excess.

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Many musicians have a great story to tell about their action-packed lives – and the best music memoirs are always passionate and highly personal. Some focus on creative journeys and a search for artistic fulfillment; some offer accounts of wild parties and other rock’n’roll excesses. Some classics, such as Woody Guthrie’s Bound For Glory and Miles Davis ’ Miles: The Autobiography , were written decades ago, but there have been some great modern additions to the canon, by greats such as Elton John , Patti Smith, Keith Richards , and Debbie Harry.

Here are our 30 best music memoirs of all time. Think we’ve missed one of yours? Let us know in the comments section, below.

30: Woody Guthrie: Bound For Glory (EP Dutton, 1943)

The autobiography of Woody Guthrie, written with the help of his first wife, Marjorie, detailed the folk singer’s travels across America and his experiences as a fruit-picker living in a hobo camp. Bound For Glory has its own charm as it explains the background behind one of the 20th-century’s most important musicians. Guthrie’s boyhood gang, who features in the memoir, provided the inspiration for the name of Bob Geldof’s band The Boomtown Rats.

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29: george melly: owning up (penguin, 1965).

Owning Up was singer George Melly’s first-hand account of the professional jazz world of the 50s. After giving up work in an art gallery, Melly was drawn into the jazz revival. In Owning Up , the first of a series of memoirs by the Liverpudlian, Melly humorously describes an endless round of pubs, clubs, seedy guest-houses and transport cafés, and the weird array of musicians, drunks, and eccentrics that were part of that vanished music scene.

28: Booker T Jones: Time Is Right: My Life Note By Note (Omnibus, 2019)

Booker T Jones , the leader of the acclaimed Stax Records house band Booker T And The MGs, is integral to the history of 60s soul music. His self-penned memoir is full of great stories about musicians such as Otis Redding and Dr John – and offers an interesting account of his own musical education, including his love of Blue Note pianist Horace Silver . He is also modest about his own talent, writing in praise of Ray Charles , for example, that he could not match his way of playing ‘I Got A Woman’. “Ray played with such precision and did not miss a note or beat, every note exactly in place, singing at the same time! I couldn’t even play it in time.” This, by the way, comes from the man who helped create the instrumental masterpiece ‘Green Onions’ , a song Barack Obama invited him to perform at The White House.

27: Chuck Berry: The Autobiography (Harmony Books, 1987)

Chuck Berry was keen to let everyone know that he had not paid for a ghostwriter. “The book is entirely written, phrase by phrase, by yours truly, Chuck Berry,” he wrote in the introduction to his 1987 autobiography. It’s no surprise that the man who wrote classics such as ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ and ‘Johnny B Goode’ has a clever way with words as he offers a compelling view of being subject to the injustices of racism while also charting his place in the founding of rock’n’roll.

26: Nile Rodgers: Le Freak (Little, Brown, 2011)

Nile Rodgers, the child of jazz-obsessed junkies, had an action-packed life. He jammed with Jimi Hendrix , toured with Big Bird on Sesame Street ’s roadshow, and played in the legendary Apollo Theatre house band. He was also a key part of the “sex, drugs and disco ” revolution of the 70s as the co-founder and guitarist for Chic. His memoir is an exhilarating, blunt tale of an amazing musical journey.

25: Iggy Pop: I Need More (Karz-Cohl Publishing, 1997)

Iggy Pop , who was born James Osterberg, was considered one of the grand old men of punk rock when he wrote what he described as “a kind of autobiography in fragments” in the late 90s. The book ranges from his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the evolution of his seminal rock band, The Stooges. Pop details his reckless adventures and troubles in his own frank and indomitable manner.

24: Boy George: Take It Like A Man (HarperCollins, 1995)

Boy George, the star of Culture Club , was characteristically provocative in an autobiography that showed off his droll wit. He deals with his childhood as the self-dubbed “pink sheep” of a large working-class family, and talks about coming out and his teenage fascination with David Bowie and Marc Bolan . His is funny about his jet-setting life as a pop celebrity and open about his heroin addiction. He also deals with his bizarre spat with author Anthony Burgess, who had criticized his abilities as a musician.

23: James Brown: The Godfather Of Soul (Da Capo Press, 1986)

James Brown opens up about his dirt-poor childhood in an Augusta brothel and how he went on to overcome huge obstacles to find wealth and fame. There are good anecdotes about Little Richard , Elvis Presley , Tina Turner, and Otis Redding , but the most vivid parts of the book are about Brown’s time in a juvenile center. He also discusses the brave stand he took following the assassination of his friend Martin Luther King .

22: Quincy Jones: Q: The Autobiography Of Quincy Jones (Hodder & Stoughton, 2001)

Quincy Jones is one of the most significant producer/arranger/composers of the modern era and Q is an acutely personal book. Jones gives a no-holds-barred account of his life, from his mother’s mental illness to working with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson . He also discusses his own nervous breakdown after the triumph of Thriller , and his failed marriages.

21: Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner’s Daughter (Knopf Doubleday, 2010)

Loretta Lynn has lived a remarkable life and her memoir tells the story of her impoverished childhood in Kentucky, her marriage at 13, her six children, and how she battled to become one of the most influential songwriters and singers in country music. Her powerful story is told in a feisty, open style, detailing how she bucked against a life where “there was always a man telling me what to do”. The audio version was brilliantly narrated by actress Sissy Spacek.

20: Gil Scott-Heron: The Last Holiday (Grove Press, 2012)

Songwriter, poet, and activist Gil Scott-Heron died at 62 in May 2011. His posthumously published memoir, The Last Holiday , is an elegiac finale to his musical and literary career. He offers a perceptive, funny, and compassionate account of his life, its tribulations, and the inspirations for his brilliant, socially-conscious music.

19: James Fearnley: Here Comes Everybody: The Story Of The Pogues (Faber, 2012)

The Pogues first formed in 1982 as Pogue Mahone (Gaelic for “kiss my arse”) and were one of the groundbreaking bands of the era. James Fearnley, The Pogues’ accordion player, brings to life the youthful friendships, the bust-ups, the grim gigs and the drunkenness of his times with a band fronted by the alcoholic Shane McGowan.

18: Willie Nelson: It’s A Long Story: My Life (Little, Brown, 2015)

There have been numerous books about Willie Nelson – including his own 1988 publication, Willie: An Autobiography – but the most unvarnished is 2015’s It’s A Long Story: My Life . This book captures Nelson’s humor and spirit and goes off at interesting tangents. The country music singer, an avid reader, talks about the influence of the TS Eliot poem ‘East Coker’ on his own song ‘Still Is Still Moving To Me’. Nelson is a true one-off and that shines through in this tale.

17 Jay-Z: Decoded (Random House, 2010)

From drug dealer to multimillionaire rapper, Jay-Z ’s story, as told in Decoded , is gripping. Part art book, part lyrical compilation, and part personal narrative, Decoded is also a defense of rap music. “Rap took the remnants of a dying society and created something new,” says the man born Shawn Carter in New York in 1969.

16: Johnny Marr: Set The Boy Free (Penguin, 2017)

Johnny Marr’s autobiography, Set The Boy Free , was, unsurprisingly, less grandiose than Morrissey ’s memoir. The Smiths had a huge influence on music in the 80s and Marr was one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. His memoir, which deals with the break-up of the band and his subsequent career, is witty and moving. Some of the most affecting parts are his memories of growing up in Ardwick Green, Manchester.

15: Roger Daltrey: Roger Daltrey, My Story: Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite (Blink Publishing, 2018)

The Who members have a rich story to tell. After Pete Townshend ’s Who Am I , published in 2013, there came Roger Daltrey’s punchy memoir, which told the story of his journey to rock stardom. It’s a funny and open account. (The title, incidentally, refers to the headmaster who expelled Daltrey from Acton County Grammar School when he was 15. Daltrey’s generation could certainly hold a grudge.)

14: Mötley Crüe: The Dirt: Confessions Of The World’s Most Notorious Rock Band (HarperCollins, 2001)

Mötley Crüe ’s off-stage antics were as wild as their music, and the 2001 memoir The Dirt was a collective autobiography written by Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Vince Neil, and Nikki Sixx. A genuinely entertaining, shocking book, it became a bestseller in 2001. In March 2019 a film adaptation was given its Netflix debut.

13: Johnny Cash: Cash (HarperCollins, 2000)

There have been several biographies about country music legend Johnny Cash , but in 2000 he gave his own revealing account of his life. He covered the early days at Sun Records – with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis – to his rise as a country superstar. Cash offers interesting details about his own complex character and opens up about his recurring addiction to amphetamines and his shortcomings as a father. This follow-up to 1986’s The Man In Black memoir is also full of wonderful oddities, such as the time he was nearly disemboweled by an ostrich.

12: Marianne Faithfull: Memories, Dreams And Reflections (HarperCollins, 2007)

Many of the stories about Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger almost belong to folklore, but she proves herself to be a witty, eccentric storyteller in Memories, Dreams And Reflections . Her background is fascinating, too. Her father was an ex-MI6 spy who had interrogated Himmler. As well as stories about fellow musicians, the singer, who had a hit with ‘As Tears Go By’, reflects on poet Allen Ginsberg. She also recalls how, high on smack, she walked away from the part of Lady Macbeth given to her by Roman Polanski. The book is a quirky treat.

11: Debbie Harry: Face It (HarperCollins, 2019)

As part of Blondie , singer and actress Debbie Harry was one of the most original and successful female singers of the 70s. Her tales of stardom are vivid, and her account of growing up is self-deprecating and amusing; there are stories galore of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll in this entertaining memoir. She also offers surprises, as with her recollections about her passion for jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday , Dizzy Gillespie, and Ornette Coleman.

10: Elvis Costello: Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink (Penguin, 2016)

For Elvis Costello fans, the 2016 memoir Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink was rich in details about his own writing process and the experiences and emotions that inspired classic songs such as ‘Alison’ and ‘Oliver’s Army’. Costello offers wry details about his background – his father, Ross MacManus, was a dance-hall performer – and the stories about his collaborations with giants such as Paul McCartney , Burt Bacharach , and Allen Toussaint are riveting.

9: Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run (Simon & Schuster, 2016)

The man known as “The Boss” has been one of the most dominant figures in rock music for more than 40 years. His forthright memoir sheds light on his long-standing battle with depression, his troubled relationship with his father, and his own searing ambitions. This is an enjoyable, candid self-portrait by a fine songwriter and complicated man.

8: Chrissie Hynde: Reckless: My Life As A Pretender (Ebury, 2015)

Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde admits in the prologue to her memoir that she waited to publish her autobiography until her straitlaced parents had died: “I would have had to leave out the bad language and tell a lot of lies about what I’d been doing all that time I was gone.” The result is a compelling, candid account of the music business, one filled with memorable anecdotes and harrowing revelations.

7: Eric Clapton: The Autobiography (Cornerstone, 2007)

Eric Clapton’s account of his life is stark and painfully honest. He deals with his strange background, his addiction problems, and his “ruthless” pursuit of musical excellence. The guitarist, who gained fame with The Yardbirds and Cream , also covers the love triangle that involved Clapton, Pattie Boyd, and George Harrison . Clapton’s autobiography is notably devoid of the defensiveness and evasions normally found in celebrity memoirs.

6: Kim Gordan: Girl In A Band (Faber, 2015)

Kim Gordon was the charismatic frontwoman in Sonic Youth – alongside husband Thurston Moore. In this fascinating memoir, she recalls their shambolic early days, her feud with Courtney Love, and the cut-throat music business of the early 80s. “Women aren’t allowed to be kick-ass. I refused to play the game,” says Gordon. Her descriptions of New York in the 80s, when Sonic Youth formed, are especially fine sections.

5: Elton John: Me (Pan Macmillan, 2019)

Elton John says he has lived “an extraordinary life” and his autobiography, Me , is a hilarious, candid window into that life. John recalls the life-changing lucky stroke of teaming up with songwriter Bernie Taupin and offers an honest appraisal of how his life fell apart as a superstar, when he became hooked on drugs. There are also lots of funny stories about fellow musicians such as Freddie Mercury and Rod Stewart .

4: Miles Davis: Miles: The Autobiography (Simon & Schuster, 1989)

The memoir from one of the greatest jazz men of all time is rich in stories, self-analysis, and reflections on music. There are some lovely passages in which he recalls his excitement at hearing Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in a St Louis nightclub in 1944. It was his first live exposure to bebop . The constant use of profanity in the book caused controversy, as did his candid reflections on his own failings, including his problems with drug addiction. His behavior is sometimes repulsive – he admits to pimping to support his habit – but Miles remains an eminently readable autobiography.

3: Bob Dylan: Chronicles: Volume One (Simon & Schuster, 2004)

This modest, plain-spoken, and thoughtful opening installment of Bob Dylan’s memoirs deals with his life as folk troubadour in Greenwich Village in the early 60s. The way he talks about musical mentors such as Hank Williams , Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash is touching. As you would expect from someone who has won The Nobel Prize In Literature, he is also well-read, and expresses his admiration for Balzac and Chekhov, among others. The tone of the book becomes more cutting when he is dealing with his own growing fame. This offbeat, ruminative book is a must-read for Dylan fans.

2: Patti Smith: Just Kids (Ecco, 2010)

Patti Smith gives a heartfelt account of her artistic education and love affair with her friend Robert Mapplethorpe in the evocative memoir Just Kids . Her account of working in a factory and living in a succession of squalid New York apartments is intense and edgy, as she worked her way towards becoming an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album, Horses . Just Kids won the prestigious 2010 National Book Award For Nonfiction.

1: Keith Richards: Life (Orion, 2011)

Keith Richards ’ life story pulsates with outlandish tales. His accounts of growing up in wartime Dartford are fascinating and, from the moment he signs to Decca Records with The Rolling Stones , he is at the center of the British music scene. Richards holds little back about his wild, drug-filled days in music, but he also conveys his rapturous delight at the music he loved, especially from blues stars such as Howlin’ Wolf , Little Walter , and Muddy Waters .

Looking for more? Discover the best illustrated music books of all time .

January 29, 2020 at 10:41 pm

Another excellent read is ‘Is That It?’ by Bob Geldof, a straightforward, tell it like it is autobiography.

Malcolm McLean

May 11, 2020 at 2:32 pm

A great list there! I also loved Jake Shears’s memoir ‘Boys Keep Swinging’, Tracey Thorn’s ‘Bedsit Disco Queen’ and Viv Albertine’s ‘Clothes, Music. Boys.’ Anyone interested in music fan memoirs could check out the one I recently wrote and released, from a pop superfan’s perspective – ‘Freak Like Me: Confessions of a 90s pop groupie’. It’s a pretty lighthearted book, full of 90s and early 2000s pop nostalgia, a collection of my memories as a teenage pop hanger-on, attending Top of the Pops week in, week out, and watching the changing chart music landscape, all whilst finding my place in the world. Check it out if it sounds up anyone’s street!

Nicholas Curcio

June 5, 2021 at 2:38 pm

Raise Up Off Me: A Portrait of Hampton Hawes

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From Bob Dylan to Viv Albertine: 10 of the best music biographies

Addiction, poetry, flirting with Scientology: these candid memoirs and biographies reveal the inner lives of musicians

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine

(Faber & Faber, 2014) A no-nonsense sojourn through Albertine’s life as guitarist in the Slits and, later, as a film-maker, mother and divorcee, and during which she blithely chats about masturbation, catching crabs and giving Johnny Rotten a blowjob. It’s a terrific read and provides a corrective to the reigning punk narrative where men are the creative geniuses and women the bit-part players.

Le Freak by Nile Rodgers

(Sphere, 2011) Teenage homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, oral pleasure in the toilets at Studio 54, cancer, plus a fistful of hits with Madonna, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, David Bowie and his own band, Chic. The legendary hitmaker’s life is more eventful than most and the details are shared with wit and wisdom.

Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan

(Simon and Schuster, 2004) Thousands of books have been written about Dylan so, to understand who he is, perhaps it is best to get it from the horse’s mouth . Impressionistic, intense and with deliberate omissions, Chronicles covers his first year in New York in 1961, flashing back to his childhood in Minnesota and forward to the creative doldrums of the late 80s.

The Life & Times of Malcolm McLaren by Paul Gorman

(Constable, 2020) An 800-page doorstop devoted to the Sex Pistols manager , variously dubbed here a “genius” and “conman”. Gorman’s biography bulges with outrageous tales of brilliance and folly, from early adventures in fashion and music to forays into hip-hop, reality TV and politics.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

(Bloomsbury, 2010) A tender, evocative chronicle of the poet and singer Patti Smith ’s relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, as the pair roamed 70s New York and dedicated themselves to their art. Celebrity wasn’t the goal, but when they pass a shop playing Smith’s hit, Because the Night, Mapplethorpe exclaims: “Patti, you got famous before me!”

Life by Keith Richards

(W&N, 2010) Given the legendarily debauched life of the Rolling Stones guitarist, it’s a wonder that he can remember enough of it to fill a book. Eye-watering in its candour, Life gleefully takes us through music, money, arrests, fallouts, makeups, drugs and “chicks”. It’s gossipy, spry and an absolute hoot from beginning to end.

Sing Backwards and Weep by Mark Lanegan

(White Rabbit, 2020) Many rock memoirs come with a third act in which the artist achieves sobriety and disavows their former life. Not so Lanegan, who delivers grand guignol scenes of heroin-fuelled violence, degradation and self-abuse while recalling his Screaming Trees days, with little in the way of regrets. Rare in its rawness and bracing honesty .

Black By Design: A 2-Tone Memoir by Pauline Black

(Serpent’s Tail, 2011) The Selecter singer’s autobiography offers a vivid account of the 70s ska scene, during which National Front supporters would barge into the band’s gigs and sieg heil at the stage. It’s also a sensitive portrait of postwar racial tension and life as a black child adopted by white parents, during which Black felt “like a cuckoo in someone else’s nest”.

I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons

(Vintage, 2012) Simmons’s weighty treatise on Laughing Len traces the poet, novelist and singer from his early life in Montreal to his periods in New York, Hydra and California. There are surprising morsels here, among them Cohen’s flirtation with Scientology and his habit of stuffing tissues in his shoes to make himself taller.

Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis

(Simon & Schuster, 1990) By turns joyful, raw and plain disturbing, the jazz trumpeter’s autobiography is a warts-and-all account of a life in which music is celebrated, fellow musicians often slated and women denigrated and abused. It makes for grim reading in places but Davis is acute on art, race and his battles with drugs.

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Best Music Autobiographies: 20 Memoirs From Legendary Rockers

Exploring the life and times of rock’n’roll’s most iconic stars, the best music autobiographies give us an insider’s look at stardom.

Providing a unique opportunity to glimpse into the minds of rock’n’roll’s most legendary figures, the best music autobiographies serve as a reminder of just how much these icons have shaped popular culture. From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Bowie , these memoirs delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their upbringing and give us a behind-the-scenes insight into their experiences of fame and stardom. Here, then, are the best music autobiographies – books that provide an intimate look at the lives and careers of some of the industry’s most legendary figures.

Listen to our Rock Classics playlist here , and check out the best music autobiographies, below.

20: chrissie hynde: ‘reckless: my life as a pretender’ (2015).

Reckless: My Life As A Pretender , by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous and frank account of the new wave era songwriter’s life story. Known for her incomparable voice, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful narrative that follows her career journey from Akron, Ohio, to London in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders . Hynde candidly describes her harrowing experiences with grief following the deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate details about her exploration of music, love and identity. Full of vivid storytelling, Reckless is a sharp-witted and eye-opening read among the best music autobiographies.

19: John Densmore: ‘Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Morrison And The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers on a journey through his experiences as a founding member of The Doors , drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Morrison And The Doors , preceded the release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted as a consultant for that film, it’s hardly a surprise to discover that his memoir is just as compelling, recalling the time he spent making music with one of the best rock frontmen of all time , Jim Morrison , along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers through the wild ride of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on to their ascent as classic rock’s warrior kings. Readers will be fascinated by Densmore’s candid revelations about living in the eye of the storm that was the 60s counterculture, replete with details about all aspects of his life during that era, as well as reflecting upon how it shaped who he is today.

18: Debbie Harry: ‘Face It: A Memoir’ (2019)

Covering everything from her CBGB-era punk beginnings in the 70s, as the frontwoman for Blondie, to her various side projects as an actress and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It , is a typically provocative account of her rise to frame. Unafraid to share secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – from details about her wild romantic relationships to discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s frankness makes Face It a truly eye-opening read. Offering a window into her deep insights into how she fought bouts of depression, the book is a truly self-reflective primer on how to maintain a sense of confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

17: Neil Young: ‘Waging Heavy Peace: A Hippie Dream’ (2012)

A gold rush of memories, Neil Young ’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an idiosyncratic and non-linear retelling of the singer-songwriter’s life. One of the best music autobiographies of recent years, it details the ups and downs of Young’s career, from his days as a folk-rock pioneer to becoming one of the best songwriters of all time . Through this book, readers get to see how the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal stories and emotions that transcend generations. Speaking candidly about his passion for recording music and writing songs that have become evergreen classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, offering valuable lessons on how to be creative without compromising your values or goals. His words will inspire any budding creative.

16: Rod Stewart: ‘Rod: The Autobiography’ (2012)

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: The Autobiography , is an entertaining and amusing story that goes beyond handbags and gladrags to follow Stewart’s career path from London mod to world-renowned rock star. The former Faces frontman and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking journey with impish humour, his natural charisma shining through every page as he reflects on the struggles and successes he has experienced during his long career. Throughout it all, while recounting stories about early influences such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating and witty while never forgetting to mention those who have helped him along the way.

15: Eric Clapton: ‘Clapton: The Autobiography’ (2007)

The music industry is filled with legends, but few have had as big an impact as Eric Clapton. With a career spanning almost six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, so it’s hardly a surprise that his autobiography is also remarkable. Already known for his virtuoso guitar talents, Clapton’s writing style is accessible and heart-rending, containing stories such as the tragic death of his four-year-old son and his personal triumph of overcoming alcoholism. By candidly detailing his difficult upbringing, his childhood struggles with abandonment and identity, and the romantic relationships that defined different stages of his life, this is a must-read among the best music autobiographies.

14: Bob Dylan: ‘Chronicles: Volume One’ (2004)

Bob Dylan, the era-defining songwriter, caused a cultural earthquake when he released Chronicles: Volume One . Often cryptic and mysterious in his lyrics, nobody expected Dylan to reflect upon his life and career as eruditely as he does here, running as he does through a series of honest and introspective stories and recollections. From his early days as an up-and-coming folk musician in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his rise to global stardom and the subsequent demands of living with the baggage of the “voice of his generation” tag, Dylan offers an intimate look at how his journey has shaped him both as an artist and a human being. An enlightening entry among the best music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a raw honesty that captures the essence of Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers with an insight into the mind of one of a truly world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying that Keith Richards is the ultimate rock’n’roll survivor. Giving us a first-hand look at the wild world of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s biography, Life , chronicles his life from childhood to adulthood and everything in between, including his humble beginnings growing up in Dartford, England, and international fame as the spiritual figurehead of one of the British Invasion’s most notorious rock bands. An intimate portrait of Richards’ personal journey through celebrity, Life features stories about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as his headline-grabbing experiences with drugs. In addition to humorous anecdotes about life on the road, the guitarist talks candidly about how he was able to emerge from addiction intact and how music has been a source of solace throughout his life.

12: Phil Collins: ‘Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins ’ autobiography, Not Dead Yet , is an honest recount of his life and career. From the start, Collins speaks openly about his upbringing – he was drawn to music from an early age, taking up the drums at five years old and eventually becoming the drummer for prog-rock band Genesis. Written with great humility, the book moves between periods in Collins’ life, discussing his experiences with divorce as well as his professional successes, such as recording with Genesis and launching a successful solo career. Whether speaking about recording sessions or touring experiences, it becomes clear that Collins has lived an extraordinary life full of unique moments that have helped shape him into the star we know today.

11: Peter Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division’ (2012)

As the bassist for Joy Division – one of the most influential post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an intimate look at the band’s rise to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division . Through a series of personal reflections, he takes readers behind the scenes to explore how Joy Division created its foreboding sound. Revealing unknown details about life on tour and what it was like working alongside frontman Ian Curtis , who committed suicide at age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s turbulent history. Through Hook’s words, we come to understand why Joy Division was so special – they were able to take dark themes such as death and despair and turn them into something beautiful through their music. Having penned one of the best music biographies of all time, Hook then went and did it all over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order , which continues the story of his game-changing career.

10: David Bowie with Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: The Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: The Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating visual biography documenting the incredible rise to fame of one of music’s most influential figures. Alongside extraordinary photographs by Mick Rock, the ever mysterious David Bowie himself recounts his creative journey from glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Renaissance man, providing an insightful look into his genius and offering a rare glimpse into the work he created in the 70s. Capturing the energy and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream truly highlights how Bowie’s contributions to popular culture profoundly affected music for generations to come.

9: Johnny Marr: ‘Set The Boy Free: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Set The Boy Free , the autobiography of The Smiths ’ guitarist Johnny Marr , serves as an incredible and honest look at the indie sensation’s life. Following Marr from his childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming one of the best guitarists of all time , the book vividly recounts his experience teaming up with Morrissey to form The Smiths, and how the pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his life – growing up as a working-class kid on a council estate; falling in love with the guitar – Marr’s autobiography offers a definitive take on how he did the unthinkable and made guitar music cool again.

8: Nile Rodgers: ‘Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Of Family, Disco And Destiny’ (2011)

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Of Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about the life of one of the world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers . From his early days as a session musician to becoming a gatekeeper of funk and disco as the guitarist for Chic , Rodgers tells a rich and captivating story, drawing from his unconventional upbringing as well as his personal accounts of mental-health issues, and substance abuse. An intimate look at how the genre-defying artist found success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go on to produce records for David Bowie, Duran Duran and Madonna , and collaborate with Daft Punk on the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings together anecdotes that are both funny and heartbreaking, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments of joy and sorrow through vivid accounts of his career highs and lows.

7: Stephen Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions Of A Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much like his bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is an account of Joy Division’s early punk and post-punk days in 70s Britain. Through his personal recollections, readers gain an inside view into what it was like for Morris to be part of the musical revolution Joy Division engendered, as the drummer offers a glimpse into his childhood in Macclesfield, as well as his teenage years spent largely discovering music and exploring the sounds that would define him for years to come. From getting his first drum set at 14, through to recording with Joy Division, this memoir provides a candid look at how post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a sequel, Fast Forward , which takes the story into the New Order era and also deserves a mention among the best music autobiographies.

6: Rob Halford: ‘Confess: The Autobiography’ (2020)

Rob Halford, the lead singer of the heavy metal band Judas Priest, gave fans a raw and honest look at his life in his autobiography, Confess . As he reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy to see why Halford has become an icon for heavy metal music over the years, so diehard fans of Judas Priest will definitely want to pick up this book and read more about the man behind some of their favourite songs. Confess offers an in-depth look into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, with plenty of stories about his time in Judas Priest, touring the world, coming out as a pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and dealing with addiction issues. Halford also talks candidly about how it felt to be a rock star in a genre that wasn’t always accepted by mainstream society. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of heavy metal, this book is an insightful entry among the best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As the “Godfather Of Heavy Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Am Ozzy as a chance to run through his thrilling and tumultuous career, allowing fans to get a deeper look at his life as he recounts all his ups and downs in an honest and often humorous way. Written in a conversational style that feels as though you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers insight into what it was like growing up in post-war England, becoming the frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction and depression, and finding success again with solo hits such as Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into his latter years, discussing his family and how his wife, Sharon, is responsible for putting him on the path to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd , by drummer Nick Mason, is a must-read for any fan of the iconic band. In this first-hand account of the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days to their massive prog-rock successes in the 70s and 80s. With vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment in the group’s history, including the stories behind their first hit single, Arnold Layne, and their ambitious concept album The Wall. Throughout, Mason paints an evocative picture of life inside one of Britain’s most renowned bands, not only addressing the creative process but also shedding light on moments of joy and camaraderie, when his bandmates supported each other during some of the toughest times. It’s an engaging and fascinating read.

3: Bruce Springsteen: ‘Born To Run’ (2016)

Born To Run is a testament to Bruce Springsteen’s personal resilience and his unwavering commitment to the spirit of rock’n’roll. Chronicling The Boss’ early days growing up in New Jersey, as well as his rise to fame as the lead songwriter in The E Street Band, it’s an emotional journey from the man’s own viewpoint, filled with both joy and sorrow. As well as Springsteen’s recollections of life on tour, we also get honest accounts of his long-standing relationships with family members. From tales of personal struggles and career triumphs to reflections on the power of music in our lives, Born To Run is one of the best music autobiographies out there, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a witty and self-effacing autobiography that traces the life of one of Britain’s greatest songwriters. Covering decades of John’s emotional ups and downs, the book offers revealing accounts of his drug addiction, his troubled love life and his struggle to come to terms with his sexuality, as well as his career as a celebrated singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes stories about how some of his best-loved songs were written, John speaks most profoundly about the impact fame has had on him, and Me explores themes such as loneliness and depression to great effect. A companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman , starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the essence of Elton John.

1: Anthony Kiedis: ‘Scar Tissue’ (2004)

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue , is a revealing and no-holds-barred account of the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis through both tremendous career success and deep personal pain, readers will discover the highs and lows of a life lived on the edge – expect rampant substance abuse, wild sexual escapades, broken relationships and many other extreme experiences. Kiedis writes candidly about his struggles with addiction as well as his spiritual journey to sobriety while balancing his personal life with the demands of being in one of the best 90s bands . Kiedis also shares stories from his unconventional childhood growing up in Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he even recounts once being babysat by Sonny And Cher. In the end, Scar Tissue is a heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting read, as Kiedis eventually finds peace through self-acceptance and redemption. And that’s why it tops our list of the best rock autobiographies.

Now check out the best music biographies .

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The Best Music Books of 2023

By Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone

Our favorite books this year (listed here in alphabetical order) included memoirs from Britney Spears, Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Tariq Trotter of the Roots, and other iconic artists, as well as two great additions to the Beatles library, a groundbreaking biography of Lou Reed, and fascinating histories of goth, 2000s emo, and Sixties girl groups.

‘Into the Void,’ Geezer Butler

In Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler was the “Quiet One” in the Seventies’ loudest band, playing wah-wah bass rumbles and poeticizing paranoia for Ozzy Osbourne as the group’s chief lyricist. In Into the Void , he opens up about formative moments (learning that he didn’t just hate eating meat, but was actually a “vegetarian,” a word he learned on tour at an Asian restaurant), he tells unexpected stories behind the band’s most well-known lyrics (“Iron Man” is actually about Jesus Christ taking vengeance instead of forgiving), and he peels back the curtain on Sabbath’s decades of breakups and makeups. It’s entertaining and enlightening, and along with Osbourne’s and Tony Iommi’s memoirs, the book provides a welcome, alternate gospel on the birth of heavy metal. — K.G.

‘But Will You Love Me Tomorrow: An Oral History of the Sixties Girl Groups,’ Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz

Too often, the girl groups who defined the pop charts in the early Sixties have been historicized in terms of the male producers (and sometimes the male-female songwriting teams) who called the shots. This feast of an oral history puts the focus back on the young women who sang those hits. First-time author Laura Flam and poet Emily Sieu Liebowitz have combined 100 new interviews with a slew of finely combed secondary sources. These singers know their strengths, and not just vocally, as when Nedra Talley-Ross of the Ronettes explains the group’s “eye makeup was exaggerated, our hair was exaggerated, because it was like, see me in the balcony. You had to project your voice, but you had to project your look too.” — M.M.

’60 Songs That Explain the Nineties,’ Rob Harvilla

The Nineties may well have been the most musically overstuffed decade ever, somehow packing the rise and fall of alt-rock, the golden age of hip-hop, the rise of teen pop, and so much more (Björk! Pavement! TLC!) into 10 short years. It’s a story so complex and contradictory that it’s all but impossible to convey linearly, so veteran journalist Rob Harvilla wisely chooses a more freewheeling approach in his new book, which adopts the premise of his entertaining podcast of the same name. Outkast lives next to the “Macarena” in his chronicle, which ends up invoking the feeling of wandering down a dorm hall where every room is playing something new, different, and great. —B.H.

‘Lou Reed: The King of New York,’ Will Hermes

Critic and historian Will Hermes (a contributing editor at Rolling Stone ) had unique access to Lou Reed’s archives at the New York Public Library, and emerged with the definitive biography of one of the most hard-to-pin-down rock icons of all time. The account of Reed’s childhood on Long Island and college days at Syracuse is revelatory, and the section on Reed’s tenure inventing punk rock in the Velvet Underground is definitive. Hermes perfectly situates Reed’s life and work within a historical and social context — as a reflection of bohemian life in Reed’s beloved New York City, as a pathfinding articulation of gender nonconformity, as a paragon of uncompromising creative independence, and as a beacon for generations of outsiders longing to find meaning beyond anyone else’s system. —J.D.

‘Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History,’ Bill Janovitz

Books about brilliant, self-sabotaging weirdos are usually far more entertaining than superstar biographies, and Bill Janovitz’s definitive bio of the monumentally influential pianist and singer Leon Russell is no exception. As Janovitz (also the frontman of Buffalo Tom) makes clear, Russell is a Zelig-like figure in the story of classic rock: a session musician on classics like the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man”; a key influence on Elton John and many others as a solo artist; the driving force behind the epochal Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour, live album, and film with Joe Cocker; and a collaborator with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and others. But the book gets most interesting as Russell passes the peak of his career and spends decades drowning in his own eccentricities — and finally has a late-in-life comeback with the help of Elton John, who repaid him for the inspiration. —B.H.

‘My Effin’ Life,’ Geddy Lee

Turns out Geddy Lee’s voice as a writer can also reach unprecedented heights: Rush’s frontman, bassist, and keyboardist wrote a revealing, funny, utterly singular rock memoir, complete with a harrowing chapter on his parents’ experience as Holocaust survivors that likely features more extensive historical research than every other music autobiography put together. Fans will appreciate his generosity in doling out deep Rush lore, including the making of their classic albums, synth-era battles with guitarist Alex Lifeson over their direction, and some surprises about their drug use, but it’s his deeply felt chronicling of his early life — from facing antisemitism at school to finding his identity as a musician in the wake of his father’s early death — that lingers. —B.H.

‘Kleenex/Liliput,’ Marlene Marder and Grace Ambrose

LiLiPUT were one of the most fiercely original punk bands — Swiss women chanting in fractured English, in a herky-jerky swirl of avant-garde playground bangers and experimental art-funk. The Zurich band started out calling themselves Kleenex, until the lawyers came knocking, then became LiLiPUT halfway through their career. (Kurt Cobain listed “anything by Kleenex” on his famous list of 50 favorite albums.) But despite a string of brilliant Rough Trade singles — “ Ain’t You ,” “ Split ,” the irresistible “Ü” — they were barely known in the U.S. before breaking up in 1983. Kleenex/LiLiPUT tells their story in collage form, based on the diaries of the late guitarist Marlene Marder, photos, fanzine interviews, and an appreciation by Greil Marcus. Like LiLiPUT’s music, the book is messy, unruly, yet alive with excitement. — R.S.

‘1964: Eyes of the Storm,’ Paul McCartney

“We were a tightknit group, so only one of us would have been able to get these kinds of photographs,” writes Paul McCartney beneath photos he took of George Harrison snoozing and a thickly bespectacled John Lennon pondering the day in the back of a car. And he’s right: What makes his photo diary, 1964, so special is the intimacy of his photos of the biggest rock band in history right at Beatlemania’s flashpoint. McCartney subtitled the book “Eyes of the Storm” because of the fans who greeted them, the paparazzi who trailed them, and the security who looked after them. The most interesting aspect of exploring McCartney’s pics, taken in Liverpool, Paris, New York, and Miami, is that the band sometimes looks tired but never overwhelmed. They knew they were where they needed to be in history, right down to a chaotic shot that inspired a scene in A Hard Day’s Night. — K.G.

‘Sonic Life: A Memoir’ Thurston Moore

Read Kim Gordon’s dishy 2015 book, Girl in a Band , for an interior look at her marriage to and divorce from her Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore. Read Moore’s book, which is really more of a musicology than a memoir, for a microscopic look at how his interests in punk, art, and guitar experimentalism fueled his contributions to one of alt-rock’s most daring bands. Although he dedicates about a paragraph and a half of the nearly 500-page book to his divorce, and he certainly could have revealed more personal stories about his other bandmates, Moore’s memories of being a New York band on SST, the Year Punk Broke, and the horror he felt following Kurt Cobain’s death document turning points both in his life and in the evolution of underground rock with vivid detail. — K.G.

‘Quantum Criminals: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors From the Songs of Steely Dan,’ Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay

Steely Dan’s stock is even higher today than it was in the 1970s, when they were having hit records. Critic Alex Pappademas and illustrator Joan LeMay deliver the perfect celebration of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s unique hermetic grandeur, honoring their oblique mystique while also getting at the real human beings lurking beneath the pristine tunes and cynical worldview. Each chapter is a revelatory riff on a different character in a Dan song — from Peg to Rikki to Mr. LePage to the Gaucho — with LeMay’s artwork just as smart and fun as the writing. They get into topics like the band’s secret hip-hop influence, their “famously overdetermined guitar solos,” and the dialectical nature of their relationship with fellow El Lay rock royals the Eagles. People have been trying to untangle the riddle of Steely Dan’s greatness for decades. No one’s ever done it better. — J.D. 

‘Where Are Your Boys Tonight? The Oral History of Emo’s Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008,’ Chris Payne

In Where Are Your Boys Tonight? former Billboard staffer Chris Payne delivers an oral history of the bizarre moment when emo music went mainstream in the early to mid-2000s. Payne makes sense of third-wave emo’s takeover by tracing the intimate history of the genre/subculture’s rise from the suburbs of Long Island and New Jersey. Silent Majority frontman Tommy Corrigan and former Saves the Day bassist Eben D’Amico pay homage to the shows in sweaty basements and packed VFW halls that paved the way for arena tours; Geoff Rickley from Thursday and Chris Carraba dissect their pivotal MTV appearances; heavy-hitters Pete Wentz, Hayley Williams, and Mikey Way bust myths and reveal the wildest of nuggets from their early days in the scene’s most successful bands. —M.G.

‘This Must Be the Place: Music, Community, and Vanished Spaces in New York City,’ Jesse Rifkin

Combining academic rigor with unacademic language, first-time author Jesse Rifkin has written a great New York music book unlike any other. What sets This Must Be the Place apart isn’t just its scope — Rifkin tracks 60 years’ worth of New York music history, from Washington Square Park’s open-air hootenannies to Williamsburg’s unlicensed warehouses, with stops in on the births of disco and punk, the rise of hip-hop (not to mention Bob Dylan and Madonna), and the shifting sands of gentrification — but also its focus. Few music histories are this sharply attuned to day-to-day costs and proximity as driving forces of a scene: Rifkin argues persuasively that the CBGB’s punk scene happened largely because the key band members all lived within a few blocks of the club. — M.M.

‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being,’ Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin has produced some of your favorite songs , and in The Creative Act , he details the philosophies he follows while making art. These include challenges like “Create an environment where you’re free to express what you’re afraid to express,” which he writes like a three-line poem, and “Look for what you notice but no one else sees.” The simplicity of his advice is deceptive and, in fact, Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies may be more effectual, but there’s a hypnotic quality to Rubin’s longer musings between his koans that show how he has become something of a creative guru, teaching people how to believe in themselves enough to tap into the ingenuity they already have inside them. —K.G.

‘The Woman in Me,’ Britney Spears

Britney Spears’ memoir was destined to be a blockbuster from the moment she announced it, shortly after her 13-year conservatorship was finally ended.  The Woman in Me  lived up to much of the hype: the fast-paced book details more than 40 years of pain, trauma, and exploitation that the pop star has endured. Spears names names and doesn’t hold back from letting the world know what she’s been through. The juiciest moments come from the revelations about her relationship with Justin Timberlake, adding depth and sadness to their experience together as pop’s golden couple during the early aughts. The book isn’t as meaty as other celebrity memoirs in terms of length and painstaking detail about her life and career, but it’s clear Spears needed to get some of the worst moments of her life off her chest first. Given a recent announcement that she is working on a second book, she may have only just scratched the surface. —B.S.

‘Goth: A History,’ Lol Tolhurst

Lol Tolhurst is a goth elder — he was in the Cure for their unholiest hours, in their black-lipstick funeral-party trilogy of Seventeen Seconds, Faith, and Pornography. So who better to write a scholarly, witty, yet totally engaging guide to the goth lifestyle — as he calls it, “the last true alternative outsider subculture.” He begins with literary precursors like Poe and Bronte, then moves into the music of Bauhaus, Bowie, Nico, Siouxsie, Joy Division, and others, sorting them into “Architects of Darkness” and “Spiritual Alchemists.” Tolhurst shares his own personal stories about the scene, as in his excellent 2016 memoir, Cured. But the community is timeless — “bigger than the Deadheads,” he boasts like a proud uncle. For him, goth isn’t merely music or fashion — it’s “a way to understand the world.” — R.S.

‘The Upcycled Life: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are,’ Tariq Trotter

As the chief lyricist in the Roots, Tariq Trotter (a.k.a. Black Thought) is never without an apt word or a multilayered image. But in all his years of quotable bars, he’s kept his personal life at a cool remove; in interviews , he’ll tell you that even the most candid-sounding Roots songs are more like works of fiction, and he’s long ceded the celebrity limelight to his childhood friend and bandmate Questlove. That makes it all the more remarkable when Trotter lets the world in on the experiences that shaped him in this debut memoir, writing in detail for the first time about growing up in South Philly, losing both of his parents to street violence when he was young, and the often-challenging path he had to take to develop and protect his talent. These are stories that he’s only hinted at on the Roots’ records, but once you read them, you’ll never hear his music the same way. —S.V.L.

‘World Within a Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life that Changed My Music,’ Jeff Tweedy

Is it possible that the whole time Jeff Tweedy was impressing us as one of his generation’s most consistently moving songwriters, he was only warming up for his role as an equally insightful essayist? The Wilco frontman’s third bestseller is an extraordinary memoir disguised as a collection of music criticism. Writing about a bunch of songs he loves (by Rosalía, Dylan, the Replacements …), and a couple he can’t stand (“Wanted Dead or Alive”), Tweedy takes us through his whole journey, from misunderstood Midwestern kid to the kind of guy who can write a book like this. Each track on the playlist is a new chance for him to think through the ways we all use music to shape our identities and connect with one another. He ends up with a gently wise self-portrait of someone who’s attuned to the world’s sensitive frequencies. —S.V.L.

‘Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You,’ Lucinda Williams

There’s a matter-of-fact delivery to Lucinda Williams’ Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You, as the Southern songwriter dryly recounts a series of pivotal events and relationships in her life with the nonchalance of someone telling you what’s on their grocery list. But Williams has never been one for flash, and it’s that casual tone that makes her memoir, full of freewheeling escapades on the road, busted romances with her ideal type of man (“a poet on a motorcycle”), and paths crossed with the literati, such a personal read. “It was New Year’s Day and I was hungover as fuck,” she writes in one chapter, detailing the creation of her song “2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten.” Despite its title, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You doesn’t drop any major revelations. But it doesn’t have to: Williams’ skeletons live in plain view in her songs. —J.H.

‘Parachute Women: Marianne Faithfull, Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, and the Women Behind the Rolling Stones,’ Elizabeth Winder

Winder shines a light on the women of the Rolling Stones — Marianne Faithfull, Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, and Anita Pallenberg — who were long overlooked and dismissed as girlfriends, groupies, and mere muses. In reality, they were much more, exposing Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones to art, culture, and high society. They got them to pick up some Russian literature, dabble in LSD, and indulge in the occasional occult practice. In other words, as Winder writes, “It’s about women of such potency that their sheer proximity turned a band of mama’s boys into Luciferian demigods.” With Parachute Women , Winder removes these powerhouses from the shadows of rock stars and hands them their well-deserved flowers — dead flowers, but flowers all the same. —A.M.

‘Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans,’   Kenneth Womack

Paul McCartney called Mal Evans “a big loveable bear of a roadie.” He was a crucial figure in the Beatles’ inner circle — their loyal road manager, assistant, friend, confidant, sometimes bodyguard, sometimes nursemaid. Everybody knows Mal as the cheerful giant from Get Back , banging the anvil or stalling the police at the door. But he had a dark side that turned deadly in coked-out Seventies California — in 1976, he aimed a rifle at the L.A. cops and was gunned down. Kenneth Womack reveals the whole Mal Evans story in Living the Beatles Legend , a complex portrait of one of the few friends all four Beatles trusted, as he shares their adventures from Liverpool to Hollywood, from Abbey Road to Rishikesh. — R.S.

Contributors: Jon Dolan , Maya Georgi , Kory Grow , Brian Hiatt , Joseph Hudak , Angie Martoccio , Michaelangelo Matos , Rob Sheffield , Brittany Spanos , Simon Vozick-Levinson

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60 Best Books About Musicians – Guitarist Biographies

Let’s talk books! I’ve been busy devouring famous musician biographies over the past few months – guitarists in particular. In fact, it has almost become an addiction – my Amazon wishlist of books about musicians has grown way out of control!

Some are hilarious, others are shocking, most are inspirational and/or motivational. Almost always you’ll gain valuable knowledge and insights that will lead to you becoming a better guitarist/musician yourself.

Books About Musicians Every Guitarist Should Read

In light of my recent addiction, I decided to raid my wishlist and put together this list of some of the best famous musician biographies, autobiographies, diaries and memoirs. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve read all sixty of these, but I certainly plan to! How many have you bagged?

This list of musician biographies is arranged alphabetically by first name. Links to each books about musicians have been provided so that you can easily grab your own copy.

I purposely didn’t include any band biographies as I wanted this list to be for individual musician memoirs only. Maybe we’ll do bands next!

1. B.B King – Blues All Around Me

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In B.B. King’s Blues All Around Me , we dive into the soul-stirring world of a blues legend, where every chord tells a story and every riff bears an emotion. B.B. King, with his trusty Lucille by his side, unfolds a journey that’s as deep and rich as the blues itself, taking us from his humble beginnings to towering heights of musical mastery.

It’s a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the man behind the music, showcasing his triumphs, heartaches, and the relentless pursuit of his craft.

2. Bob Dylan – Chronicles

“Bob Dylan – Chronicles ” takes us on a wild ride through the kaleidoscopic journey of a music icon who’s always danced to the beat of his own drum. With Dylan at the wheel, we zigzag through the defining moments of his career, from the gritty streets of New York to the spotlight’s blinding glare, all while keeping it real with anecdotes that feel like you’re kicking back with Bob himself.

It’s part memoir, part stream of consciousness, and all Dylan, packed with insights and reflections that only he could deliver.

3. Brad Paisley – Diary of a Player

“Brad Paisley – Diary of a Player ” strums its way into your heart, charting the journey of a guitar-slinging kid who dreamed big and ended up living those dreams. It’s like sitting down with Brad himself on a cozy porch, guitars in hand, as he shares the licks, laughs, and life lessons that shaped him into the country music titan he is today.

This book is a backstage pass to the highs, lows, and twangy tunes of Paisley’s life, peppered with wisdom from the guitar gods who guided him. It’s an ode to the six-string and a heartfelt thank-you note to the art that gave his life melody and meaning.

4. Brian ‘Head’ Welch – Save Me From Myself

“Brian ‘Head’ Welch – Save Me From Myself ” dives headfirst into the mosh pit of life, recounting the turbulent journey of a rock star who hit the brakes before the cliff edge. Welch takes us on a backstage tour of his rise with Korn, only to reveal the shadows that lurk behind the spotlight—addiction, despair, and a soul-searching quest for peace.

It’s like chilling with Welch in a dimly lit room, as he shares the raw, unvarnished truth of his fight to find redemption and a higher calling beyond the screams and guitar riffs. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a lifeline thrown into the stormy seas of fame, proving that even the wildest hearts can find their way home.

5. Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run

In “Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run ,” the Boss himself takes us for a spin down the backstreets of his life, revving through the early days in Jersey bars to the dizzying heights of global stardom. It’s like Springsteen’s strumming the soundtrack of his own story, with each chapter a new track that gets you tapping your feet or nodding in reflection.

This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a heart-to-heart with one of rock’s most enduring icons, offering a glimpse into the dreams, battles, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped him.

6. Buddy Guy – When I Left Home

“Buddy Guy – When I Left Home ” strings you along on a blues-infused journey from the cotton fields of Louisiana to the electric buzz of Chicago’s legendary blues scene. It’s like sitting down in a smoky club, listening to Guy himself recount tales of his ascent in the world of blues, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton.

This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a deep dive into the soul of the blues, seen through the eyes of a man who lived it, loved it, and helped shape it. Every page thrums with the passion, pain, and raw talent of a true guitar hero, inviting you to feel every note of his storied career.

7. Carlos Santana – The Universal Tone

“Carlos Santana – The Universal Tone ” takes you on a kaleidoscopic journey through the life of a guitar legend whose strings resonated with the soul of the world. It’s like Santana is riffing right next to you, sharing the symphony of his life—from the vibrant streets of Tijuana to the psychedelic stages of Woodstock.

This book is a soulful melody of spirituality, music, and the universal search for harmony, all seen through the eyes of a man whose guitar could speak the language of the heart. Each chapter pulsates with the rhythms of jazz, rock, and Latin beats, painting a portrait of an artist whose music transcended boundaries and touched the universal soul.

8. Chuck Berry – Brown Eyed Handsome Man

“Chuck Berry – Brown Eyed Handsome Man ” struts through the life of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer with the same swagger and rhythm that Berry brought to the stage. It’s like hopping in a Cadillac with Chuck himself, cruising down the highways of his storied career, from the dingy bars of St. Louis to the bright lights of fame.

This book lays down the soundtrack of a musical revolution, with Berry’s guitar licks and lyrical wit front and center, showcasing the man who could make a guitar talk and audiences around the world listen. It’s an intimate jam session, revealing the triumphs and challenges of the man whose tunes shaped the beat of a generation.

9. Danny Gatton – Unfinished Business

“Danny Gatton – Unfinished Business ” strings you along on a journey with the guitar world’s unsung hero, whose fingers flew faster than the eye could follow. It’s like chilling in a dive bar, listening to tales of Gatton’s legendary licks and the notes he left hanging in the air, a testament to a talent that burned too bright and too fast.

This book isn’t just a biography; it’s a tribute to the man known as “The Telemaster,” whose eclectic blend of jazz, blues, rockabilly, and country left an indelible mark on the music world. Every page resonates with the melody of missed opportunities and the haunting beauty of what could have been, painting a portrait of a musician whose business with the guitar was truly unfinished.

10. Dave Grohl – Times Like His

“Dave Grohl – Times Like His ” drums up the beat of a life lived at full volume, charting the journey from a punk kid banging on pots and pans to the rock titan fronting the Foo Fighters. Grohl invites you to a backstage pass into his world, where every chord has a story, and every riff is a memory.

It’s a raw, uncut track of a memoir, full of heart, humor, and the kind of rock ‘n’ roll wisdom that can only come from a life well-lived on and off the stage.

11. Dave Mustaine – A Heavy Metal Memoir

“Dave Mustaine – A Heavy Metal Memoir ” cranks the volume to eleven, taking you on a headbanging journey through the life of Megadeth’s frontman, from his tumultuous departure from Metallica to the pinnacle of thrash metal glory. Mustaine doesn’t just share stories; he rips through the fabric of the heavy metal scene with the same ferocity as his guitar solos.

Reading this book is like being on tour with Mustaine himself, experiencing the chaos, creativity, and catharsis that fueled his rise to stardom. It’s an unapologetically raw and real look at the highs and lows of a rock legend, filled with enough sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll to satisfy even the most hardcore fans.

12. Dimebag Darrell Abbott – Black Tooth Grin

“Dimebag Darrell Abbott – Black Tooth Grin ” rips through the strings of the late, great Pantera guitarist’s life, capturing the raw energy and unbridled passion that defined him. It’s like being in the pit at a Pantera show, feeling the power of Dimebag’s riffs and the warmth of his larger-than-life personality.

This book doesn’t just recount tales from the road; it dives deep into the heart and soul of a man whose life was a symphony of loud, fast, and heavy moments. It’s a tribute that’s as intense and unforgettable as Dimebag’s legacy, inviting fans and newcomers alike to headbang through the pages of his extraordinary life.

13. Don Felder – Heaven and Hell

“Don Felder – Heaven and Hell ” tunes you into the highs and lows of rock ‘n’ roll, straight from the strings of The Eagles’ former lead guitarist. Felder takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the glittering peaks and shadowy valleys of fame, with every chord striking a balance between the euphoria of creating timeless hits and the tumult of band conflicts.

It’s like grabbing a backstage pass to the inner workings of one of rock’s most legendary bands, all told with the candor and insight only Felder could provide. This memoir is a backstage jam session, filled with tales of music, mayhem, and the long road to finding harmony both on stage and off.

14. Duane Allman – Skydog

“Duane Allman – Skydog ” strings together the meteoric journey of the guitar virtuoso whose life was a lightning bolt in the world of rock and blues. With each page, you’re riding shotgun with Allman, cruising through the creation of the Allman Brothers Band, and diving headfirst into the soul-stirring solos that defined a generation.

This book is like a jam session with Duane himself, intimate and electrifying, revealing the man behind the legend—the triumphs, the tragedies, and the tracks that made him immortal. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a musician whose strings sang with the kind of passion and precision that comes once in a blue moon, inviting readers to feel the resonance of his legacy.

Related Post – The Best Slide Guitarists Of All Time !

15. Duff McKagan – It’s So Easy. And Other Lies

“Duff McKagan – It’s So Easy. And Other Lies ” is a rollercoaster ride through the life of one of rock’s most recognizable bassists, giving us the lowdown on the highs and lows of rock stardom. Duff spills the beans on the wild days with Guns N’ Roses, hitting rock bottom, and clawing his way back up.

It’s packed with jaw-dropping stories, yet it’s the journey of self-discovery and redemption that really grabs you. Peppered with wit, it’s like hanging out with Duff himself, except you’re diving into the pages of his life, no backstage pass needed.

16. Elvis – Last Train to Memphis

“Elvis – Last Train to Memphis ” takes you on a nostalgic ride back to the era of The King, Elvis Presley, before the glitz and the glam took over. It’s like cracking open a time capsule, uncovering the raw energy and ambition of a young Elvis, chasing dreams with a guitar and a truckload of charisma.

The book peels back the layers of fame to reveal the struggles and triumphs of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic figure. With a storytelling vibe that feels like swapping tales on a lazy, sun-soaked afternoon, it brings you face to face with the man behind the legend.

17. Eric Clapton – The Autobiography

“ Eric Clapton – The Autobiography ” dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of Slowhand’s life, pulling no punches. It’s a raw, honest look at Clapton’s journey through the highs of rock god status and the lows of personal demons and loss.

The book feels like a heart-to-heart with Clapton himself, as he lays bare his soul, sharing tales of love, music, and redemption. It’s as if you’re sitting across from him, a guitar leaning against the couch, while he recounts the wild ride of his life with a mix of regret, pride, and a dash of wisdom.

18. Fieldy – Got the Life

“Fieldy – Got the Life ” slams you into the pulsating heart of Korn’s bassist, Fieldy, as he recounts the dizzying ascent to fame and the dark descent that followed. It’s like a backstage pass to his soul, where the party never stops until it almost does, permanently .

With brutal honesty, Fieldy dishes on the chaos of addiction, the wake-up call that changed everything, and the path to redemption through faith. Reading it feels like catching up with an old friend who’s seen the edge, danced on it, and lived to tell the tale, all while keeping a rhythm that’s hard to forget.

19. Frank Zappa – The Real Frank Zappa Book

“Frank Zappa – The Real Frank Zappa Book ” is an off-the-rails journey into the mind of one of music’s most eccentric geniuses. It’s like sitting down for a coffee with Zappa himself, except the coffee’s spiked with a dose of pure, unadulterated Zappa philosophy.

The book zigzags through the surreal landscapes of Frank’s life, music, and unfiltered thoughts on everything under the sun (and some things possibly from another galaxy). It’s a wild, no-holds-barred tour of a truly unique spirit, served up with a side of sharp wit and an undercurrent of serious genius that makes you rethink the ordinary.

20. George Benson – The Autobiography

“ George Benson – The Autobiography ” strings you along on a melodious journey through the life of the guitar virtuoso himself, George Benson. It’s like sitting in on a private jam session where Benson narrates his rise from the gritty streets of Pittsburgh to the glittering stages of jazz and pop superstardom.

With each page, Benson plucks at the heartstrings, sharing the ups and downs, the hits and misses, and the soulful tunes of his life. It’s an intimate, groove-filled ride that lets you feel the passion and dedication of a man who truly lived to play, making it feel less like reading a book and more like listening to a long, soulful solo that you never want to end.

21. George Harrison – I Me Mine

“George Harrison – I Me Mine ” takes you on a groovy trip into the quiet Beatle’s mind, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of George Harrison’s life and soul. It’s like sitting down in a dimly lit room, incense burning, as George strums his guitar and shares the stories behind the songs, the spirituality, and the personal journeys that defined him.

Through his own words, you’re invited to explore the depths of Harrison’s thoughts on fame, faith, and the music that flowed through him like a mystical river. This book isn’t just a read; it’s an intimate conversation with a legend, making you feel like you’re part of a very exclusive, very laid-back hangout session.

22. Gregg Allman – My Cross to Bear

“Gregg Allman – My Cross to Bear ” throws you headfirst into the whirlwind life of one of rock’s true survivors. It’s like sitting at a dive bar with Allman himself, nursing a whiskey while he recounts the wild ride of founding The Allman Brothers Band, the music that set the world on fire, and the personal demons that nearly did the same to him.

With raw honesty and a gritty sense of humor, Gregg shares tales of love, loss, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a changing America. Reading it feels like listening to a bluesy riff that echoes long after the last page is turned, leaving you feeling like you’ve just been part of something real, something raw, and undeniably authentic.

23. Jaco Pastorius – The Extraordinary and Tragic Life

“Jaco Pastorius – The Extraordinary and Tragic Life ” dives deep into the turbulent waters of the legendary bassist’s life, capturing the electric buzz of Jaco’s genius and the dark undercurrents that pulled him under. It’s like jamming backstage with Jaco himself, feeling every high of his groundbreaking musical highs and the crushing lows of his personal battles.

The book lays bare the soul of a man who redefined the possibilities of the bass guitar, yet couldn’t escape his own demons. Reading it, you’re on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, from awe at his talent to heartbreak at his downfall, all wrapped in a narrative that’s as compelling as one of Jaco’s own solos.

24. James Hetfield – So Let It Be Written

“James Hetfield – So Let It Be Written ” cranks up the volume on the life of Metallica’s frontman, giving you a front-row seat to the thrash metal revolution. It’s like cracking open Hetfield’s personal diary, revealing the man behind the growling vocals and riff-heavy guitar work.

The book charts the meteoric rise of Metallica, the battles with addiction, and Hetfield’s journey to find balance amidst the chaos of rock stardom. Reading it feels like hanging out in the studio with the band, absorbing the sweat, tears, and raw energy that fueled one of music’s most iconic acts.

25. Janis Joplin – Love Janis

“Janis Joplin – Love Janis ” serves up an intimate, heart-wrenching look at the wild soul of rock’s most unforgettable voice. It’s like flipping through a scrapbook Janis herself might have kept, filled with personal letters, reflections, and the raw, unvarnished truths of her life.

This book pulls you into Janis’s world, where love, pain, and music intertwine in a psychedelic tapestry of the 60s. Reading it feels like a late-night chat with Janis, under a sky full of stars, sharing dreams and fears in equal measure.

26. Hot Wired Guitar: The Life of Jeff Beck

“ Hot Wired Guitar: The Life of Jeff Beck ” strings you along on a riff-filled journey through the life of the guitar maestro himself. It’s like being on a long, winding road trip with Beck’s solos as the soundtrack, exploring every twist and turn of his groundbreaking career.

From the Yardbirds to his solo adventures, the book dives deep into the essence of Beck’s genius, his relentless pursuit of musical perfection, and his influence on rock and blues. Reading it feels like a backstage pass to the mind of a legend, offering a glimpse into the soul of a man who let his guitar do the talking, crafting sounds that still echo through the halls of rock history.

27. Jerry Garcia – An American Life

“Jerry Garcia – An American Life ” invites you on a psychedelic journey through the life of the Grateful Dead’s iconic frontman. It’s like drifting down a river of memories, each turn revealing a new facet of Garcia’s complex, colorful world.

From his early days in the San Francisco music scene to the Dead’s rise as counterculture heroes, the book paints a portrait of a man whose guitar could speak the language of the soul. Reading it feels like a long, strange trip filled with music, mayhem, and moments of transcendence, capturing the spirit of a man who lived his life in the pursuit of the next great jam.

28. Jimi Hendrix – Room Full of Mirrors

“Jimi Hendrix – Room Full of Mirrors ” cranks up the volume on the life of the guitar god, offering a kaleidoscopic view into the world of Jimi Hendrix . It’s like stepping into a Hendrix solo—colorful, explosive, and full of unexpected twists.

From his humble beginnings to becoming the emblem of rock’s psychedelic era, the book delves deep into the mysteries that surrounded his life and the genius that defined his music. Reading it feels like a backstage pass to Jimi’s world, where every page turns with the vibe of a late-night jam session, echoing with the sounds of a guitar legend who left us too soon.

29. Jimmy Page – Jimmy Page

Next up in our list of books about music is ‘ Jimmy ‘. Diving into this book is like strapping in for a wild ride with the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin’s thunderous riffs. It’s an intimate backstage tour of Page’s life, from his session musician days to Zeppelin’s stratospheric rise, and beyond.

The book lays down a track of stories filled with rock ‘n’ roll excess, groundbreaking music, and the mystical aura that seems to surround Page. Reading it feels like flipping through a vinyl collection of classic hits, each chapter a new record that drops the needle on the life of a rock legend, with all the backstage anecdotes and forbidden riffs you’d hope to find.

30. Joe Perry – Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith

“Joe Perry – Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith ” slingshots you into the heart of the rock ‘n’ roll storm that is Aerosmith, all from the perspective of its lead guitarist. It’s like sitting down with Perry himself, guitars leaning against the wall, as he dishes on the dizzying highs and gritty lows of rock stardom.

With a mix of raw honesty and cool detachment, Perry recounts the battles with bandmates, the love affair with music, and the personal demons he faced. Flipping through the pages feels like riffling through a jukebox of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, each story a track that plays back the soundtrack of a life lived at the edge of the stage lights.

31. Joe Satriani – Strange Beautiful Music

“Joe Satriani – Strange Beautiful Music ” takes you on a sonic journey through the strings of Satriani’s guitar, revealing the shred guitarist’s process, inspiration, and the evolution of his sound. It’s like floating through a galaxy of notes and melodies, where each chapter unveils a new planet of soundscapes crafted by the guitar guru himself.

Joe shares the stories behind his iconic tracks, the experimentation with gear, and the philosophical musings on music and life. Reading it feels like jamming with Satriani in his studio, where every riff and solo transports you to a world where music transcends the ordinary, painting the air with strange, beautiful sounds.

32. John Fogerty – Fortunate Son

Next up in this list of books about music is “John Fogerty – Fortunate Son “. This book rocks you through the tumultuous journey of the Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, from the swamps of the Bayou to the pinnacle of rock fame. It’s like sitting on a porch swing, guitar in hand, as Fogerty recounts the battles with bandmates, the industry sharks, and the personal demons that accompanied his rise.

With a voice as clear and piercing as his signature riffs, John shares the inspirations behind his timeless hits and the cost of being a voice of a generation. Reading it feels like listening to a classic CCR album; every page resonates with the spirit of a man who rode the river of rock ‘n’ roll, weathering its storms to emerge, perhaps battered, but unbowed.

33. John Lennon – The Life

“ John Lennon – The Life ” pulls you into the whirlwind world of the Beatle who dared to imagine, exploring the depths of his genius, his flaws, and the contradictions that made him a legend. It’s like wandering through a gallery of Lennon’s mind, where each chapter is a different exhibit, revealing the layers behind the icon—his music, activism, and the personal battles that fueled his art.

With intimate anecdotes and insights, the book feels less like a biography and more like a long, revealing conversation with Lennon himself, set against the backdrop of a changing world. Reading it is a trip through the life of a man whose vision and voice continue to echo, challenging us to dream and think deeper.

34. Johnny Cash – Cash

“Johnny Cash – Cash ” is a deep dive into the Man in Black’s life, told with the raw honesty and gritty charm that defined his music. It’s like sitting across from Cash himself, in a dimly lit room, as he recounts the epic tales of his journey through fame, heartbreak, redemption, and the undying love for June.

With each page, you’re taken on a ride through the highs and lows, from the wild tours to the quiet moments of reflection, all underscored by his deep, resonant voice. Reading it feels like listening to one of his classic albums—each story a track that weaves the complex tapestry of a legend’s life, leaving you feeling like you’ve truly walked the line with Johnny Cash .

35. John Oates – Change of Seasons

Let’s continue our list of books about musicians with “John Oates – Change of Seasons “. This is a rhythmic journey through the life of one half of the iconic Hall & Oates duo, blending the soulful beats of music with the personal ebbs and flows of his life. It’s like sitting down with Oates in a cozy, dimly lit music room, as he shares the stories behind the hits, the tours, and the partnership that defined an era.

With each turn of the page, you’re treated to an intimate backstage pass to his triumphs, challenges, and the moments of clarity that shaped him. Reading it feels like strumming through a heartfelt melody of life, love, and the constant evolution of an artist who’s seen it all, yet remains open to the ever-changing seasons of life.

36. Keith Richards – Life

“Keith Richards – Life ” takes you on a wild ride with the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, through the smoke-filled rooms of rock ‘n’ roll history. It’s like being on the ultimate backstage tour, where Richards, with his trademark candor and wit, shares the stories of the Stones’ meteoric rise, the mayhem, and the music that defined a generation.

The book is a no-holds-barred account of life in one of the world’s greatest bands, complete with battles, brotherhood, and a lot of guitar strings. Reading it feels like jamming with Richards late into the night, every chord and confession revealing the heart and soul of rock’s most infamous survivor.

37. Kurt Cobain – Heavier than Heaven

“Kurt Cobain – Heavier Than Heaven ” plunges into the turbulent waters of the Nirvana frontman’s life, capturing the raw intensity and haunting beauty of Cobain’s world. It’s like a backstage pass to the soul of the 90s grunge movement, offering a glimpse into Kurt’s creative genius and the demons that danced in the shadows.

Through a mix of personal anecdotes and vivid storytelling, the book paints a portrait of a man whose music echoed the angst and hopes of a generation. Reading it feels like flipping through a deeply personal album, each chapter a song that reveals more of the complex, passionate spirit of Kurt Cobain , leaving you feeling closer to the legend who burned too bright.

38. Lemmy Kilminster – White Line Fever

“Lemmy Kilminster – White Line Fever ” is an electrifying charge down the fast lane of the Motörhead frontman’s life, packed with the raw energy and unapologetic truth that defined Lemmy. It’s like sitting at the bar with the man himself, whisky in hand, as he recounts the wild ride of rock ‘n’ roll excess, groundbreaking music, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

With a voice that’s as gritty and relentless as his bass lines, Lemmy shares tales of life on the edge, the creation of anthems that would define a genre, and the unyielding spirit of a true rock legend. Reading this musician book feels like catching lightning in a bottle, a rare glimpse into the eye of the storm that was Lemmy’s life, leaving you with a buzz that’s hard to shake.

39. Les Paul – In His Own Words

“ Les Paul – In His Own Words ” strings you along on a melodious journey through the life of the legendary inventor and musician who changed the sound of music forever. It’s like sitting down in Les Paul’s workshop, surrounded by wires and wood, as he narrates the story of his innovations and the music that inspired them.

With each page, you’re treated to intimate tales of the birth of the electric guitar, the evolution of recording technology, and the jam sessions that sparked a revolution in sound. Reading it feels like listening to a living history of music, told by the man whose passion and genius plugged the guitar into the future, making it sing in ways it never had before. In terms of music biographies, this is a must read.

40. Lita Ford – Living Like a Runaway

“ Lita Ford – Living Like a Runaway” is a high-octane trip through the life of the queen of metal, packed with the same fiery spirit and razor-sharp riffs that catapulted her to stardom. It’s like sitting shotgun in a muscle car with Lita at the wheel, tearing down the highway of rock ‘n’ roll history.

She spills the tea on her groundbreaking journey in a male-dominated scene, the wild tours, the battles, and the music that blazed a trail for female rockers. Reading it feels like an all-access pass to the backstage dramas and triumphs, all delivered with Lita’s signature blend of toughness and heart, proving she’s not just any runaway, but rock royalty.

41. Marilyn Manson – The Long Hard Road Out of Hell

“Marilyn Manson – The Long Hard Road Out of Hell ” drags you through the twisted, dark corridors of the shock rock icon’s rise to infamy, wrapped in a cloak of controversy and rebellion. It’s like delving into a macabre circus, where each chapter unveils another layer of Manson’s meticulously crafted persona and the chaotic world that fueled his art.

Through tales of excess, transformation, and defiance, Manson bares his soul, revealing the man behind the makeup. Reading it feels like a fever dream, a provocative journey through the highs and lows of a life lived defiantly outside the lines, challenging norms and sparking fires of discussion wherever it goes.

42. Max Cavalera – My Bloody Roots

“Max Cavalera – My Bloody Roots ” thunders through the life of the metal titan, from the raw streets of Brazil to the global stages of Sepultura and Soulfly fame. It’s like a mosh pit of memories, where each chapter slams into you with the intensity of a thrash riff, sharing the struggles, the fights, and the unbreakable spirit of a man who refused to let anything silence his music.

Max opens up about the fusion of sounds that define his style, the personal losses that have shaped him, and the rebellious energy that fuels his songs. Reading it feels like hanging out backstage with Cavalera himself, sharing stories that are as brutally honest as they are inspiring, all delivered with the passion of someone who lives and breathes metal.

43. Muddy Waters – Can’t Be Satisfied

Next up in our list of books about musicians is “Muddy Waters – Can’t Be Satisfied “. This book dives deep into the muddy waters of the blues legend’s life, charting his journey from the cotton fields of Mississippi to the electric buzz of Chicago’s blues scene. It’s like sitting on a porch in the deep south, guitar in hand, as Waters’s story unfolds with the gritty realism of a life lived in the pursuit of musical truth.

Through tales of hardship, innovation, and the birth of electric blues, this book paints a portrait of a man whose guitar strings pulled the heartstrings of a generation. Reading it feels like listening to a blues riff that’s as raw and real as the life from which it sprang, echoing the soulful, unyielding spirit of Muddy Waters himself.

44. Neil Young – Waging Heavy Peace

“Neil Young – Waging Heavy Peace ” is an introspective journey through the life of the rock icon, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a man known for his enigmatic music and relentless creativity. It’s like sitting by a crackling fire with Young as he recounts tales from his sprawling career, from the dizzying heights of fame to the quiet moments that fuel his artistry.

With a mix of reflection, humor, and sincerity, Neil shares his passions, from music to model trains to his ventures into high-fidelity audio. Reading it feels like flipping through a personal scrapbook, each page a snapshot of a life lived with intensity, integrity, and a deep love for the muse that drives him.

45. Nikki Sixx – Heroin Diaries

“Nikki Sixx – Heroin Diaries ” plunges into the dark heart of the Mötley Crüe bassist’s battle with addiction, set against the backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll excess. It’s like walking through a haunted house, where each room reveals more of the harrowing, yet strangely captivating, depths of Sixx’s year-long descent into drug-fueled madness.

With brutal honesty and startling clarity, Sixx shares diary entries that paint a vivid picture of a life on the edge, teetering between destruction and creativity. Reading it feels like listening to a confession, raw and unfiltered, that’s as much a cautionary tale as it is a testament to the power of survival and redemption.

46. Ozzy Osbourne – I Am Ozzy

What list of the best musician biographies would be complete without” I Am Ozzy “? This is the uproarious, no-holds-barred autobiography of Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to the summit of heavy metal royalty. It’s like sitting down with Ozzy at a pub, as he regales you with tales of legendary excess, on-stage antics, and the tumultuous life of a rock icon.

With his unmistakable wit and candor, Osbourne recounts the dizzying highs and devastating lows of his career, all while maintaining a sense of humor about the madness that has been his life. The book feels like riding a roller coaster in the dark, thrilling and unpredictable, echoing the wild, unforgettable ride that is Ozzy’s life.

47. Paul McCartney – Many Years From Now

“ Paul McCartney – Many Years From Now ” offers a vivid, melody-filled stroll down memory lane, guided by Sir Paul McCartney himself, spotlighting his Beatles years and beyond. Throughout the book, McCartney shares personal stories behind the songs, the brotherhood, the laughter, and the tears of the Fab Four’s journey.

With intimate insights and charming anecdotes, McCartney paints a portrait of a time that reshaped music forever, all told with the warmth and wit only he could provide. Reading it feels like uncovering a treasure trove of musical history, making you a confidant in the legacy of a legend whose tunes have echoed through many years and still captivate hearts worldwide.

48. Prince – Dig If You Will the Picture

Let’s continue our list of books on musicians with “Prince – Dig You Will the Picture “. This book immerses you in the enigmatic world of Prince, exploring the depth and breadth of his musical genius and the impact he left on the world. It’s like wandering through a vibrant, sonic landscape painted with the hues of funk, rock, R&B, and soul, all blending together under the guiding hand of the Purple One.

Through a mosaic of interviews, analyses, and reflections, the book offers a glimpse into Prince’s creative process, his innovations, and the iconic moments that defined his career. Reading it feels like being invited into the exclusive, eclectic universe of Prince, where every page pulses with the rhythm of his life and the echoes of his legacy.

49. Randy Rhoads – Crazy Train

What list of the best music biographies would be complete without “Randy Rhoads – Crazy Train “? This book takes you on a high-speed journey through the life of the guitar prodigy who redefined heavy metal riffing. It’s like being plugged directly into Rhoads’s amp, feeling the energy and passion that fueled his legendary performances with Ozzy Osbourne.

Through intimate recollections and detailed accounts, the book explores Randy’s meteoric rise, his devotion to music, and the tragic crash that ended his life too soon. Reading it feels like a backstage pass to the 80s rock scene, offering a heartfelt tribute to a musician whose legacy continues to electrify guitar enthusiasts around the world.

50. Robbie Robertson – Testimony

“Robbie Robertson – Testimony ” weaves a rich tapestry of the music scene from the golden age of rock, through the eyes and guitar of The Band’s legendary guitarist. It’s like sitting down in a dimly lit room with Robertson as he recounts the journey from backing Bob Dylan to becoming rock royalty themselves.

With vivid storytelling, he shares the camaraderie, the tours, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped some of the most iconic music of the era. Reading it feels like flipping through a photo album of rock history, each chapter a snapshot that captures the spirit, the struggles, and the magic of a time when music was a powerful force for change.

51. Robert Johnson – Escaping the Delta

We’ll continue our list of books on musicians with the incrediblee “Robert Johnson – Escaping the Delta “. This book unveils the mystique of the blues legend whose guitar prowess sparked rumors of a deal with the devil. It’s like stepping into a crossroads at midnight, where each turn of the page sheds light on Johnson’s life, the myths that shrouded his legacy, and the profound impact he had on music history.

The book delves deep into the heart of the Delta blues, revealing how Johnson’s innovative style and haunting lyrics echoed far beyond the cotton fields, influencing generations of musicians. Reading it feels like uncovering a secret chapter of music history, offering a closer look at the man behind the myth, whose chords and cries continue to resonate through the annals of American music.

52. Sammy Hagar – Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock

“Sammy Hagar – Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock ” blasts through the life of the Red Rocker with the speed and power of a muscle car, capturing the essence of a rock ‘n’ roll journey like no other. It’s like kicking back with Hagar himself, tequila in hand, as he shares the wild stories of his rise from humble beginnings to his days with Van Halen and beyond.

With unflinching honesty and a sense of humor, Sammy recounts the highs, the lows, and everything in-between, including the epic parties and personal battles. Reading it feels like being on tour with a rock legend, offering an all-access pass to the backstage, on-stage, and off-stage antics that define the life of a man who’s lived every moment at full throttle. One of the best musician autobiographies in this list!

53. Scott Ian – I’m The Man: The Story of That Guy From Anthrax

“ I’m The Man: The Story of That Guy From Anthrax ” cranks up the volume on Scott Ian’s life, offering a no-holds-barred look at the rhythm guitarist’s journey through the thrash metal scene. It’s like grabbing a beer with Ian as he recounts the wild ride of Anthrax, from its foundation to becoming one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, peppered with anecdotes of mayhem, music, and mosh pits.

With a candid voice and a sharp sense of humor, Ian shares the ups and downs, the backstage stories, and the passion for music that kept him thrashing on the guitar strings. Reading it feels like a whirlwind trip through the metal scene of the ’80s and ’90s, full of headbanging moments, laughter, and a deep, unabashed love for heavy metal.

54. Slash – The Autobiography

“ Slash ” slices through the life of the iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist, delivering raw, unfiltered stories from the man beneath the top hat. It’s like being invited to an after-hours jam session, where Slash lays down the riff of his life, from the dizzying highs of rock stardom to the shadowy lows of addiction and recovery.

With every page, Slash’s voice cuts through like a solo, sharing the tumult and triumphs of a life lived on the edge of a guitar pick. Reading it feels like a backstage pass into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll, gritty, real, and louder than life, offering a glimpse of the man who became a legend, one chord at a time.

55. Stevie Ray Vaughan – Caught in the Crossfire

Another of the best music biographies is “Stevie Ray Vaughan – Caught in the Crossfire “. This book dives into the whirlwind life of the guitar legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan, with a narrative as electrifying as one of his solos. The book paints a vivid picture of Vaughan’s rise from a kid with big dreams in Dallas to becoming a rock and blues icon, admired by millions.

It doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of his journey, including his battles with addiction and his tragic, untimely death. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, it’s a heartfelt tribute to Vaughan’s genius, capturing the spirit of a man who lived at full throttle, both on stage and off.

56. Tom Petty – The Biography

Diving into “ Tom Petty – The Biography ,” you’re hitching a ride on the wild journey of one of rock’s most beloved figures. This book cracks open the vault on Petty’s life, from his roots in Gainesville, Florida, to the zenith of rock stardom, revealing the heartbreaks and triumphs along the way.

It’s a no-holds-barred exploration of his musical genius, personal struggles, and the unbreakable spirit that defined his career. Through intimate stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it feels like you’re on the road with Petty himself, sharing in the laughter, the tears, and the unforgettable music.

57. Tony Iommi – Iron Man

“Tony Iommi – Iron Man ” rips through the life of Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi, with the same intensity as his iconic riffs. This book takes you on a headbanging journey from Iommi’s early days in Birmingham, England, through the highs and lows of rock stardom, to becoming a metal god.

It doesn’t just stick to the music; this musician biography dives deep into Iommi’s personal battles, including his fight to play guitar after a factory accident almost ended his career. Packed with wild stories, profound insights, and a dash of humor, get the inside scoop on what made Sabbath’s sound immortal.

58. Willie Nelson – It’s a Long Story

“Willie Nelson – It’s a Long Story ” takes you on a leisurely stroll down the winding roads of Willie Nelson’s life, with the man himself as your guide. From his early days in Texas through the wild twists of country music fame, Nelson’s tale is a rich tapestry of songs, smoke, and soul-searching.

The book is peppered with tales of Nelson’s encounters with music legends, his battles against the establishment, and his unwavering commitment to his craft and causes. Reading this musician biography feels like sitting on a porch with Willie, strumming a guitar under the stars, as he shares the wisdom and wild stories collected over decades of making music and making waves.

59. Yngwie Malmsteen – Relentless

Next in our list of musician memoirs is “Yngwie Malmsteen – Relentless “. This book shreds through the life story of the shred guitar virtuoso with the same ferocity he applies to his six-string. This musician autobiography gives you front-row seats to the rollercoaster ride of Malmsteen’s journey, from a rebellious kid in Sweden dreaming of rock glory to becoming a maestro of the neoclassical metal genre.

The book is packed with tales of rockstar excess, intense dedication to his art, and the relentless pursuit of musical perfection that’s as mind-blowing as his solos. Read through his triumphs, trials, and the relentless drive that propelled him to the pantheon of guitar gods.

60. Zakk Wylde – Bringing Metal to the Children

The final entry in our list of books about musicians is “Zakk Wylde – Bringing Metal to the Children “. This is a wild ride through the rock n’ roll circus as seen through the eyes of guitar legend Zakk Wylde. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a backstage pass to the mayhem, madness, and sheer metal insanity that comes with life on the road in the world of heavy music.

Wylde dishes out hilarious tales, hard-earned wisdom, and a few lessons on what it really takes to bring the metal to the masses. Join Zakk as he recounts the epic journey of a life lived loud and proud in the service of heavy metal.

Musician Biographies Missing?

Hopefully you’ve managed to find several awesome musician biographies in this article that you fancy reading yourself.

However, if you feel that I’ve missed out any essential books about musicians, please drop me an email. You’ll find a link to my contact form in the footer below.

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Best books about music: Essential reads for all music fans

Delve into the history of the world’s biggest artists, explore the many genres of rock and take a closer look at the pivotal moments that shaped our favourite sounds with our guide to the best books about music

One thing is for sure: the world of rock music is rarely boring – and if you're looking to explore some of the very best books about music ever written, then you've come to the right place.

From brilliant autobiographies and compendiums, through to warts'n'all exposes and stunningly detailed histories, there’s plenty of reading material out there for devoted music fans to delve into.

Below, you’ll find our pick of our favourite books ever written about music alongside a selection of the best reads of last year. So whether you're looking to buy a gift for a friend or hunting for something to keep you engaged during lockdown, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something in the list which fits the bill.

1. The Dirt: Motley Crue with Neill Strauss

You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.

The big one. The (really filthy) Godfather of rock books. The book was immortalised in the Netflix feature film, The Dirt and is so gob-smackingly scandalous, you’ll frequently question whether the events actually happened as you read through it.

Read in shock and awe as Nikki Sixx and co . rise from smalltime LA to the Sunset Strip and the biggest stages in the world – smoking, shagging and shooting up all things, both thinkable and unthinkable. 

2. Waiting For The Sun - by Barney Hoskyns

From surfboards to singer-songwriters, from Svengalis to satanic cults, this multigenerational round-up of the LA Music scene reads like a well-written novel. 

All the legendary characters are represented – Jim Morrison , Frank Zappa , Gram Parsons – but it’s often the lesser-known names such as Van Dyke Parks and Lou Adler who offer the most interesting insights. It's a story of excess, eccentricity and enduring musical splendour.

3. Hammer Of The Gods - by Stephen Davis

Another justifiably popular big fish that’s been by turns revered, criticised and reissued since it was first published in 1985. Journalist Stephen Davis travelled through America with Led Zeppelin for two weeks in 1975, as their US tour was kicking off. 

For better or worse, his chief source for this unauthorised biography was Richard Cole, Zeppelin’s sometime tour manager/roadie. On the one hand, the band have publicly refuted its accuracy. On the other hand, its juicy, funny, shocking stories have been poured over greedily by thousands.

4. Please Kill Me by Legs McNeil & Gillian McCain

The debate over whether the UK or US can lay claim to have ‘invented’ punk rock has raged on for years. We’ll keep this simple: it was the US. 

Please Kill Me brilliantly documents the genre’s messy birth and wildly creative early years by letting all the key players – Lou Reed , Iggy Pop , the Ramones , Johnny Thunders, Rob Tyner, Patti Smith, Richard Hell, Debbie Harry, etc – tell their stories in their own words. If punk means more to you than just a slogan on an artfully ripped T-shirt, you need this book.

5. The True Adventures Of The Rolling Stones by Stanley Booth

One of the most enlightening pictures of the rock revolution of the 60s that you’re ever likely to read, The True Adventures Of The Rolling Stones is also a no-holds-barred insider view of the rise of the Rolling Stones . 

A huge part of its appeal lies in its writer. By the time Booth met Mick, Keef and co. he’d already drunk “Scotch with B.B. King for breakfast” and watched “Otis Redding teach Steve Cropper The Dock Of The Bay”. That same zeal is captured here, one hugely engaging triumph, pitfall and brush with the law after another.

6. Lonely Boy: Tales From A Sex Pistol by Steve Jones

The influence of The Sex Pistols on modern music – and punk especially – is quite simply undeniable. This first-hand account from the band’s guitarist Steve Jones manages to capture the significance of the group through his own eyes, but it also delves deep into his difficult childhood. 

There's no doubt about it: Steve Jones is a one-off. He's hilarious, eccentric, painfully honest and 100% Lahndahn, which is all the more surprising, since he's lived in Los Angeles for decades.

7. The Beatles: All These Years Vol.1 by Mark Lewisohn

Quite possibly the most gargantuan undertaking in the history of music literature, Volume One of Mark Lewisohn's history of The Beatles is merely the first part of a trilogy, and ends before Beatlemania. 

All These Years Vol. 1 is stunningly researched and is mind-bogglingly detailed, its 960 pages teach us so much about a band we think we already know everything about. And for the terminally curious, there's also an expanded version that tells the story over more than 1700 pages . Staggering.  

8. Murder in the Front Row by Brian Lew & Harald Oimoen

San Francisco natives Brian Lew and Harald Oimoen were two metal-obsessed geeks who just happened to find themselves at the epicentre of a world-changing musical revolution when a little band from Los Angeles called Metallica moved to the Bay Area on February 12, 1983. 

Largely a photo book,  Murder In The Front Row  brilliantly captures the camaraderie, raw enthusiasm and reckless, violent energy of the nascent thrash metal, from Metallica’s very first rehearsal w ith bassist Cliff Burton through to the release of Slayer ’s peerless  Reign In Blood album.

9. Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad

The bible for anyone interested in DIY punk rock culture,  Our Band Could Be Your Life  details the birth and development of the US underground rock scene in the 1980s, focussing upon biographies of 13 trail-blazing bands – Black Flag, Sonic Youth, Butthole Surfers, Mudhoney and Fugazi among them – who together mapped out a new terrain for rock music, pre- Nirvana . 

Without these bands, and their stubbornly independent, take-no-shit-from-anyone bullishness, Nirvana would have been just another local bar band.

10. White Line Fever by Lemmy

First published in 2002 and re-printed several times since, Lemmy 's autobiography takes some beating. From his childhood in Wales, through his discovery of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll (not quite in that order), and on to rock infamy,  White Line Fever  is never less than entertaining. 

Lemmy was a well-read and sharp-witted character and his book is a hilarious and warm reminder of the man we lost. An essential read.

11. Choosing Death by Albert Mudrian

Subtitled The Improbable History of Death Metal and Grindcor e, Decibel magazine Editor Mudrian’s text offers an incisive, in-depth analysis of the rise of the extreme metal underground, tracing a path from the back rooms of Birmingham pubs to the US arena circuit. 

Input from the likes of Napalm Death, Cannibal Corpse, Entombed, Death, At The Gates and more lends authenticity, while much unintentional humour comes from the sheer joyful naivety of those involved. Lords Of Chaos is more sensationalist, but this is the smartest book yet written on underground metal.

12. Fried And Justified by Mick Houghton

Veteran PR Mick Houghton’s disarmingly honest and ego-free memoir of his time working with some of the more challenging and off-piste acts of the 80s and 90s – Echo & The Bunnymen, Julian Cope, KLF – thrills in its insight and pragmatism. 

On the KLF’s notorious burning of £1 million, Houghton says: "I was never that shocked… in music-business terms £1m is nothing… The House Of Love blew £800,000 in less than a year."

13. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life And Times Of Warren Zevon by Crystal Zevon

In death as in life, Warren Zevon remains a cult figure. Fortunately his ex-wife Crystal ensured that his legacy hasn’t been totally forgotten. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead is no fawning hagiography; this is a blackly comic oral history that depicts Zevon as equal parts genius and asshole. 

Family, collaborators and superstar friends (Stephen King, Bruce Springsteen) praise and crucify a man who lived life with a mix of relish and spite. That a dying Zevon gave it his blessing says much about the man.

14. 1971: Never A Dull Moment by David Hepworth

Never one for group-think, Hepworth’s persuasive defence of his proposition that 1971 was rock’s greatest year casts a broad cultural net woven with acute and original thinking. 

With monumental releases by Zeppelin, David Bowie , the Stones, Pink Floyd and more that year, it’s less the postulation that matters, rather his exhilarating analysis bolstered by impeccable research and flair. The appendix listing 100 albums from 1971 is an expert witness in itself.

15. Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and The Germs by Brendan Mullen

The story of doomed punk rock anti-hero Darby Crash and his heroically inept band The Germs (who featured future Foo Fighter Pat Smear), Lexicon Devil is a brilliantly sketched portrait of idealism, energy, confusion and self-destruction in the LA punk scene of the late 1970s. 

By turns hilarious, terrifying and heart-breakingly sad, it’s a vivid, visceral read, pulsing with the energy and colour of a lost Los Angeles. Remarkably, it features in not one, but two, Red Hot Chili Peppers videos (By The Way and Universally Speaking) as Anthony Kiedis’ book of choice.

16. Life by Keith Richards

How Keith Richards is still alive is one of science’s more unfathomable mysteries. 

And it has to be said that even after you’ve read this thoroughly engaging autobiography (assisted by journalist James Fox) and placed it back on the bookshelf, you won’t be any the wiser. However, what you will have is an incisive view of the Rolling Stones' guitarist's world of riffs, rock, drugs, women, arrests and more, from his childhood in Kent through to life in the 21st century.

17. Espedair Street by Iain Banks

Late Scottish novelist Iain Banks’s fictional love letter to classic rock, Espedair Street is a thinly veiled retelling of the Fleetwood Mac myth, from the perspective of hulking bassist Daniel ‘Weird’ Weir, a character inspired by ex- Marillion singer Fish . 

Romantic rivalries, tragic mid-air deaths, suicide attempts, triumphant comebacks… every rock’n’roll cliché is gleefully ramped up to fever pitch, and it’s all the better for it. It’s amazing that they haven’t made it into a movie.

18. Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen

“The writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind,” Bruce Springsteen writes in his autobiography. And in his trademark plain-spoken but poetic way, he does just that. 

Whether detailing his uneasy relationship with his father, the sexual perks of superstardom or his struggles with depression, Bruce is frank and funny. Ultimately, you sense that he’s writing not only to share his experiences but also to better understand them. 

19. Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine

As guitarist with 70s punks The Slits – an all-female band in an overwhelmingly male-dominated scene – Viv Albertine has had a compelling perspective of rock’n’roll. 

Since then, as this book thoughtfully documents, Albertine has moved into film, been through divorce, IVF, illness and also got back into making music – all which she discusses with evocative attention to detail.

20. Burning Down The Haus: Punk Rock, Revolution and the Fall of the Berlin Wall by Tim Mohr

This secret history of East German punk rock is not just about the music; it is a story of extraordinary bravery in the face of one of the most oppressive regimes in history. 

Rollicking, cinematic, deeply researched, highly readable, and thrillingly topical,  Burning Down The Haus  brings to life the young men and women who successfully fought authoritarianism three chords at a time – and is a fiery testament to the irrepressible spirit of revolution.

21. No One Here Gets Out Alive by Jerry Hopkins & Danny Sugarman

Jim Morrison was being deified before his body was even cold, but No One Here Gets Out Alive elevated him to Immortal Godhead. 

It helped that former Doors manager and Morrison confidante Danny Sugarman had a ringside seat for the iconic singer’s rise, fall and posthumous resurrection – as a portrait of a doomed talent this book is fantastic, but it’s as an exercise in myth-making where it truly excels.

22. Suzy, Led Zeppelin, and Me by Martin Millar

A novel, or maybe a memoir, about being young and in love – with a band as much as a girl –  Suzy, Led Zeppelin, and Me  follows the narrator as he makes a complete tit of himself over the eponymous girl, and obsesses over Led Zeppelin in the build-up to the band's gig at Green's Playhouse in Glasgow. 

Full of period detail and timeless romance, it's a brilliantly rendered tale of obsession from one of the UK's best comic writers.

23. Beneath The Underdog by Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus might have been a jazzer, but his life was more rock'n'roll than most, and Beneath The Underdog is a helluva story: part memoir, part erotic fantasy, part stream of consciousness tirade.

Mingus writes of growing up in Poverty in Watts, and trying to succeed as a musician in a society that didn't want him to. It's not always an easy read, and Mingus isn't an entirely sympathetic character, but it's utterly unique: very few musicians have carried off a successful parallel career as a pimp.

24. Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs

You can’t really talk about the rise of rock journalism without mentioning Lester Bangs. Tragically, although perhaps unsurprisingly, he was not long for this world – he died at 33 of an accidental overdose. 

Philip Seymour Hoffman played him in the film Almost Famous , and this posthumous collection by Greil Marcus (Bangs’s first editor at Rolling Stone, in 1969) reminds us of his enduring position as one of the most distinctive, thrillingly unpredictable voices in American writing.

25. Chronicles: Vol. 1 by Bob Dylan

Something of a revelation on its publication, with few expecting the enigmatic Bob Dylan to sidestep his usual obfuscation and ellipsis and cut straight to the quick. 

While not wholly innocent of the former, Chronicles examines three points in Dylan's career (1961, 1970, and 1989) with piercing clarity and an insightful artistic remove. Full of taut one-liners, folksy idioms and no little humour, at its best the book is on a par with his greatest songs.

26. Revolution In the Head by Ian MacDonald

Just when it seemed like there was nothing left to say about The Beatles , ex-NME writer Ian MacDonald drilled down into the one aspect of their career that hadn’t been strip-mined: the songs. 

Revolution In The Head set out to analyse every track the band recorded. It sidesteps dull trainspottery, thanks to MacDonald’s insight and cantankerous outbursts: he loved The Beatles but, by God, he wasn’t afraid to put the boot in when needed. Often imitated but never bettered – just like its subject.

27. Girl In A Band by Kim Gordon

When Sonic Youth went on hiatus/broke up in 2011, it soon became clear that Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon’s marriage had also fallen apart. 

Gordon revealed her side of the story in this tell-all memoir that also contains a comprehensive history of the seminal New York band, but this is so much more than break-up literature. It's heartbreaking, smart, dignified and completely inspiring.

28. Confess by Rob Halford

Judas Priest legend Rob Halford released his no-holds-barred autobiography Confess in 2020 and if you’re looking to discover the real Metal God, then this really should be top of your shopping list. 

Delivered with refreshing down to earth frankness, Halford takes us through his journey from a council-estate to some of the world’s biggest stages. And as Classic Rock ’s review reported, “with chapter titles such as The Shirley Bassey Leather Years and Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Hole, this is not a book for anyone squeamish about heavy rock’s screamingly camp subtext.”

Simply put, it's a must read – not only for fans of Halford and Judas Priest, but for all music fans.

29. Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman

A hilarious trawl through the byways of the 80s hair metal milieu, through the dispossessed rural hick-filter of Chuck Klosterman’s North Dakota childhood.

By turns sociologically astute, self-deprecatingly knowing and piercingly on-point musically, Klosterman argues that the bouffant bad boys of the day – Poison , Ratt, Warrant et al – merit equal cultural weighting as The Beatles and their peers. Nonsense, obviously, but you suspect he knows that.

30. Rhinos, Winos and Lunatics: The Legend of Man, a Rock'n'Roll Band by Deke Leonard

Aside from making progressive noises with Welsh rockers Man , Deke Leonard (who died in 2017) had a zingy, infectious way with words. 

He wrote several books, all of which are worth checking out, but if you pick one it should be this one, which mixes standard rock’n’roll excess with all the weirder tales of the Man world. A riotous read, whether you’re a Man fan or not.

31. Diary Of A Rock 'N' Roll Star by Ian Hunter

Written during Mott The Hoople ’s American tour in 1972, this book details the buzz (playing a sold-out show in Memphis) and the boredom (endless Holiday Inns) of a journeyman musician. Amid the musings and travelogue observations are walk-ons by artists including Chuck Berry and Bryan Ferry. 

Like his songwriting, Ian Hunter’s prose exhibits an eye for the truth: “The rock business is a dirty business, full stop.”

32. Thanks A Lot Mr Kibblewhite by Roger Daltrey

Conversational, witty, revelatory, Roger Daltrey ’s autobiography is possibly the most readable account yet of The Who's uniquely fracas-filled journey toward rock immortality. 

If you want forensic detail (the kind of inconsequential minutiae fans invariably pore over yet central protagonists barely register), then you'd best look elsewhere, but for an unvarnished first-person account from the eye of the storm, look no further.

33. I'm With The Band by Pamela Des Barres

A book about a legendary groupie may sound terribly un-PC in the post-MeToo age, but Pamela Des Barres’ salacious, sharp, witty account of life with the classic rock glitterati of the 60s and 70s (including affairs with Mick Jagger , Jimmy Page , Keith Moon , Jim Morrison and many more) feels warm and celebratory – and certainly not like the words of a victim.

34. Shots From The Hip by Charles Shaar Murray

A classic collection of rock writing from one of the masters of the genre. Charles Shaar Murray started out on counter-culture bible Oz, and became the enfant terrible of the NME. 

Along the way he hung out with everyone from the Stones to the Ramones and helped invent the history of rock music as we know it. This is simply unmissable.

35. Everybody Loves Our Town by Mark Yarm

This definitive history of grunge, published 20 years to the month after Nirvana released their classic Nevermind , is the story of a place as much as it is of a scene – a scrappy underdog of a city that never really wanted the attention and couldn’t really handle it when it got it. 

All the key surviving participants look back with a mixture of pride and bafflement at what they lived through, although there’s a tang of sadness for all those who didn’t make it.

36. Give The Anarchist A Cigarette by Mick Farren

Memorably described by music writer Charles Shaar Murray as coming on like a cross between Abbie Hoffman and Charles Manson, Farren’s full immersion in 60s/70s UK counterculture bridges beatniks to bollocks with a gleeful jaundice. 

Full of anecdote and wit, it reads like both social document and autobiography, told by a possibly unreliable narrator who’s no stranger to the excesses of the day himself.

37. Dark Days: A Memoir by D. Randall Blythe

This is one book that couldn’t have a more appropriate title. A memoir detailing   Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe's arrest, trial and acquittal for the manslaughter of the fan who died after their gig in the Czech Republic in 2010. 

As we know, the verdict exonerated him, but that doesn’t make reading his account of all that happened any less harrowing.

38. I'm Not With The Band: A Writer's Life Lost In Music by Sylvia Patterson

For more than three decades, Sylvia Patterson has been writing about music and interviewing some of the biggest names and bands in the business. This book chronicles her experiences in doing so, as well as being a woman on the front lines of the rock’n’roll dream. 

Encounters with Oasis, New Order, Page & Plant , the Happy Mondays and more are by turns hilarious and touching.

39. Louder Than Hell by Jon Weiderhorn and Katherine Turman

A beast of a book, some 700 pages in length,  Louder Than Hell  grandly bills itself as ‘The definitive oral history of metal’, and very nearly lives up to this lofty claim. Spanning five decades, with chapters focussing on ‘Proto-Metal’, the NWOBHM , Thrash , Nu-Metal , Black Metal , etc,. 

Louder Than Hell  largely dispenses with chin-stroking analysis of the culture, focussing heavily instead on gross-out tales of hedonistic excess and gloriously entertaining bitching and back-stabbing. The  Appetite For Destruction  of rock books.

40. Slash: The Autobiography

In other hands, Slash 's autobiography would probably be a laugh-riot. But there's something about the Guns N' Roses ' man's laidback delivery that makes you realise: he's not telling these stories to keep you entertained – this actually happened.

From a Wolf Of Wall Street-style meltdown that sees him shooting at demons in his house (with a shotgun! While his girlfriend sleeps!) and fleeing naked across a golf course, to celebrity encounters with David Bowie , Keith Richards, Lemmy and many more, Slash's book is never boring. 

41. Facing The Other Way: The Story of 4AD by Martin Aston

Martin Aston’s peek behind the curtain of famous indie label 4AD concentrates on their output throughout the 80s and 90s - a golden period for the UK music label. Artists including Pixies, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, Belly and Throwing Muses all released their music through 4AD, making them the darling of the independent scene. Fans routinely bought everything the label released, such was the calibre of the artists on their roster.

It’s a hefty read, weighing in at over 600 pages, but it’s fascinating to look at the label through a different lens and examine the independent scene of the time. There are plenty of nuggets that will delight the 4AD faithful – and you’re pretty much guaranteed to stumble across several artists you’ve never been aware of and take pleasure in diving headfirst into their music.

42. Get In The Van by Henry Rollins

The polar opposite of  The Dirt ,  Get In The Van  is a blunt, no-nonsense diary of life on the road in a punk rock band, specifically Black Flag , the uncompromising LA hardcore unit Rollins fronted from 1981 to 1986. 

There is precious little glamour here, from roadies eating dog food to band members indulging in five minute knee tremblers in piss-drenched alleyways, with violent confrontations with fans, sketchy promoters and power-crazed cops only ever a few days away. 

As grim as it sounds though,  Get In The Van  is an undeniably inspirational chronicle, illustrating the power of music to blow minds and change lives. But if you ever dream of becoming a rock'n’roll star, read this first.

Rare and ridiculously expensive, but it is a collectible.

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Read Ahead: A Release Calendar of Music Books & Biographies Being Published in 2023

Highly anticipated books by Britney Spears, Barbra Streisand and more are hitting shelves this year.

By Hannah Dailey

Hannah Dailey

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In the upcoming chapters of 2023, quite a few promising page-turners are expected to hit the “Music” shelf in a bookstore near you.

Spanning all genres and time periods, the second half of this year holds dozens of commentaries, historical deep dives, juicy biographies and more music-related volumes in store. So whether you’re in need of a rainy day read, beach suntanning entertainment or a before-bed future bestseller, Billboard has rounded up a list of upcoming books fit for even the most casual of music fans to pour over in the coming months – and it’s bound to have something you’ll love.

Take Britney Spears ‘ memoir The Woman In Me , for example. One of the most anticipated memoirs of all time (with a price tag of $15 million ), Spears announced that the autobiographical project would finally arrive in October just three months ahead of time. And speaking of highly anticipated memoirs, Barbra Streisand ‘s My Name Is Barbra finally has a November release date, after years of delay. The book, which will detail the Broadway icon’s astronomical career, has been in the making since 2015.

Plus, look out for books by or featuring words from such other legends as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Jeff Tweedy on the list below. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can keep checking back for updates as more titles are announced in the future.

See Billboard ‘s list of music books to watch out for this year, including release dates, below:

• Alan Paul, Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the ’70s
• Kiana Fitzgerald, Ode to Hip-Hop: 50 Albums That Define 50 Years of Trailblazing Music
• Amy Winehouse, Amy Winehouse: In Her Words
• Jeremy Eichler, Time’s Echo: The Second World War, the Holocaust, and the Music of Remembrance
• Melissa Etheridge, Talking to My Angels
• Juicy J & Soren Baker, Chronicles of the Juice Man: A Memoir
• Laura Flam, Emily Sieu Liebowitz, But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?: An Oral History of the ’60s Girl Groups
• Holly Gleason, Prine on Prine: Interviews and Encounters with John Prine
• Paula Blackman, Night Train to Nashville: The Greatest Untold Story of Music City
• Stephen M. Silverman, Sondheim: His Life, His Shows, His Legacy
• Jann S. Wenner, The Masters: Conversations with Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono, and Springsteen
• Jeff Apter, Keith Urban
• Reba McEntire, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots
• Sowmya Krishnamurthy, Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion
• Joe Coscarelli,  Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story
• Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones
• Brian Southall, Bee Gees – The Illustrated Story
• Britney Spears, The Woman in Me
• Thurston Moore, Sonic Life: A Memoir
• Philip Norman, George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle
• Mary Gabriel, Madonna: A Rebel Life
• Michael Azerrad, The Amplified Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana
• Willie Nelson, Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs
• Barbra Streisand, My Name Is Barbra
• Jeff Tweedy, World Within a Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music
• Ralph H. Craig III, Dancing in My Dreams: A Spiritual Biography of Tina Turner
• Benoit Clerc, Metallica All the Songs: The story behind every track
• Kenneth Womack, Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans
• Johnny Cash & John Carter Cash with Mark Stielper, Johnny Cash: The Life in Lyrics
• Snoop Dogg & E-40: Goon With the Spoon
• Greg McDonald & Marshall Terrill, Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider’s Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business

(Releases TBD)

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Essential Books: 7 Compelling Artist Biographies

By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

The ARTnews Recommends Editors

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission

Art history actually began as biography when Giorgio Vasari published his Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects in 1550. Eventually, however, the two genres parted ways, with the former evolving into an academic discipline and the latter becoming the more popular avenue for learning about art. Most artist biographies tend to focus on famous names, for a reason as simple as it is self-perpetuating: Even if you don’t know much about Picasso’s work, for example, you’ve probably heard of him, which makes it more likely that you’d pick up a book about him. Still, writers often find lesser-known artists to be just as fascinating as their more canonical cohort—and ultimately, that matters just as much as, if not more than, name recognition. Whatever the case, a good artist biography makes for compelling reading, as you’ll see in our list of recommended titles. (Price and availability current at time of publication.)

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1. Walter Isaacson, Leonardo da Vinci Any biographer bent on writing about Leonardo da Vinci faces an immediate obstacle: the lack of documents related to his life. True, there are his ineffable works of art (of which there are far too few) and, more important, his notebooks—more than 7,000 pages in all—recording his polymathic forays into naturalism, anatomy, physics, engineering, and futurology (his flying machine being the prime example). But there seems to be little in the way of a paper trail leading to da Vinci himself. Walter Isaacson, a writer with an appetite for visionary geniuses, does his best to take the measure of Leonardo through his work, teasing out clues about the artist’s perfectionism, procrastination, homosexuality, modesty, and good nature from the paintings, sculptures, and mountains of sketches and projects he left behind. Bolstered by lavish reproductions, Isaacson’s book is an unabashed celebration of the original Renaissance Man. Purchase: Leonardo da Vinci $16.50 (new) on Amazon

2. Calvin Tomkins, Duchamp: A Biography In Calvin Tomkins’s bio of Marcel Duchamp, the veteran New Yorker scribe reveals a Duchamp very much like his art: cerebral, elegant, and enigmatic. Tomkins explores Duchamp’s oeuvre, interweaving it with the contours of his life: his birth into an artistic family; his scandalous 1913 Armory Show breakout with Nude Descending a Staircase ; his subsequent renunciation of painting; his game-changing Readymades; his magnum opus, The Large Glass ; and finally, his supposed retirement from art to pursue chess, instead spent surreptitiously working on his last masterpiece, Étant donnés . In Tomkins’s eloquently written treatment, Duchamp emerges as an apostate of art who challenged its profoundest meanings. Purchase: Duchamp $21.23 (new) on Amazon

3. Musa Mayer, Night Studio: A Memoir of Philip Guston Musa Mayer’s book about her father, Philip Guston, is less an account of his life than an exposé of his parental shortcomings. Guston wasn’t abusive, just preoccupied with his own artistic struggles. While he loved his wife and daughter, he saw them primarily as helpmates serving his career. This was hardly unusual for mid-century men, but even Pollock and De Kooning entertained the artistic ambitions of their spouses; Guston, on the other hand, trammeled his wife’s and daughter’s aspirations for the same. Ultimately, Night Studio is a cautionary tale: Treat your children well, in case it turns out they can write. Purchase: Night Studio $35.00 (new) on Amazon

4. David Leeming, Amazing Grace: Beauford Delaney As a gay, black artist working in mid-century America, Beauford Delaney confronted pervasive racism and homophobia; other obstacles to his success included chronic poverty, alcoholism, and later in life, mental illness. As David Leeming writes in his account of Delaney, these pressures were exacerbated by the artist’s highly compartmentalized personal life. Yet his paintings, singing with color and bouncing between abstraction and figuration, provide scant evidence of his troubles. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Delaney came to New York in 1929 as the Harlem Renaissance waned. He gravitated downtown, where he met James Baldwin. He became Baldwin’s mentor and the lifelong friend, both in New York and later in Paris where the two men joined the 1950s expat scene. As Leeming recounts, Delaney called Paris his true home and eschewed the label of “Negro artist.” Yet he was proud to be black—a contradiction of a piece with the larger one between his buoyant work and his difficult life. Purchase: Amazing Grace from $271.86 (used) on Amazon

5. Hayden Herrera, Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo Tragedy, obsession, betrayal: These are the spicy ingredients that make a biographer’s job easier, and art historian Hayden Herrera avails herself of them in her life of Mexican Surrealist Frida Kahlo. An artist whose celebrity has come to outshine her work (one edition of Herrera’s book features cover art with actress Salma Hayek as Kahlo from a 2002 biopic), Kahlo had already been crippled by polio as a child when her spine was crushed in a streetcar accident at age 18. Just as damaging was her union with fellow Mexican artist, Diego Rivera. The couple married, divorced, and remarried; Rivera indulged in serial philandering, and Kahlo too had affairs, with both men and women. Herrera keeps her focus on the juicy details, never letting discussions of Kahlo’s art get in the way. Still, it’s riveting stuff, and Kahlo, no slouch at self-mythologizing, would have likely approved. Purchase: Frida $24.03 (new) on Amazon

6. Gail Levin, Lee Krasner: A Biography Fueled by alcohol and testosterone, the Abstract Expressionists were the art world’s ultimate boys’ club, yet several female artists dotted their ranks. Once overshadowed by their male peers, their works now hang alongside theirs on museum walls, matching them for scale and swagger—and none more so than Lee Krasner’s. Still, as Gail Levin lays out in her book, Krasner willingly stood in the shadow of her much more famous husband, Jackson Pollock. This choice was guided mainly by pragmatism: Marriage to Pollock offered access to artistic circles that Krasner would not at that time have achieved on her own. Pollock also influenced Krasner, though as the years passed her work would increasingly stand apart from his. After Pollock’s death, in 1954, Krasner added artist’s widowhood to career liabilities that included being a woman and a Jew; nonetheless, as seen in Levin’s portrait of her, she persisted, making art history the richer for it. Purchase: Lee Krasner $17.99 (new) on Amazon

7. Marilyn Chase, Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa One of a wave of female artists recently rediscovered posthumously or late in life, Ruth Asawa, a West Coast artist who died in 2013 at age 87, was confined as a teenager to a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. As chronicled by Marilyn Chase, Asawa learned perspective drawing from fellow detainees who had worked as Disney animators, then matriculated to the legendary Black Mountain College after the war. During the 1960s she lived and exhibited in New York. Her biomorphic wire sculptures were well received, but since their creator was an Asian-American woman, they were condescendingly tagged with labels like “oriental.” Asawa spent the rest of her life in San Francisco, where she received public art commissions while championing the cause of art education. Chase follows Asawa’s remarkable journey from an artist barely known outside of the Bay Area to an internationally acclaimed figure. Purchase: Everything She Touched $25.51 (new) on Amazon

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10 Taylor Swift Books for Swifties of All Ages

Posted: May 21, 2024 | Last updated: May 21, 2024

Taylor Swift continues to dominate the conversation with everything from her Eras Tour to her new album, The Tortured Poets Department , delighting fans worldwide. It should come as no surprise there are already a plethora of books about Taylor Swift , covering everything from her fashion influence to her incredible rise from country music star to international pop icon. Whether you're a relatively new fan of the " Cruel Summer "singer or you've been with her from the beginning, there's a book just for you on this list.

While the billionaire's personal life often gets as much press as her music, these Taylor Swift books are firmly focused on her achievements and the way she continues to inspire young people around the world. Whether you'd like to cook a recipe inspired by the Eras Tour or you're hoping to embark on crochet for the first time, there's a Taylor Swift book on our list for you. And if you simply want to celebrate your favorite singer's most incredible milestones to date, these books are the perfect place to start.

Check out the best Taylor Swift books below!

1) 'Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Ages' by Sarah Chapelle

If you're a fan of all things Taylor Swift, then you're likely obsessed with her outfit choices, from her extravagant tour costumes to her red carpet looks. Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Ages documents the "Red" singer's fashion transformation, tracking her early days as a burgeoning country star in Nashville to her transition into an international pop icon.

Written by Sarah Chapelle, creator of the Taylor Swift Style blog and Instagram, she is an expert when it comes to the musician's clothing, making this book a must-have.

2) 'Taylor Swift and the Clothes She Wears' by Terry Newman

Fashion journalist Terry Newman takes readers on a journey through the many stages of Taylor Swift's style, from her Nashville-inspired roots to the designer outfits she wears at shows. Featuring a huge selection of photographs of Swift's most famous looks, Newman discusses the singer's fashion influences and how she uses clothing to tell a story.

By comparing the "You Need to Calm Down" singer's off-duty looks with her red carpet outfits, Newman presents readers with a comprehensive catalog of Swift's ever-evolving style.

3) 'Taylor Swift: The Brightest Star: Fully Updated to Include Eras and Poets' by Michael Francis Taylor

In this book about Taylor Swift's life and career, author Michael Francis Taylor analyzes all of the singer's releases to date, including The Tortured Poets Department .

Originally released in 2021, this 2024 update covers the success of Swift's global Eras Tour and the evolution of her musical style over the years. As well as focusing on her talent as a songwriter, Taylor's book highlights the "Shake It Off" singer's philanthropy and her impassioned relationship with her dedicated fanbase.

4) 'Taylor Swift Is Life: A Superfan’s Guide to All Things We Love About Taylor Swift' by Kathleen Perricone

Taylor Swift Is Life is the perfect gift for any Taylor Swift fan, especially anyone who loves researching the many Easter eggs hidden in the singer's work.

Kathleen Perricone's book is both a biography and a catalog of everything Swifties need to know about the icon, from the meanings behind her many songs to her friendships and relationships with fellow celebrities.

Featuring sleek illustrations highlighting Swift's inimitable style, this book documents every important detail about one of the biggest pop stars of the decade.

5) 'Taylor Swift: The Music & the Magic' by the Editors of Hearst

This special Hearst publication is a celebration of Taylor Swift's rare career, which saw her topping the country music charts when she was just 17 years old.

The volume takes readers through every magical era of Swift's music as she created a lasting legacy and reached an unbelievable number of listeners with her candid and relatable lyrics. While Swift's role as a pop superstar is far from over, Taylor Swift: The Music & the Magic commemorates her story so far as she continues her rise to the top.

6) 'Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography' by Wendy Loggia

Little Golden Books are particularly lovely gifts for any Taylor Swift fan, thanks to their gorgeous gold-foil designs. The volumes showcase the lives of incredible human beings, such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Simone Biles.

Suitable for readers over the age of 5, Taylor Swift's Golden Book Biography is an awe-inspiring keepsake that focuses on the singer's accomplishments and special moments to date. If you've started an impromptu collection of all things Swift, you won't regret adding the performer's Golden Book to your collection.

7) 'Little People Big Dreams: Taylor Swift' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author), Borghild Fallberg (Illustrator)

The Little People Big Dreams books may be aimed at a younger audience, but adult fans of Taylor Swift are sure to find the installment about her career completely charming.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story of Swift's rise to fame, taking readers all the way back to her childhood on a Christmas tree farm. From her early days as a new songwriter in Nashville to her big break on the country music charts, this book is the perfect summation of Swift's incomparable career.

8) 'Swift & Savory: The Unofficial Eras Tour Cookbook' by Kirstie Lise

Swifties celebrated the Eras Tour in a plethora of ways, from dressing up as their beloved icon to traveling across the world to watch her perform live. One of the most unexpected ways fans commemorated the occasion was by creating recipes that correlated to particular eras in Taylor Swift's career.

Kirstie Lise collects together some of the best Eras Tour recipes shared on TikTok so that readers can easily prepare their favorite dishes inspired by Swift, making it the perfect keepsake for every Swiftie who was lucky enough to attend the Eras Tour.

9) 'You Are Fearless: A Book for the Littlest Taylor Swift Fans' by Odd Dot

Taylor Swift has inspired a number of picture books and illustrated biographies, including Odd Dot's You Are Fearless . Technically aimed at the "littlest Taylor Swift fans," this publication is filled with super sweet pictures telling the story of the singer's rise to fame and highlighting the importance of following your dreams.

If you're looking for a gift for the younger Swifties in your life, You Are Fearless is the perfect present, being both uplifting and slickly produced.

10) 'Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet' by Katalin Galusz

While you await the release of Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet: 20+ Projects Inspired by the Music and Style Icon by Lee Sartori, Katalin Galusz's kit is a well-presented guide to making your very own amigurumi doll. Even if you've never tried crochet before, this pack is the perfect place to start.

A book filled with clearly explained step-by-step instructions will instill your confidence as you bring the "Delicate" singer to life in crochet form. Filled with all of the tools you need to make your Swift doll, this kit is perfect for any Swifties who love crafts.

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Lainey Wilson

Grammy-winning country singer Lainey Wilson rose to prominence after her music was featured on the TV drama Yellowstone and is known for her 2022 album Bell Bottom Country .

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1992-present

Breaking News: Lainey Wilson Wins Three 2024 ACM Awards, Including Entertainer of the Year

“Y’all, I remember being a little girl, and I would climb out on the top of our roof... and I would count all the stars,” she said during her May 16 acceptance speech. “I would look up, and I would see the planes flying over my little town of 200 people, and I’d dream about being up there in one of those planes. And it’s so crazy because this year we have already toured the U.K., Europe, and Australia, and we’re about to start our American leg.”

In 2023, the Baskin, Louisiana, native began touring extensively to support her Grammy Award–winning album  Bell Bottom Country . She also collaborated on two major hits: “Save Me” with Jelly Roll and “Wait in the Truck” with Hardy. Her live performance of her duet with Jelly Roll at the 2023 ACM Awards earned the pair the Music Event of the Year trophy this year. Wilson kicked off Thursday’s ceremony with a cover of “God Bless Texas” and her original song “Hang Tight Honey.”

Rounding out her 2024 awards was the Female Vocalist of the Year title. “It’s crazy to think that like me and Wynonna Judd , we talk every week,” Wilson said onstage as she accepted the Female Vocalist trophy. “Iron sharpens iron, and so this one right here is for all those women who do that.”

Quick Facts

Where is lainey wilson from, early career struggles, music and role on yellowstone, breakthrough and country stardom, cma entertainer of the year and grammy win, weight loss, who is lainey wilson.

Lainey Wilson is a Grammy-winning country music singer and songwriter known for songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “Heart Like a Truck.” Originally from Louisiana, Wilson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at age 19 determined to become a country star. However, many executives believed her musical style didn’t fit the modern genre, and she struggled to achieve success for years. It wasn’t until her songs started to be featured on the popular television drama Yellowstone in 2019 that this perception began to change and Wilson achieved widespread popularity. She received the most nominations of any artist at the 2023 CMA Awards—ultimately winning five categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

FULL NAME: Lainey Denay Wilson BORN: May 19, 1992 BIRTHPLACE: Baskin, Louisiana ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

Lainey Denay Wilson was born on May 19, 1992, and raised in Baskin, Louisiana, a small town with a population of fewer than 300 people. Her father is Brian Wilson, a fifth-generation farmer, and her mother is Michelle Wilson, a schoolteacher. Lainey has an older sister named Janna.

Her musical and fashion styles were greatly influenced by her parents from an early age. Her father played guitar at the family’s kitchen table, with young Lainey and Janna making up dances for his songs. Brian was inspired by artists like Buck Owens and Glen Campbell , whom he used to impersonate as a boy by standing on a picnic table with his guitar for passing motorists. Lainey also idolized Dolly Parton . She eventually paid tribute to the legendary singer with the 2021 single “WWDD,” standing for “What Would Dolly Do?”

Similarly, Michelle helped inspire her daughter’s sense of fashion. Now a signature part of her onstage apparel, Lainey received a pair of bell bottoms from her mother when she was a young girl. “At one point, [my mother] was like, ‘You’ve got to take them off, we’ve got to wash them,’” Lainey told Billboard of the blue leopard-print pants. “I’ve always been in love with things that are throwbacks, whether it’s music or stories.”

Lainey participated in extracurricular activities like cheerleading and basketball, but she gravitated toward music the most. Inspired by pop star, and fellow Louisianan, Britney Spears , she wrote her first song when she was 9 and started playing guitar at age 11. “It’s honestly been one of those things that from 9 years old, I knew I was going to do. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew it was going to be a journey,” she told Holler in 2021.

While in middle and high school, Wilson had an early taste of life as a performer by impersonating Hannah Montana—the popular Disney Channel character played by Miley Cyrus —at birthday parties, nursing homes, and other public venues. She also formed a cover band called the Cadillac Kings that played at bars and clubs despite the group being underage.

Following her high school graduation, 19-year-old Lainey moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in August 2011 determined to forge a career in country music.

Despite her optimism, Wilson’s initial foray into the industry wasn’t all that successful. The singer lived frugally in a Flagstaff camper trailer for three years after her move, parking it right outside a recording studio that belonged to a family friend who owed her grandfather a favor. She told Good Morning America in November 2022 she often slept with three pairs of socks and multiple jackets to stay warm during the winter months. She also had to borrow water, internet service, and electricity from her neighbor.

All the while, she walked up and down Nashville’s Music Row, handing out demos and CDs in search of an opportunity that might kickstart her career. However, music executives perceived Wilson as “too country for country,” with her twangy voice and deeply personal songwriting in contrast to the pop-infused songs that were leading the genre. “I had a lot of folks slam the door in my face,” she told People . “There were some hard times, there were some rough days, times when I probably should have packed it up and went home.”

Despite this, she refused to give up. Wilson released her self-titled debut album in 2014. A year later, she met Mandelyn Monchick who, upon hearing Wilson’s song “Dreamcatcher,” was convinced the singer had “next level” talent and became her manager, according to The Washington Post . Wilson put out her second album, Tougher , in 2016 and experienced her first chart success with Tougher coming in at a modest No. 44 on Billboard ’s Top Country Albums list.

By 2018, Wilson inked a publishing deal and signed with Broken Bow Records. Still, Wilson was far from a household name in the country scene. It would take an assist from an emerging TV show to start changing that.

Like other rising country artists such as Zach Bryan , Wilson benefited greatly when her music was featured on the drama series Yellowstone , starring Kevin Costner .

The first Wilson song to appear on the Paramount show was “Working Overtime” in 2019’s Season 2. Since then, series co-creator Taylor Sheridan has featured Wilson’s singles “Straight Up Sideways” and “Small Town Girl” in Season 3, as well as “Smell Like Smoke”—a song Wilson penned specifically for Season 5.

Not satisfied with simply sharing her music, Sheridan eventually offered Wilson an on-camera role for the show’s fifth season in 2022. Appearing in four episodes, Wilson played Abby, a local musician who has a romantic relationship with ranch worker Ryan, a series regular played by Ian Bohen. “When Taylor told me, ‘I want to create a character specifically for you—I want you to wear your bell bottoms, sing your own songs, and pretty much be yourself,’ I knew that he was wanting to kind of help me over that wall… to put a face to a name for people,” she told Variety .

Despite her excitement, Wilson nearly quit after her father, Brian, developed an infection and suffered a stroke; he required nine surgeries, including the removal of his left eye. But after hearing Lainey discuss the situation over a telephone call at the hospital, Brian insisted that she fulfill her obligations. “I said, Daddy, I can’t leave you,’” she told People . “He said, ‘You better go, and you better not come back until the job is done.’ That is the girl that he raised. So I headed that way and did it.”

Thanks to the success of Yellowstone , Nashville finally started to take notice of Wilson and her music. She released her 2019 EP Redneck Hollywood , which contained the autobiographical single “LA” in a reference to her home state of Louisiana. Wilson also went on tour with another emerging country superstar, Morgan Wallen .

Soon after in February 2020, one of Wilson’s biggest dreams came true when she debuted at the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Later that summer, her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” released for radio play and became her breakout song. By September 2021, it reached the top of the Country Airplay chart—giving Wilson her first No. 1 hit—and Billboard named the singer its top new country artist for that year. Her 2021 studio album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ , also charted but only as high as No. 40.

Still, Wilson’s trajectory was set. Her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country , contained numerous hit singles, including eventual Country Airplay No. 1 “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like a Truck,” which peaked at No. 2. Wilson was nominated in six categories at that year’s Country Music Association Awards and won New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. “I promise you I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let you all down. I promise you,” she said while accepting her award for the latter.

Keeping her word from a year prior, Wilson collaborated for a pair of hit duets in 2023: “Wait in the Truck” with Hardy and “Save Me” with Jelly Roll . She also established herself as one of the busiest artists in music, estimating in an October radio interview she scheduled more than 160 performances during the year. “It’s been hard, it’s been busy, but these are the moments that I’ve dreamed about and prayed for,” she said .

Not surprisingly, accolades continued to pour in. Wilson won in four categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023, including Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country and Female Artist of the Year, which her idol, Dolly Parton , presented to her.

Then in September, Wilson became the year’s most-nominated artist for the CMA Awards with nine. In addition to retaining her Best Female Vocalist trophy at the November awards ceremony, Wilson became the first female performer to win Entertainer of the Year since Taylor Swift in 2011 and claimed five awards in all. She received more good news only days later when she received two Grammy nominations —Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country and Best Country Duo-Group Performance for “Save Me.”

Later in November, Wilson performed during Christmas at Graceland , an NBC music special broadcast from the famous Memphis property once belonging to Elvis Presley .

Sure enough, Bell Bottom Country eventually won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in February 2024. Wilson will begin her Country’s Cool Again Tour , spanning more than 35 shows, later in May. Additionally, she’ll make multiple appearances as a special guest performer on Morgan Wallen ’s One Night at a Time Tour.

Wilson is not married and, until recently, kept details of her personal life private.

In May 2023, Wilson attended the ACM Awards with former NFL football player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. People confirmed with the singer’s reps the pair were dating. Then during an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show a month after the ACMs, Wilson revealed she and Hodges had actually been together for more than two years.

The couple met in 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee, through mutual friends. Wilson told People she kept her relationship with the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback a secret because she wanted to see if Hodges was “in it for the right reasons.”

Hodges, 27, retired from football in 2022 and now works in real estate. “He knows what it’s like chasing a dream because he’s done that for himself,” Wilson said . “But I’ll tell you, he is good as gold. Supports me, would never come in between anything that I’m trying to do. He’s like, ‘Go get it, girl.’”

Wilson has also made significant changes to her exercise and diet routines in recent years. In 2020, the singer declared she was taking a “Year of Health.” She cut out dairy, sugar, and processed foods from her diet and also hired a personal trainer. With these steps, as well as a commitment to running and hiking, she has reportedly lost as much as 70 pounds.

As a result, Wilson went viral in December 2022 for a TikTok video showing the singer performing in leopard pants that highlighted her figure. Wilson humorously acknowledged the attention the video generated, saying in an Instagram video , “Whatever brings the people in, whatever brings the people in! But I’m just letting y’all know, go check out my record, Bell Bottom Country . Happy to have ya either way. However you found me, I’m happy.”

• I remember this one guy telling me I was no good and how he hoped I wouldn’t cry when I left the station. I leaned over his desk and I said, “With all the years I’ve been in Nashville, you saying that to me ain’t s––.” This is probably a psycho trait of mine, but that just made me want [success] that much more.
• I just got to a certain point where I’d been in Nashville for so long [and] my give-a-damn was a little busted. I felt like, “Why not just say what I want to say how I want to say it?” That’s one of the thoughts that really set me free.
• When I look back, honestly, if I had known it was going to be this hard [to make it in the industry], I don’t know if I would go and do it again. And that sounds crazy, but it has been hard. But this is my only option. There was no Plan B for me.
• In my opinion, it’s like the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and Dolly Parton . That’s how I view it.
• I want these kids to know that nothing happens overnight—at least not the good things. I want them to know that if you want something, you put in that time and energy and effort. And when somebody tells you no, you somehow turn it into a yes.

Fact check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy uncovers who the late fashion icon was, inside and—more importantly—outside of her very famous marriage

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Few real-life love stories maintain such a chokehold on pop culture as Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr.’s has. Their union, which began in 1992 (albeit with a few breakups early on) and lasted until their untimely deaths in a plane crash in 1999, boasted the type of societal allure even the most powerful publicists wouldn’t be able to orchestrate.

In an exclusive excerpt for Harper’s Bazaar below, Beller details why Bessette and Kennedy worked so well as a couple and how their union was based on vulnerability, trust, and a shared ability to see how they could both individually shape culture and politics at large.

In the fall of 1994, Carolyn and John continued spending most of their free time together. On weekends, he brought her to Central Park for touch football games with college friends like Rob Littell and Richard Wiese. Wiese, who had known Carolyn from downtown hangouts like Au Bar and MK before she and John became official, recalled that one of the things that stood out about Carolyn was her ability to treat John like any other man on the street.

“Carolyn showed up and chirped right back at all those guys bantering while they knocked one another around, including John,” Wiese said. “Nothing got by her, and she enjoyed the repartee as much as anyone. She would stay on the sidelines with John’s German shepherd Sam, and later their high-strung Canaan dog, Friday, calling plays, and teasing everyone mercilessly, laughing. John loved it.”

But behind closed doors, friends knew that Carolyn and John were developing a real kind of intimacy, beyond the playful banter and antics with friends and family. They would spend long, loving evenings confiding profound moments from their lives, and, especially, the subsequent emotional challenges. Carolyn still felt ambivalent about her parents’ divorce; like John, she had been raised Roman Catholic. Though she was sporadically in touch with her father, she also felt left behind. Photographer Stewart Price once noted that Carolyn had confessed to him, “I have these weird daddy issues.”

For his part, John told her about having ADD and dyslexia, and how his mother had moved him from Saint David’s to Collegiate, both all-boys private schools in Manhattan. Overcoming these obstacles required learning specific tools and behaviors. (These were helpful, though not so much they could overcome the ordeal of taking the bar exam sitting in the glass-walled Javits Center while in the crosshairs of photographers just outside.) Jackie felt that Collegiate was better equipped to teach her son how to manage his learning challenges as well as some emotional ones. According to Kennedy biographer Christopher Andersen, there were kids who had taunted him, saying, “Your father’s dead, your father’s dead!” Suffice to say, John was traumatized by the assassination of his father, whom he could scarcely remember, but was grateful to his mother for her focus on her two children while coping with her own PTSD. He regretted the moments he felt he had let her down, such as failing the bar exams—his shame exacerbated by the attendant “The Hunk Flunks” headlines.

John desperately wanted to live up to his mother’s hopes—and everyone’s expectations, including the extended Kennedy family’s as well as the public’s. Gillon documented that Jackie had written him a note just before her death, saying, “I understand the pressure you’ll forever have to endure as a Kennedy, even though we brought you into this world as an innocent. You, especially, have a place in history.” Historian Doug Wead said that Jackie “knew in her heart that, someday, the stars are going to line up, and he’s going to be president.”

John’s predicament as inheritor of the myth of Camelot tugged at Carolyn’s heartstrings. They shared a similar language—that of people who had grown up without fathers, be it from an emotionally absent one, or, in the worst case, a physical loss such as John faced. This could have been one of the many forces that pulled them toward each other—additionally, they had both been raised by loving, devoted mothers.

Carolyn was emotionally strong and caring enough to feel to John like a balm in the aftermath of losing his mother. Like Jackie, she could guide him in nearly every facet of his life. While still holding down a demanding position at Calvin Klein, Carolyn consulted with John on the creation of George magazine. This not only required business acumen and developing an editorial voice, but also the never-ending task of filtering those who wanted proximity to John for their own gain from those who had his best interests at heart. Carolyn’s good instincts about people were indispensable to John. She was looking after him, a real partner in more ways than one.

People changed their behavior when John was around. Some would suddenly jockey for position, or simply lose their cool and turn into a sort of panting sycophant. Carolyn went from surprise to annoyance to indignation at how people would throw themselves at John every time they walked into a room. The problem wasn’t that people were paying attention to him, it was that they demanded attention from him. Carolyn wasn’t just annoyed; it embarrassed her on behalf of the very people behaving so cravenly. She had never engaged in such self-demeaning behavior, and she was shocked and not a little concerned at the lengths people would go just to get his attention.

It was becoming clear that dating John was going to impact Carolyn’s life in bigger ways—both in terms of public optics and her private, everyday existence. Her beautiful, bohemian 112 Waverly Place address had been discovered by the paparazzi that summer, and their constant camping out in front made it impossible for Carolyn to continue living there. Even the Boston Globe chimed in, making sure to mention that she was a Boston University alumna before squawking on, “She recently had to move out of her New York apartment because the press had staked it out and so far, her new location has been kept a pretty good secret.” This was the second move in as many years, and it wouldn’t be her last.

A month or so after bringing her to meet the touch football crew in Central Park, John began to introduce Carolyn to more of his close friends, such as Brown friend and rugby teammate Kenan Siegel and his girlfriend Betsy Reisinger, Dan Samson, whom John had met while volunteer tutoring at the Connecticut Pre-Collegiate Enrichment Program, and finally, properly, to fellow Andover alum Sasha Chermayeff at a mellow home dinner, after having her “check Carolyn out” two-plus years earlier at the Don’t Bungle the Jungle II benefit. All of them loved her immediately, and Littell was particularly taken not just with her beauty, but her entire persona. “It was obvious that she was as bright a star as John,” he wrote. “And it wasn’t just because of her fierce, compelling beauty. It was because she seemed to look right into your soul, and then wink.”

Carolyn introduced John to her friends from the fashion industry such as Narciso Rodriguez, Gordon Henderson, Jules Watson, and MJ Bettenhausen, who owns the Tribeca creative imaging agency, P2P Group. Bettenhausen, it turned out, had known John for a few years from various events in the city. So she had a unique perspective when she first saw them together. “What was most noticeable about them was how much they laughed together. It was striking,” she noted. “Carolyn had always been full of joie de vivre, but depending on the company, John could sometimes be more introverted. Carolyn brought out his joy.”

“[Carolyn] and John made few public appearances,” said John’s Andover friend Billy Way, “because any function they attended automatically assumed the proportions of a major event. When they did appear in public, John took it upon himself to protect her.”

John’s friend actor Jack Merrill and Carolyn immediately appreciated each other as people who were in John’s life for authentic friendship, but also ones who would help John keep the would-be groupies at bay. But while for Jack this deflecting was a once-in-a-while gig, for Carolyn it became a full-time necessity because, as Jack put it, “John always had people coming at him, and it’s hard to explain, but she and I knew when to pull in the wagons close, in a way that wasn’t rude, and he could feel at least a little safer. I think most of his best friends knew instinctively how to do that.”

Carolyn managed to stay centered amid the obsessional chaos in which she found herself thanks to her coterie of good friends and her dedication to her job at Calvin Klein.

“I remember Carolyn’s work ethic,” Merrill said. “She was 100 percent on top of things. She would wake up at 6:00 a.m. to do paperwork before heading to the office.”

Carolyn, at this juncture, had worked at Calvin Klein for five years, starting as a salesgirl in a store in Boston, moving to New York to work as a bespoke salesperson for VIPs, and then onward and upward to public relations. Now, at age 28, she was a publicist and a producer at one of the most prominent fashion labels in the world. Her confidence in her abilities had grown along with her accomplishments. She was able to navigate the warp-speed-paced fashion industry that catered to frequently outlandish celebrity demands, and, perhaps most importantly, she understood her talent with fellow human beings. It was at this time that she confided to Reisinger exactly what it was. “I know this sounds odd,” Carolyn told her, “but I can always feel what everyone is feeling. Before I talk to them, I can tell.”

With such faith in her instincts about people, and with such savvy and success in her career and other relationships—it’s no wonder that Carolyn thought she could handle dating John F. Kennedy Jr.

From ONCE UPON A TIME: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy . Copyright 2024 by Elizabeth Beller. Reprinted by permission of Gallery Books, An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC.

Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com , where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed. 

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