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The 15 Best Music Books of 2022

By Pitchfork

Lavishing sustained attention on music is one way to show that you love it – here at Pitchfork, where we are perhaps a little biased, it is our favorite way – and each year brings a flood of great new music books giving the opportunity to do just that. The best music books, whether they are history, cultural criticism, memoir, or some hybrid of all three, give you new ears with which to listen. What follows is a list of favorites from 2022, picked by Pitchfork staffers and contributors. (If a few of the entries seem familiar, that’s because they are excerpted from past  Book Club entries.) Happy reading!

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music

In 2018, Stereogum senior editor (and former Pitchfork staffer) Tom Breihan began reviewing every single No. 1 pop hit in American chart history for a column called The Number Ones. What began as a series of breezy capsule reviews quickly snowballed into a series of sprawling histories examining the cultural conditions that allowed each song to achieve this peculiar, highly specific honor. Each No. 1 song in America, Breihan was discovering, was an unrepeatable convergence of culture and luck. In the meantime, his column had become a reference guide, a repository, and—in the comment section— a community. Finally, it has become a book, consisting of 20 original essays, each one centered around a particular No. 1 hit. Each one illustrates what Breihan calls “BC/AD moments,” or harbingers or catalysts for cultural sea change, and he has bound them together so that the story each one tells leads, however indirectly, into the next. For long-time readers of Breihan’s work, either at Stereogum or on this site, the tone will be instantly familiar: affable, conversational, and always funny, with surprising insights and ear-catching phrasings gliding in from every direction. —Jayson Greene

Faith, Hope and Carnage

Faith, Hope and Carnage is an astoundingly intimate book-length conversation on art and grief spanning the duration of the pandemic years. In dialogues with the Irish journalist and critic Sean O’Hagan, Cave’s recent full-lengths,  Ghosteen ,  Skeleton Tree,  and  Carnage , serve as keyholes to his broader creative philosophies. Cave discusses writing through improvisation and hallucination, his intensifying relationship to religion, how small acts of kindness reverberate, and how vulnerability creates “invincibility.” He offers song-based revelations (like the process of writing “Into My Arms” in rehab) and chronicles friendships (like his truly surprising kinship with Coldplay’s Chris Martin). The book ultimately uncovers his life’s discursive attunement: with collaborator Warren Ellis, with God, and, through  Ghosteen , with his late son, Arthur, who died in 2015. (Cave’s son Jethro passed away in May, as this book went to press.) As with Cave’s music, you might flinch, but you will feel alive. —Jenn Pelly

Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla

After his untimely death from lupus-related complications in 2006, just after his 32nd birthday, J Dilla became recognized as one of the most important producers in hip-hop history. With his meticulous knowledge of records and wily command over drum machines, the man born James Dewitt Yancey created intricate, sample-based productions that defied the rigid structure of the grid and altered how musicians of all stripes thought about time. “What Dilla created was a third path of rhythm,” writes journalist, record executive, and professor Dan Charnas in his biography of the artist, resulting in a “new, pleasurable, disorienting rhythmic friction and a new time-feel: Dilla Time.” Charnas’ book,  Dilla Time, is a fascinating, immersive look at Dilla’s impact both during his lifetime and beyond: the producer’s relationships and upbringing, his musical interventions, and the contentious dispute over who gets to control his posthumous legacy. —Cat Zhang

Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story

Despite its sweeping title,  The New York Times reporter Joe Coscarelli’s Atlanta rap book is more the story of Quality Control Music, the ATL-based label founded by Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas that dominated the last decade, than of the city as a whole. Fascinated by the rise of QC and all within their orbit, Coscarelli uses the label as a lens through which to explore how the high life of 2010s Atlanta worked out for some and not for others. For its first third, Coscarelli traces the label’s history, from the Freaknik festival to the birth of the Gucci Mane and Jeezy rivalry, before getting down to what you can tell really interests him: contrasting the careers of artists who made it big (Lil Baby and Migos) with those who fell by the wayside (Marlo and Lil Reek), in a combination of interwoven profile-like scenes and interviews. Some go smoother than others: Marlo’s section is written too much like a crime novel, but Lil Reek’s is captivating and gutting.  Rap Capital makes for occasionally scatter-brained reading, but the shifting framework keeps you glued. —Alphonse Pierre

This Woman’s Work: Essays on Music

Edited by Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson and Sonic Youth founder Kim Gordon, these essays by 16 female critics (including Pitchfork Contributing Editor Jenn Pelly) are intended to challenge the idea that music is made and written about by men. Many pieces expertly employ feminist analysis, from Juliana Huxtable’s piece on how noise music and Linda Sharrock’s vocals are a “rupture of…Eurocentric formulations of sound, speech, musicality, and written language,” to Jenn Pelly’s descriptions of Lucinda Williams’ “mini-manifestos for female life.” But more often, the poignancy of the pieces comes from the way these 16 writers generously offer us so much of themselves. Reading these essays, it is striking how much music serves as a form of memory and solace. It provides a tie to a home left behind, it serves as a document of a friend’s vibrance, and it preserves a version of a mother long lost to mental illness. These essays are so moving because each of these writers hears themself fully in the music they love. They remind us that we can, too. — Vrinda Jagota

Queer Country

When music and queer studies scholar Shana Goldin-Perschbacher first started research for  Queer Country in 2004, most people she spoke to about the project reacted with bafflement: Did queer country artists even  exist ? It had been over a decade since k.d. lang left the genre to find greater acclaim and commercial success as a torchy pop singer, and the spectacular  backlash against the Chicks (née Dixie Chicks) a year prior had cemented the country music industry’s reputation as a bastion of conservative values. Now, what started as an underground scene appears to be reaching critical mass, with dedicated  radio shows ,  zines , and even a  gay country star in Brothers Osborne frontman T.J. Osborne (who isn’t alone in  Nashville’s mainstream ).  Queer Country  sketches out a rough history of this movement, spotlighting the contributions of lang and Lavender Country pioneer Patrick Haggerty, along with lesser-known figures including non-binary and trans musicians Rae Spoon, Joe Stevens, and Mya Byrne. It also features close-reads of contemporary stars like Lil Nas X, Orville Peck, Brandi Carlile, and Trixie Mattel, drawing a vivid portrait of a movement at a point of breakthrough. —Will Groff

Needles and Plastic: Flying Nun Records, 1981–1988

New Zealand produced a staggering amount of great independent rock music in the 1980s, and most of it came from Flying Nun, a Christchurch-based label that made immediate waves when early releases by the Clean hit national pop charts. Founder Roger Shepherd had turned, as author Matthew Goody puts it, “what seemed like a good idea in the pub one night to an established label in less than a year.” Shepherd’s DIY approach makes Flying Nun’s early history hard to sort, but Goody does a great job capturing its ’80s heyday, before the label moved north to Auckland.  Needles & Plastic  is structured by order of releases, but it’s far more than a catalog. Goody tells detailed stories about each record and artist, from the Chills to Tall Dwarfs to the Bats, and unearths a sparkling wealth of photos and ephemera, building a rich document of how exciting and resourceful this scene was. “There was an underlying love of making music and sharing it with people that drove almost everyone to get involved,” Goody writes. “And no one seemed to have a care in the world about any kind of reward or recognition that might come along the way.” – Marc Masters

Hua Hsu’s  Stay True is a coming-of-age memoir that brings music, memory, identity, and grief into a mid-1990s tableau of indie-pop mixtapes, late-night record stores, and Xeroxed zines. The son of Taiwanese immigrants, Hsu enters UC Berkeley as a malcontent who forges an improbably deep friendship with Ken, his opposite in almost every way: a well-adjusted frat brother who wears Abercrombie and listens to Dave Matthews, whose Japanese-American family has been in the U.S. for generations. But Hsu’s growing kinship with Ken contributes to the writer’s personal debunking of stereotypical binaries, and his realization that what constitutes “cool” is often more complicated than it seems. When, only three years later, Ken is murdered in a carjacking, Hsu writes to not forget his friend’s kindness and curiosity, his late-night theories, the particular pitch of his laugh. Hsu, also a literature professor at Bard College, spent years as a music critic before joining  The New Yorker in 2017, and music is the oxygen of  Stay True , a book that already feels like a crucial addition to the music-critical memoir tradition.— Jenn Pelly

Her Country: How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Supposed to Be

When journalist Marissa Moss moved to Nashville and started reporting on the music scene, she quickly observed how the institution of country music maintains a status quo that prioritizes the comfort and success of men with “big cowboy hats and even bigger egos.” Women in country music were (and still are) expected to temper their rage and remain apolitical lest they get “Chicked,” or face the industry-wide fallout that the Chicks endured when they spoke out against George W. Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. Moss became fascinated with the rulebreakers of the genre—not the men of outlaw country, praised for their bravado and fearlessness, but the women who succeeded in such a hostile environment without sacrificing their integrity. Her book,  Her Country, follows three pioneers— Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, and Mickey Guyton— over the course of 20 years as they grew up, pursued their dreams, and changed the genre in the process. The book is deeply researched: You’ll find quotes that Kacey Musgraves’ grandmother gave a local newspaper when she sang at Bush’s inauguration, as well as first-person accounts from Morris and Guyton about pivotal moments in their careers. And of course, as she tells these women’s stories, Moss contextualizes them in relation to all the women who paved the way before them: The song about birth control that got Loretta Lynn banned from the radio, the poignant lyrics that Dolly Parton wrote about class struggle. The book is an exhaustive history of the kind of industry—and world—that the white men of country music have always hoped to maintain and the women who wouldn’t let them. — Vrinda Jagota

Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise and Fall of SST Records

The temptation to idolize SST Records as an unbreakable bastion of punk rock is real, but Greg Ginn would happily be the first one to put a crack in its sparkling legacy. Back in 1978, the Black Flag co-founder started the record label as a way to release his band’s music. Then things began snowballing, and as the Los Angeles scene began to expand, so did the label’s output—Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Soundgarden—alongside the police department’s surveillance of their headquarters. Thus SST Records transitioned from a backyard project into a juggernaut, helping punk bands transition into alt-rock staples, even as the label’s accounting practices came under fire. With  Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise and Fall of SST Records , author Jim Ruland organizes a plethora of original interviews, newspaper clippings, and battered flyers into an ode to the label that helped rock evolve. Across 14 in-depth chapters, the book catalogs how SST moved beyond hardcore, fed college radio its meat and potatoes, and impacted regional scenes by amplifying their artists – often at the expense of the pockets of its bands. These anecdotes will likely become a go-to resource for punk archivists looking beyond the impact of  Damaged  or  Double Nickels on the Dime . – Nina Corcoran

Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop

In  Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop , Smith articulates just how profoundly music shapes our understanding of self. Each chapter treats an icon of mononymous fame—Aretha, Donna, Whitney, Mariah, Janet, Gladys, and so on—as a lens for Smith’s own story, kaleidoscoping cultural criticism and meticulous reporting on their lives with reflections on Smith’s own. In a chapter on Gladys Knight, she unpacks her own childhood traumas while exploring the societal expectation for teenage girls to trust the decisions of their elders. In writing about Aretha and Whitney, she lays out the long tradition of sleazy men in the music industry swarming around female artists, waiting to see what they can take from them.  Shine Bright is by turns warmly conversational and brilliantly analytical, achieving the rare feat of illuminating new contours of some of the greatest artists of all time.— Puja Patel

A Book of Days

When Patti Smith joined Instagram in 2018, it was a perfect match. The punk legend, poet, and celebrated memoirist is also a longtime photographer: The format immediately served her daily art practice, sharing snapshots and epigrammatic captions that consistently feel generative and soul-steadying.  A Book of Days is an aesthetic diary inspired by her approach to Instagram. Though she misses the “atmosphere” of her Polaroids, she writes in the introduction, her embrace of technology “has enabled me to unite with the exploding collage of our culture.” Each page corresponds to a date on the calendar, pairing a photograph (from her Polaroids, archive, and cellphone) and text to offer daily inspiration. Some celebrate birthdays for the likes of Joan of Arc or Joan Baez. Others depict coffee, sunglasses, notebooks, or headstones. “Here are my arrows aiming for the common heart of things,” Smith explains. “Each attached with a few words, scrappy oracles.”— Jenn Pelly

Everything I Need I Get from You: How Fangirls Created the Internet as We Know It

Normal people tend to regard stans in one of three ways: amused by their histrionic slang (“your fave could never”), impressed by their organizational dexterity, or horrified by their willingness to launch full-scale harassment campaigns. The relationship is one of intrigue and suspicion, not recognition, and so even those who self-identify as “chronically online” don’t always quite get stans’ motivations, content to see them as just a curious part of the online ecology. That’s where Kaitlyn Tiffany, internet culture writer at The Atlantic, steps in. Her book,  Everything I Need I Get From You: How Fangirls Created the Internet As We Know It , dives into the trenches of online fandom—the deep-fried memes, the bizarro and sometimes dangerous conspiracy theories—drawing from scholarly research and her own personal history loving One Direction. It traces how fandom has shaped our modern-day internet: becoming our “dominant mode of commerce,” infiltrating our speech. The book’s balance of first-person experience and scholarly analysis, humor and rigor, makes it an irresistible read.— Cat Zhang

And the Category Is…: Inside New York’s Vogue, House, and Ballroom Community

During one of the interviews in culture writer and Lambda Fellow Ricky Tucker’s new book, voguer and educator Benji Hart quotes the Ballroom icon Jonovia Chase: “Ballroom is not fantasy; it's the real world reimagined.” Balls open space and time for Black, brown, queer, and trans performers to remix reality, forging networks of community and kinship through imaginative movement. In  And the Category Is... , Tucker blends reportage, memoir, and criticism into a work that’s just as hybrid and polyphonic as the culture it captures. The book touches on Ballroom’s complex interactions with mainstream culture via media properties like  Paris Is Burning ,  Pose , and  Legendary , finding the edges where capitalism packets marginal lives into consumable bites. Through an interview with the DJ MikeQ, Tucker also explores the unmistakable sound of the ball, the way that a responsive live mix can feed and be fed by a voguing routine, DJ and dancer mutually electrified. Just as a DJ cuts up a song and funnels it into a new, live current, voguers collapse and expand the world, breaking out of habitual movement, resculpting the real.— Sasha Geffen

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The Florida Room

The “Florida room”—also known as a sunroom or a solarium—is a glass-walled living space at the back of the main home that serves as a middle ground between the indoors and outdoors. NYU professor Alexandra T. Vazquez uses this off-center social zone as a guiding metaphor in  The Florida Room,  theorizing her vibrant book about the musics of Miami as “a spatial imaginary, a vestibule, an addition to the main house of writings about place.” As Vazquez identifies unexpected resonances and collaborations—snaking her way through singer Betty Wright, the Indigenous rock group Tiger Tiger, and Miami bass’s Luke Skyywalker Records—her prose is lively and darting, as if refusing to let a central narrative congeal. It's a loving and rich account of somewhere that exists both in real life and the imagination, too abundant to be contained. — Cat Zhang

By Jazz Monroe

By Alphonse Pierre

By Andy Cush

By Madison Bloom

The Best Music Books of 2022 (So Far)

Whether you want to understand the social structures that shaped one of the best MCs, or the addiction that's haunted so many performers—or if you just want to celebrate the women who've shaped popular culture—there’s a book for that.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Lucky for us, this year has also brought about fun and informative reads . Whether you want to understand the social structures that shaped one of the best MCs to ever handle a microphone, or the addiction that's haunted so many vocalists—or if you just want to celebrate the women who've shaped popular culture—there’s a book for that. Below, we compiled the best music books of 2022, so far.

It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World That Made Him

Journalist Justin Tinsley is the latest documentarian to add to the tree of life after the death of The Notorious B.I.G. Back in May, Tinsely unveiled a well-researched biography of the late-wordsmith and hip-hop legend. Using interviews with those close to Biggie, Tinsely goes an extra mile by examining the sociological terrain like poor schools, Ronald Reagan, and the War on Drugs.

Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm

J Dilla is probably your favorite producer’s favorite producer. Dan Charnas, author of The Big Payback , shines a well-deserved light on Dilla’s life and musical career with Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla . Charnas stitches together cultural history, musicology, and biology to chronicle Dilla’s journey from his childhood in Detroit to his rise as a Grammy-nominated producer to the rare blood disease that caused his untimely death.

Roc Lit 101 Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop

Veteran journalist Danyel Smith adds another line to her resume—not to mention also to the fabric of American culture—with the recent release of Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop, which delves into the achievements of Black women in music. Mixing cultural history, criticism, and memoir, you'll be hard pressed to find a read as fun or informative on the subject as this.

Enter the Blue

For readers who appreciate a dive into fiction, Enter the Blue should find a spot on your bookshelf. In a search to save her teacher who lay comatose after collapsing during a performance, Jessie Choi finds herself meeting jazz legends, learning about the storied history of Blue Note Records—a jazz record label created by Alfred Lion in 1939—and, along the way, she's forced to face her deepest fears.

DJ Screw: A Life in Slow Revolution (American Music Series)

DJ Screw single handedly created a hip-hop culture in Houston. Screw’s invention has inspired superstars like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and A$AP Rocky. And via interviews from family, friends, and Chopped and Screwed nerds, he finally gets his due.

Most Dope: The Extraordinary Life of Mac Miller

Most Dope works as a reminder of Mac’s passion for hip-hop and his gifts as a MC. But the new book from music journalist Paul Cantor absolutely soars as a cautionary tale about drug addiction.

Didn't We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston

Gerrick Kennedy dives into the life of one of the all time great vocalists, Whitney Houston, examining a journey rife with addiction, abuse, and fame. It's hardly a story untold at this point, but for fans of Houston it'll fit nicely on the shelf.

Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story, in Music Lessons

In Jermey Denk’s stirring new memoir, the genius-piano player details his own coming of age. Using music as a metaphor, Denk unveils universal truths about life, exploring his own piano studies, Julliard PhD, relationships, and sexual identity through the lens of diligent practice.

Ugly Beauty: Jazz in the 21st Century (Culture, Society & Politics)

Here, Phil Freeman answers probing questions like, Has streaming lessened the value of music? What meaningful musical traditions are left to explore? Are there any sounds that are truly off-limits? For those who find their minds mulling over similar queries, your first stop ought to be here.

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A Crime Fiction Master Flips the Script

How to Read the 'Dune' Book Series in Order

Tommy Orange Is Not Your Tour Guide

What to Do If You're 'Divorce-Curious'

Into the Unknown With Kelly Link

Meet Your New Robot Co-Writer

Inside the Hugo Awards Meltdown

The Western Renaissance Begins With This Novel

How to Take Back Your Life From Algorithms

The End of the Multiverse

Rewriting The Rules of Historical Fiction

The Best Music Books of 2022

If you want to know the feeling of constantly failing… well, yes, you can read any number of musicians’ memoirs about their early years, but you can also try to keep up with the vast number of music books released every year. It’s like trying to keep up with multiple TV series at the same time, or the number of lies a certain former president tells every day — you keep up as best you can and hope you’re not missing a blockbuster. Of course, the upside is there are many, many great books released this year, and although we’re sure we are missing many of them, below are the best music books of 2022 that we actually managed to read.

“Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” by Bono The U2 singer’s stage presence may be bombastic, but Bono’s startlingly intimate autobiography is a look into his greatest loves and heartbreaks. Between the formation of U2, its near break-up and the bumps along the way, there is plenty of rock talk. But Bono writes beautifully about his relationship with his parents and his wife, detailing how their love lifted him to extraordinary heights. With prose far beyond the typical ghostwritten rock star bio, Bono organizes the highs and lows through the lens of classic U2 songs, which adds further insight beyond the lyrics. While the last stretch of the book namechecks the world’s most powerful people through his dedication to humanitarian efforts, the biggest sparks come through passages recounting tales with his bandmates. Even though the grandiosity of U2 could sometimes turn into self-parody, the emotion driving the group is vividly chronicled in “Surrender.” — William Earl

“The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music” — Tom Breihan Based on “The Number Ones,” Stereogum senior editor Tom Breihan’s ongoing column reviewing U.S. No. 1 pop hits, his new book of the same name looks at how 20 top tracks affected the culture, and/or changed the game, musically and sociologically. Ripe with opinion and spiced by peppery humor, Breihan’s new essays find the Beatles and the Beach Boys sitting comfortably next to fellow “Number Ones” Bon Jovi and Soulja Boy. Breihan ponders the co-dependency between Bob Dylan and the Byrds when it came to “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and touches on George McCrae’s disco-era smash, “Rock Your Baby,” as a track intentionally written to top the charts. Breihan’s book also lovingly looks into deserving artists (e.g., Dylan, Bruce Springsteen) who have never topped the singles charts. — Amorosi

“The Byrds: 1964-1967” — Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman & David Crosby The Byrds are one of the greatest and most influential rock groups of all time: They weren’t only influenced by the Beatles, they influenced them; they showed the world that Bob Dylan songs could rock; and via their own classics like “Eight Miles High,” “So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star” and “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” they paved the way for countless artists that followed, from jangle-pop to psychedelia to country rock. Surprisingly, for 58 years the group never had the long-view biography they deserved — but that situation was remedied in spectacular fashion this year with BMG Books’ stunning “The Byrds: 1964-67,” a comprehensive oral history and a gorgeous coffee-table photo book all in one. The editors licensed virtually every known photo of the group from the era, sat down with surviving founding members Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and Chris Hillman, and got them to share their memories of the moments, the band, the era, each other and lots more. (The book follows the group as it gradually goes from a quintet to a quartet to a trio, and leaves off before Gram Parsons’ arrival in 1968, which launched a whole new chapter of the Byrds.) It’s an inspired approach that we’d love to see many more artists follow. — Aswad

“A Song for Everyone: the Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival” — John Lingan The sad story of Creedence Clearwater Revival has been told many times in the half century since the band split up, from “Behind the Music” to singer-songwriter-frontman John Fogerty’s 2016 autobiography. This extensive volume, which Fogerty declined to be interviewed for, looks at things largely from the perspectives of the band’s rhythm section, bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford (the fourth member, Fogerty’s brother Tom, died in 1990). This account offers a strong history of the Bay Area band’s early days — they first began playing together in middle school — and follows as they develop a local reputation and as Fogerty increasingly asserts his dominance, eventually insisting on writing and singing all of the songs, playing lead guitar and even working as their manager. The latter decision in particular proved to be ill-advised, as 21-year-old Fogerty was no match for the aggressive business brain of Fantasy Records chief Saul Zaentz; he ended up making a very bad deal for himself and spent many decades railing against the unfairness of a situation of his own making.

As so often happens, with success came discord: The group’s almost unprecedented hot streak — an incredible seven Top 5 singles and five Top 10 albums (two of them No. 1s) in just over two years — made them one of the most popular acts in the world, but it all began to unravel at the 1970 Royal Albert Hall concert that opens the book, as the crowd roared for an encore that everyone except Fogerty wanted the band to give. The group dissolved as quickly as it had found success, in a flurry of legal disputes and ill feeling that have continued ever since. Lingan provides an impressively detailed history of both the band and the East Bay music scene of the era — distinct from the concurrent Haight-Ashbury San Francisco psychedelic scene across the bay, of which Creedence was never a part — although his perspective on the broader music world and the times is less compelling. — Aswad

Longtime hip-hop journalist Dan Charnas, author of the definitive history of the hip-hop business “The Big Payback” and an associate professor at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, not only teaches regular classes on Dilla’s work, he dedicated four years of his life to writing the 450-page “Dilla Time.” It’s no ordinary book: equal parts biography, musical analysis and cultural history, it delves deep not only into Dilla’s history and music but also into the histories of rhythm and his hometown of Detroit; the three elements even come together in a mind-melting chapter that compares Detroit’s street plan with rhythm theory. “Dilla Time” is not a lean-back read — the segments on the science of rhythm can have readers tapping armrests, trying to follow his labrynthine explanations — but it’s among the deepest studies of the genre to date, and truly brings Dilla the flowers he long deserved. — Aswad

“Her Country: How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Meant to Be” — Marissa R. Moss The subject of women in country music is almost too big for one book and Marissa R. Ross knows it, so for her where-we’re-at snapshot of the gender divide in the genre, she settles in on three artists — Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris and Kacey Musgraves — as her key go-tos, or come-back-tos. So in effect, you’re getting three nearly complete biographies for the price of one… even as her frame is constantly widening to survey other major figures in the music, too (like Margo Price, who gets enough due here that Moss’ book makes a pretty nice complement to that singer’s own memoir, also featured in this list). Moss has been so outspoken in her coverage of women’s issues for Rolling Stone Country and other outlets that you know she’s not going to suddenly turn dry and dispassionate in her writing on those subjects here. But once she’s laid out the list of obstacles women still face in just getting the proverbial seat at the table — a snapshot of the state of institutional sexism in and around 2022 that we very much need — she’s able to also, at leisure, provide exactly what you’d hope a book such as this would expend much of its time on: the joy and righteousness of how these women rose to the top, from winning talent contests and even yodeling competitions as girls to asserting themselves as great, mature artists in the present day, against almost impossible odds. They are all, as a Musgraves album title once cheekily put it, “pageant material” — and Moss’ book is a terrific pageant of bona fide heroines unto itself. — Willman

“Maybe We’ll Make It” — Margo Price Price had a hardscrabble upbringing as the daughter of an Illinois farming family that was just made to be grist for country songs — and eventually it was, when she released her Third Man Records debut, titled, yes, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” (the nod to Loretta’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” being very much intentional). Yet it wasn’t till the mid-2010s that she really pursued country music, almost as an inadvertently successful afterthought, in the wake of the many years that she and husband Jeremy Ivey spent trying to get any kind of traction with their now-defunct rock band Buffalo Clover. Although Price’s account of her childhood is more than absorbing, some of the rock musicians who’ll pick up her memoir might be forgiven for skipping ahead to the chapters where she delves into Buffalo Clover’s ups (there were a few) and downs (numbering seemingly in the thousands). How many musicians won’t relate to the following: Spending thousands to go to SXSW, just to play for a handful of disinterested non-VIPs? Saving money while touring by crashing with venue waitresses, who may or may not want to crawl into the same bed? Bonding by binging? Intra-band romances and affairs that can make a group “like Fleetwood Mac, without the success”? Helping out friends by playing full sets on the drums while eight months pregnant? (OK, maybe everything  about Price’s road stories isn’t quite so relatable.) Her stoic attitude about being a working musician as well as poet makes Price seem like “one of the boys,” until harrowing pregnancy stories intervene. You remember the saying about how Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels? Price has some of the same tales to tell as her male counterparts, but with emergency C-sections, too. The book essentially wraps up with her breakout 2016 “Saturday Night Live” performance, leaving you hankering for a sequel this sharply remembered, keenly written and marvelously self-perceptive. — Willman

“Rap Capital” Joe Coscarelli

If ever a history was too big and too small at the same time, it’s this one. In his first book, the ace New York Times reporter Coscarelli puts a microscope on the thriving and enormously influential Atlanta hip-hop scene. His reportorial writing style is densely packed and starts off moving very quickly, with brief and concise histories of Atlanta and its Black music scene, while setting up a side narrative about Lashawn Jones, who eventually becomes the mother of top Atlanta rapper Lil Baby. But after 50 or so pages, he zooms into microfocus on Baby and the Quality Control label — home to Migos, Young Thug and others — while touching only in passing on the huge number of other artists involved in the scene and even the label, particularly female artists. There is also the problem of attempting to write a history while the subject matter is still very much current: The months-long imprisonments of Young Thug, Gunna and other members of the YSL collective get just a passing mention (as they took place just before the book’s publication), and Takeoff’s tragic and appallingly senseless murder was still in the future. Despite its excessive length and selective focus, “Rap Capital” does add up to a definitive history of the city that has spawned so much of the past decade’s best hip-hop. — Aswad

“Sly & the Family Stone: An Oral History” — Joel Selvin (reissue) In this era of eBay and ebooks and Dropbox, it’s hard to explain just how difficult it could be to find certain books back in the day — I scoured used-book stores for this fascinating oral history, originally published during the 1990s, for years before finally giving up. With Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Questlove at work on a film about Sly Stone, the timing for its re-release could not be much better. In this comprehensive volume, veteran San Francisco music writer Selvin recounts this generation-shifting group’s history by talking with basically everyone — from bandmembers and managers to label execs and Sly’s parents and other family members — chronicling Stone’s rise from precocious child church musician to DJ and producer and finally . What emerges is a first-hand account of both the kaleidoscopic talent that drove Stone to the top and attracted so many people to him, and the madness that he soon descended into and never truly returned from, a victim of ego, drug abuse sycophants and the era: There are harrowing scenes of his Hollywood Hills mansion being filled with drugs, thugs, guns and attack dogs. It amounts to a definitive history of one of the rock generation’s greatest and most tragic artists. — Aswad

“A Book of Days” — Patti Smith Having worked out much of her autobiography with “Just Kids” (2010) and “M Train” (2015), the poet-punk found a novel approach to continued memoir writing with “A Book of Days.” Meant to mimic her new-found love of connection through Instagram, Smith doles out snapshots from a life well lived – one-a-day during a Leap Year – with deeply ruminative descriptions of each photo. With many deaths among her friends and lovers, Smith’s snaps, such as those of Sam Shepard reading Beckett, and of a guitar from MC5’s Fred Smith (her late husband), are particularly poignant. Patti also has fun inviting viewers into her life and home with photos of her weedy garden in Rockaway, cherished old boots and books, and several affectionate snaps of her playful cat. Yes: Patti Smith likes cat selfies, a small gesture that makes “A Book of Days” as charming as it is elegiac and prosaic. — Amorosi

“Sun Ra: Art on Saturn: The Album Cover Art of Sun Ra’s Saturn Label” — Sun Ra and Chris Reisman Growing up in Philadelphia, working at the legendary 3rd Street Jazz, I was privy to visits from Sun Ra, the local Afrofuturist and avant-garde bandleader, carrying boxes of hand-drawn and self-painted album sleeves for his Saturn label records. The inventiveness of handcrafted covers, in league with the kaleidoscopic free jazz and quirky parade music within each sleeve, is what makes Chris Reisman’s colorful catalog so awesome. Like finding art aficionados clinging to their Banksys, hunting down Ra collectors with pieces of Saturn as their own is as much fun as seeing the tribal cartoon cover art (executed by Sun or whoever happened into the communal Ra House in Philly) and listening to the merry, experimental music. Editor-writer Reisman, Ra archaeological excavator Irwin Chusid, and fellow scholars John Corbett and Glenn Jones write about the “outsider” aesthetic of Ra’s album art and music within each sleeve, and pen playful essays about their hero. With that, “Sun Ra: Art on Saturn” is a true treasure, a jazzbo’s necessity and a joy to behold. — Amorosi

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2022 in Review: The Best Music Books of the Year

For the second part, we put on our reading glasses and dug into the year’s best books for fans of classic rock and related music. The first segment of our survey is devoted to memoirs and biographies (arranged alphabetically by subject), including important new books on (or by) Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Bono, Eagles , Doobie Brothers, Charlie Watts and others. The second part is a guide to new books on various music-related topics, arranged by title. And then, at the end, we’ve listed other assorted new releases of 2022 that may interest you.

There are no rankings for these titles because they’re all worthy.

Click on the links in the titles for more information on a specific book. All of these titles are available as physical books; many are also downloadable digitally.

Bios, Memoirs and Artist-Related (Alphabetical by Subject Name)

Related: What were the best music books of 2021?

The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969-73 —by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair Set against the backdrop of the Beatles splintering over both business and creative issues, the book covers a period in which McCartney recreated himself, both as a man and as a musician. Says the book announcement: “This is an in-depth and revealing exploration of his creative life beyond the Beatles—featuring hundreds of interviews with fellow musicians, tour managers, recording engineers, producers, filmmakers, and more.”

Non-Artist-Related (Alphabetical by Title)

And Don’t Forget These (Alphabetical by Author)…

New Highway: Selected Lyrics, Poems, Prose, Essays, Eulogies and Blues —by Dave Alvin This anthology of writings by the celebrated Americana pioneer is a companion piece to his considerable musical output, and presents a cross-section of his work.

Music + Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s —by Richard Barone Written by the frontman of the Bongos, the book comprehensively chronicles the rise of folk music, and then rock, in downtown New York City at the time of Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, the Lovin’ Spoonful and others

The book’s cover photo was taken by Eric Swayne

Pattie Boyd: My Life in Pictures —by Pattie Boyd A visual trove of photographs, letters, diaries and more from the \fashion model, photographer and wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

Confessions—Stories to Rock Your Soul —by Nadine Condon Thirty years working with rock music legends like Jefferson Starship culminated in Nadine’s Wild Weekend, a four-day music festival in San Francisco. Why then, did Nadine, the “Godmother of Rock,” leave the exciting music business to pursue an anonymous career in hospice?

The Hag: The Life, Times, and Music of Merle Haggard —by Marc Eliot The bio of the country great is augmented by deep research, including over 100 new interviews, plus sharp detail and ample anecdotal material.

Rock’s in My Head —by Art Fein Journalist, producer, record company staffer, TV host and more, Art Fein draws on 10,000 pages of a journal he began keeping in the early 1970s, chronicling his rock ’n’ roll adventures.

The Who: Concert Memories from the Classic Years, 1964-1976 —by Edoardo Genzolini Not another bio, but rather the reflections of the band’s fans. “The reader will be thrown into untold stories, hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, and uncirculated recordings clarifying the misinformation, myths, and legends,” says the advertising copy.

Arrow Through the Heart: The Biography of Andy Gibb —by Matthew Hild The first bio of the late younger brother of the Bee Gees “draws upon extensive research, rare archival interviews with Andy Gibb and members of his family, and interviews conducted by the author with nearly 50 of Andy’s friends and associates.”

The Lives of Brian: A Memoir —by Brian Johnson The memoir follows the usual arc—growing up in a small town, starting his own band—and then goes into hyperdrive as the author ultimately replaces Bon Scott, the lead singer of one of the world biggest rock acts, AC/DC.

Nightfly: The Life of Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen —by Peter Jones New bio of one-half of the acclaimed Steely Dan, including his solo career.

(Photo © Elliott Landy. Used with permission)

Photographs of Janis Joplin On the Road & On Stage —by Elliott Landy The 196-page book features iconic images of the music legend as well as 100 never-before-published photos, all from the acclaimed photographer. The photographs are accompanied by Joplin’s candid thoughts taken from conversations and interviews.

God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth —by David Leaf This substantial update of the 1978 bio is an intimate look at Wilson’s life and career, told through the eyes of those who were there.

The Rolling Stones 1972 50th Anniversary Edition —by Jim Marshall The collection presents Jim Marshall’s images as they were meant to be seen: at a larger size and in the rich, high-contrast tones photographer he favored. The original content is enhanced with never-before-seen proof sheets and two new essays by photographer and film director Anton Corbijn and Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe.

Mirror in the Sky: The Life and Music of Stevie Nicks —by Simon Morrison The book “examines Stevie Nicks as a singer and songwriter before and beyond her career with Fleetwood Mac, from the Arizona landscape of her childhood to the strobe-lit Night of 1000 Stevies celebrations.”

Bowie at 75 —by Martin Popoff The author examines David Bowie’s life through 75 significant career achievements and life events, including all 27 studio albums.

Goodnight Boogie—A Tale of Guns, Wolves & The Blues of Hound Dog Taylor —by Matt Rogers The first in-depth biographical study of the Blues Hall of Famer, whose life was as compelling as his music.

Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands —by Linda Ronstadt and Lawrence Downes In this sequel to her memoir, the singer “evokes the magical panorama of the high desert, a landscape etched by sunlight and carved by wind, offering a personal tour built around meals and memories of the place where she came of age.”

For the Records—Close Encounters With Pop Music —by Gene Sculatti One of the nation’s first rock critics recounts his experiences with the music that has moved him, from early childhood up through the past year, illuminated by personal recollections and cultural observations.

Gary Moore: The Official Biography —by Harry Shapiro Through extensive and revealing interviews with family members, friends and fellow musicians, biographer Harry Shapiro takes readers right to the heart of the guitarist’s life and career.

Best Classic Bands is an authorized Amazon affiliate. We’re grateful for purchases made by our readers.

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4 Comments so far

Man, that’s a LOT of cool books. I would have liked a bit more from the Arista book. But it was cool nonetheless.

I hope no one here bought the “signed” Dylan book. Ironic that another 60s icon turned into the very thing that a lot of artists from that era raged against.

It takes a lot to laugh . . .

Check out BABYSITTING A BAND ON THE ROCKS! A wonderful insider view into the craziness of the late 70s/early 80s classic rock concert world. On Amazon and all other online booksellers.

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9 New Music Memoirs and Biographies for Rock and Blues Fans

Get the inside stories on b.b. king, led zeppelin, stevie van zandt and other legends.

Some of the most exciting releases for music lovers this fall aren’t new albums but in-depth biographies and revealing memoirs from their favorite artists and bands. Whether you worship at the altar of the blues, know every guitar riff in the Led Zeppelin catalogue, or have seen The Boss countless times, these books have you covered. 

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The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

“Though I have never been one to collect ‘stuff,’ I do collect moments,” writes the Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman, 52, in the introduction to his entertaining new memoir that’s a must for rock fans. Here Grohl details the many moments that led a punk-loving kid in the Virginia suburbs (with a “Wonder Bread existence”) to his current status as a rock elder statesman with 16 Grammys under his belt — with all the ups and downs in between, including heading out on tour for the first time at 18 and his heartbreak over Kurt Cobain’s 1994 suicide. Grohl’s now on his way to a second Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, this time for his work with Foo Fighters (the first was for his role in Nirvana) later this month.

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King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King by Daniel de Visé

As Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Daniel de Visé tells it, the biography of B.B. King isn’t just the story of a genre-defining musician, it’s a full-blown hero’s journey — the tale of one man’s triumphs over every obstacle (economic, racial, societal) the world threw in his way. “In those forty-five years, Riley B. King had risen from penniless sharecropper to sidewalk busker to Memphis deejay to chart-topping singer to King of the Blues,” de Visé writes, describing the music legend as “the first guitar hero.” Filled with interviews with King’s relatives, band members and managers, the resulting biography feels at once intimate and encyclopedic, offering a full picture of the man behind the myth.​

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Led Zeppelin: The Biography by Bob Spitz

How do you encapsulate the musical legacy of one of the greatest bands in rock history? If you’re Bob Spitz, the best-selling author of books on the Beatles and Julia Child, you start talking — to everyone. For this definitive biography, Spitz conducted more than 150 interviews with friends, record executives and even groupies, and he offers insight into not only their artistic genius but also the controversies brought about by what he calls their “heedless hedonism.” At nearly 700 pages, the exhaustively researched tome is clearly pitched toward superfans, but Spitz fills the book with enough debauchery and trashed hotel rooms and bad decision-making that even a casual Led Zeppelin listener won't be able to look away. Spitz, it turns out, knows a thing or two about the music business: Before turning to book writing, he managed Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. (Nov. 9)

Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill

Guitar god Eddie Van Halen died of cancer last October, but he left behind more than 50 hours of unreleased interviews with rock journalists Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill. Need proof that you’re in good hands? Tolinski and Gill are the former editors of Guitar World and Guitar Aficionado , respectively. While the book of course covers Van Halen’s rise to fame and his nearly unparalleled skill as a technical musician, the authors also dive deep into his complicated backstory. The musician has shared, for instance, that his childhood as a Dutch immigrant who couldn’t speak English led to decades of social anxiety and substance abuse. As you might expect from these writers, the book is also filled with obsessive details about Eddie’s guitars, his custom modifications, and the unusual and rare instruments he played throughout his career.

Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir by Stevie Van Zandt

You probably know the bandana-wearing Little Steven , 70, from his decades as a charismatic member of the E Street Band or his role as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos . But his new memoir illustrates just how seminal he’s been in the past five decades of American popular music. An anti-apartheid activist who wrote the protest song “Sun City,” he’s spent years celebrating and advocating for rock ’n’ roll as an art form: He hosts a weekly syndicated radio show focused on garage rock, created two music channels on SiriusXM, founded an indie record label, and even helped develop an arts education initiative that incorporates music history — from classical to reggae — into K-12 curricula. While some rock stars hide behind a veil of detached coolness, Van Zandt is a man marked by genuine enthusiasm, and his memoir reads like a love letter to the people and places and music that made him, with a healthy dose of nostalgia and good-natured humor.

Mellencamp by Paul Rees

Veteran journalist Paul Rees covers all the greatest hits of the Indiana rocker’s life, including his youth in the heartland with a father who was “a tyrant,” in Mellencamp’s words; his rise to fame in the 1980s; his cofounding of Farm Aid; and his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But what really makes this biography sing is how far it takes us inside John Mellencamp (he dropped the Cougar long ago), 69: his inspirations, motivations, struggles, obsessions and fears. He comes across as a complicated artist, who says in the book — which was written with the musician’s cooperation — “I like being the underdog. I’m like Sisyphus. I like rolling the rock up the hill.”  

Also of Note

Set the Night on Fire: Living, Dying, and Playing Guitar With the Doors  by Robby Krieger.  The Doors guitarist describes the band’s wild existence with Jim Morrison at the helm. (Oct. 12) 

My Life in Dire Straits: The Inside Story of One of the Biggest Bands in Rock History  by John Illsley.  The bassist and founding member of Dire Straits tells all about the the band behind “Sultans of Swing.” (Nov. 9)

Rock Concert: An Oral History as Told by the Artists, Backstage Insiders, and Fans Who Were There  by Marc Myers.  Myers takes readers back to the heyday of live rock with stories from Alice Cooper, Joan Baez and many more. (Nov. 9)​

Nicholas DeRenzo is a contributing writer who covers entertainment and travel. Previously he was executive editor of United Airlines Hemispheres magazine , and his work has appeared in The New York Times , Condé Nast Traveler , Travel & Leisure , Sunset and New York magazin e .

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The Best Music Books of 2021

This year, many of the books we loved most used music as a lens through which to examine broader issues of politics, history, and identity — whether it was the story of capitalist circulation as heard by Joshua Clover in the Modern Lovers’ “Roadrunner,” Hanif Abdurraqib riffing on everything from Soul Train to 1920s dance crazes in his panoramic A Little Devil in America, or Eric Harvey exploring depictions of African American life in Eighties pop culture. Also included in our list of staff favorites (which is unranked and in alphabetical order by author) you’ll see some great, revealing musician memoirs from the worlds of rock, indie pop, rap, and country, as well as fascinating new works that deal with the vagaries of the music business, the story of Latin music, the history of women in hip-hop, and more.

Hanif Abdurraqib, ‘A Little Devil in America’

Poet, critic, author (and  Rolling Stone   contributor ) Hanif Abdurraqib weaves together music criticism, American history, emotional memoir, and performance analysis in this genre- and decade-spanning masterwork. Part of the thrill of this National Book Award finalist is observing Abdurraqib’s connective imagination at work, as he writes  about everything from  Merry Clayton and Josephine Baker to Soul Train , the card game spades, and 1920s dance marathons. Abdurraqib sums up his own book best, when writing about the Aretha Franklin concert film Amazing Grace : “There is something valuable about wanting the small world around you to know how richly you are being moved,” he writes, “So that maybe some total stranger might encounter your stomp, your clap, your shout, and find themselves moved in return.” — J.B.

Betto Arcos, ‘Music Stories From the Cosmic Barrio’

The journalist and radio producer Betto Arcos has crisscrossed the world a few times over, interviewing musicians in far-flung places to try to understand a central question: What inspires people to make music? In Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio , he collects about 150 stories that he’s written over the years, focusing primarily on Latin America, and organizes them by themes such as power, identity, and more. He shapes careful, nuanced profiles of musicians such as the Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, and always dives deep under the surface of musical traditions, resulting in a book that makes a reader want to see more, hear more, and understand more with each chapter. —J.L.

Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, ‘Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the ’80s Hard Rock Explosion’

From stories about how Gene Simmons asked Van Halen to change their name to Daddy Long Legs (blech!) to Skid Row realizing the jig was up after Nirvana broke, Rolling Stone contributors Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock present a fun and often funny account of the rise and fall of hair metal during the Decade of Decadence in Nöthin’ But a Good Time . Even better, they present everything in an oral-history format, allowing Mötley Crüe, Poison, Cinderella, and countless others to tell their own occasionally cringe-inducing, always fascinating stories. (Check out this GN’R excerpt for a sample.) It don’t get better than this. — K.G.

Regina N. Bradley, ‘Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South’

This treatise from leading Southern hip-hop scholar Regina N. Bradley is a revelatory collection of essays — part literary criticism, part sonic analysis, part personal memoir — that serves as an overdue and thrilling intervention on the NYC/L.A.-centric canon of hip-hop criticism. Bradley uses the conceptual framework established by the music of Outkast (“the founding theoreticians of the hip-hop South,” as she writes) as a way of discussing everything from the trap grief of fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. to the groundbreaking Mississippi novels of Jesmyn Ward and Kiese Laymon to the soundtrack to Django Unchained . It’s a masterful work of criticism that uses Outkast’s music as “a point of departure,” Bradley writes, “for understanding how post-civil rights Southerners excavate spaces of imagination, possibility, and cultural influences as they fold onto each other in a complex present.” — J.B.

Daphne Brooks, ‘Liner Notes for the Revolution: The Intellectual Life of Black Feminist Sound’

Yale professor Daphne Brooks takes on a wide-ranging study of Black female artists, from elders like Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters to Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe. But she reaches far beyond music, exploring writers like Zora Neale Hurston and Pauline Hopkins; there’s a chapter about an early interview between the playwright Lorraine Hansberry and the rock critic Ellen Willis. Liner Notes is a secret history in the spirit of Greil Marcus, connecting the sonic worlds of Black female mythmakers and truth-tellers. One of the most touching moments: Brooks’ mother recalls record shopping as a spiritual refuge in the Jim Crow South of the 1940s. — R.S.

Joshua Clover, ‘Roadrunner’

Jonathan Richman’s proto-punk classic “Roadrunner” is one of the greatest songs ever about the freeing power of rock & roll and the open road. (It’s 77th on our list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.) Poet and critic Joshua Clover’s book-length exploration of “Roadrunner” stays true to Richman’s “faster miles an hour” gospel, thrillingly pursuing connections backward and forward, from Chuck Berry to Cornershop to M.I.A. Clover also takes his story well beyond rock history, connecting a song about the circular freedom of driving around suburban Boston to the “transnational flow of culture,” and the global circulation of capital and human beings. Even if you’ve heard “Roadunner” a million times, this book will make it sound newly present and alive. — J.D.

Stephen Deusner, ‘Where the Devil Don’t Stay: Traveling the South With the Drive-By Truckers’

The most brilliant decision veteran music journalist Stephen Deusner made for this book — the first definitive history of Drive-By Truckers — was to structure his portrait of the band geographically, from Muscle Shoals to Memphis to Athens to Deusner’s home region, McNairy County, Tennessee. Band members past and present (including, yes, Jason Isbell) gave exhaustive interviews for the book, which offers as much cultural criticism and post-civil-rights Southern history as straightforward autobiography. “The Truckers understand that our notion of place is informed by its history, by its politics, by economic forces … by the music … and the food,” he writes. Where the Devil Don’t Stay approaches its subject with the same context and care as the band it portrays. —J.B.

Warren Ellis, ‘Nina Simone’s Gum: A Memoir of Things Lost and Found’

At a 1999 festival gig, Warren Ellis — the Dirty Three violinist and Nick Cave’s red-right-hand man — plucked a gob of Nina Simone’s A.B.C. gum off a piano, wrapped it in her stage towel, and stored it like treasure in a Tower Records bag. His first book, filled with photos of Simone and her gum, recounts how the singer’s garbage became a relic to him. “Nina Simone’s fingers were the last to touch [the gum],” he wrote. “Her mouth and teeth and tongue. Her spirit existed in the space between the gum and the towel. That concert was in the gum. That transcendence.” Alongside digressions about Alice Coltrane and Beethoven, the lovably quirky, easy-to-read volume explains how Simone’s transcendence became Ellis’ beacon. — K.G.

Mary Gauthier, ‘Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting’

In her debut memoir, Americana songwriter Mary Gauthier leaves nothing hiding in the shadows: She shares that she’s a recovering addict and alcoholic who got busted for DUI in the very first chapter. Like the plain-spoken songs she’s written — the alcoholic’s confession “I Drink,” the desperate plea “Mercy Now” — Saved by a Song  is stunningly personal. She writes in sharp but warm prose about coming out as a gay woman, her difficult search for her birth mother, and how she learned to love herself, providing a handbook for compassion and self-care along the way. But  Saved by a Song also pulls back the curtain on the magic of songwriting. Watching her dissect “I Drink,” crossing out lyrics that didn’t fit and streamlining her way to the finished product, is like sitting in on a class taught by a master. — J.H.

Dave Grohl, ‘The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music’

Stuck during Covid lockdown with nothing to do, the ever-restless Grohl started writing Instagram stories about his life and career that eventually turned into this memoir. Raised by a single mom he remains very close with , Grohl bailed on high school to hit the road with Washington, D.C., hardcore band Scream and never looked back . Grohl deals in revealing detail with the rise of Nirvana and the loss of Kurt Cobain. At 25, he wondered if his career was over. Instead, after finding his footing with the Foo Fighters, he goes on to amiably wander a self-made path of punk-rock conviviality, marked by run-ins with everyone from Little Richard to Madeleine Albright, remaining infectiously upbeat at every turn. — J.D. 

Eric Harvey, ‘Who Got the Camera? A History of Rap and Reality’

Touching on everything from Cops to A Current Affair to Kendrick Lamar and “Fuck tha Police,” Eric Harvey’s Who Got the Camera? draws a connecting line between post-Reagan reality TV and hip-hop — or, as he puts it in his approachably erudite prose, “a recombinant medium with designs on social relevance that came of age in the early 1980s, rap had much in common with television’s entertaining realism.” Harvey, a professor at Michigan’s Grand Valley State University, zooms in on N.W.A, Public Enemy, Tupac, the Rodney King beating, and hip-hop misogyny, among other topics, and the result is a rich, readable history that underscores all the ways in which hip-hop served essential documentary function — there’s a reason Ice T, among others, used to refer to his profession as “reality rap.” — C.H.

Clover Hope, ‘The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop’

Clover Hope’s The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop is a treasury of insightful anecdotes and juicy war stories. Hope, a seasoned journalist, has curated an impressive catalog of legendary ladies, from Seventies pioneer Sha-Rock to social media sovereign Cardi B. Filled with personal testimonies — on how the music shaped her as a lifelong fan — The Motherlode brims with authenticity: A profile on Roxanne Shante, who was slighted early on for her skills, gives way to some thoughts on how Hope herself gets second-guessed in a male-dominated industry. This is a crucial chronicle of the culture that you don’t want to stop reading. — W.D.

Rickie Lee Jones, ‘Last Chance Texaco: Chronicles of an America Troubadour’

In the late Seventies, singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones brought her Southwest boho mysticism to the L.A. rock scene and became a star. There’s some entertaining and revealing stuff in her memoir about her quick rise to success and hedonistic heyday, including a dishy aside about her early boyfriend Tom Waits (“In bed, he was the greatest performing lion in the world,” she writes). Jones is candid about her battles with drugs and the ups and downs of her career. The best parts of the book focus on her difficult childhood on the tattered margins of 1950s America, and her relationship with her alcoholic parents, whose stories are rendered with a rare realist tenderness. — J.D.

Alan Licht, ‘Common Tones: Selected Interviews with Artists and Musicians 1995-2020’

Alan Licht is a legendary guitarist in New York’s experimental scene. That means he’s got music perspective, but it also means he’s got hands-on experience in dealing with prima-donna cranks — that’s got to be part of why he’s so sharp as an interviewer. Common Tones has provocative discussions with artists across the map: rock pioneers like Lou Reed, Tom Verlaine, and Karl Precoda, avant-garde composers like Tony Conrad, Glenn Branca, and Rhys Chatham. For anyone mourning the late, great Greg Tate, don’t miss his essential comments here on the dance between words and music. —R.S.

The Lunachicks (with Jeanne Fury), ‘Fallopian Rhapsody: The Story of the Lunachicks’

The Lunachicks — brightly mascaraed New York punk mainstays throughout the Nineties — became a cult sensation, influencing a generation of feminist nonconformists, without a major-label deal or a radio hit. Their revealing, always-entertaining memoir, co-written with punk authority Jeanne Fury, is as fun and colorful as their costumes, as they recount highs (opening for Sonic Youth at CBGB), lows (bassist Squid’s drug addictions), and their regrets (drummer Becky Wreck wishing she’d accepted L7’s job offer after seeing they toured on a bus while Lunachicks drove a van). But they keep their sense of humor throughout: “We were in a tent getting ready, and I was wearing a pink curly wig,” frontwoman Theo Kogan writes of their 1992 Reading Festival appearance. “I was like, ‘This is it; we are clowns.’ … I’d always dreamed of this.” K.G.

Paul McCartney, ‘The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present’

Macca has been on a creative frenzy lately: a hit album, his Rick Rubin docuseries, and oh, yeah, Get Back . But he crowns his triumphant 2021 with this astonishing book. Despite the title, The Lyrics isn’t just 154 of his favorite songs — it’s the story of his life, in two lavish volumes; he shares unseen photos, untold stories, and witty insights on the music (who knew “Hi, Hi, Hi” was inspired by both absurdist playwright Alfred Jarry and bluesman Robert Johnson?) as well as the complex, driven, elusive genius who wrote it. He also recalls singing “Her Majesty” to the Queen. “I don’t know how to break this to you, but she didn’t have a lot to say.” — R.S.

Franz Nicolay, ‘Someone Should Pay You for Your Pain’

Finally, the great indie-rock novel. Franz Nicolay is best known as the keyboardist in the Hold Steady, and author of the Euro-punk travelogue The Humorless Ladies of Border Control . But his fiction debut is the agonizingly funny, savagely honest tale of a troubadour on the road, getting old and bitter in bar after bar. His life is hangovers and drug deals and motels with names like Canadas Best Value Inn. (“Four words, three lies.”) But he gets his shot at redemption via a teenage runaway who happens to be his niece. A heart-bruising story — like Dostoevsky in a DIY punk space. — R.S.

Dan Ozzi, ‘Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore (1994-2007)’

Scruffy punks being wined and dined by big-spending label execs, self-righteous zines exiling bands who even entertained the idea of jumping from an indie to a major, frenzied bidding wars, sudden breakups — the events former Noisey editor Dan Ozzi chronicles in Sellout seem like scenes from some distant, mythical rock past. But, as he lays out across 11 chapters, each chronicling the major-label debut of a prominent underground band — from Green Day and My Chemical Romance to At the Drive-In and the Donnas — in the Nineties and early 2000s, the question of “to sign or not to sign” once felt like a battle for the soul of American culture. While there are just as many tales of implosion here as triumph, Sellout  is ultimately an inspiring read, a monument to a time when punk and its various offshoots still felt like folk music, sparking fierce loyalty and even fiercer debate. — H.S.

Raekwon (with Anthony Bozza), ‘From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan’

The Wu-Tang Clan’s most searingly descriptive MC brings the same vivid storytelling power to his first memoir. The Wu saga has been told and retold many times over the years. But even superfans will want to get Raekwon’s often contentious side of the story, told with the help of author and frequent Rolling Stone contributor Anthony Bozza. The Chef gets inside the recording of the group’s Nineties classics, while also offering grippingly honest recollections on his early days in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood and on Staten Island. “As a fan, hip-hop was my escape from reality,” he writes. — J.D. 

Richard Thompson (Scott Timberg), ‘Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975’

Stevie Van Zandt, ‘Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir’

According to longtime Bruce Springsteen lore, Stevie Van Zandt earned his place in the E Street Band the instant he came up with the horn arrangement for “10th Avenue Freeze-Out” during the making of Born to Run. But is that really what clinched it for him? “Who knows?” he writes in his new book, Unrequited Infatuations . “We’re all making up half of this shit anyway.” It’s a refreshing admission that half-century-old memories aren’t always reliable, though he spends the rest of the book laying out the story of his life in incredible detail, including his early teenage years with Springsteen, his decision to quit the E Street Band in 1984, and his time on the Sopranos as mob consigliere Silvio Dante. Even if he inadvertently made up “half of this shit,” it’s still a gripping read and the perfect companion to Springsteen’s 2016 memoir, Born to Run. — A.G.

Michelle Zauner, ‘Crying in H Mart’

We waited three years for Zauner’s memoir to arrive, patiently holding onto the 2018 New Yorker essay it stemmed from, in which she wrote, “Am I even Korean anymore if there’s no one left in my life to call and ask which brand of seaweed we used to buy?” Crying in H Mart answers that question and then some, as Zauner details the devastating loss of her mother, exploring their relationship through a lifetime of shared meals. The book was released to wide acclaim, coinciding with the arrival of her great indie-pop band Japanese Breakfast’s excellent album Jubilee, in which Zauner touched on similarly intense themes with equally powerful results. — A.M.

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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.

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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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15 Upcoming Music Biopics We Can't Wait to Watch (2022)

The business of biopics is booming. It seems like every day, there's more news of a beloved entertainer, respected historical figure, or long-forgotten criminal that's getting a movie made about their life story. As soon as a film based on a person's life is announced, we eagerly await more news of which famous actor will play them.

After the success of films like Bohemian Rhapsody , Rocketman , Respect , and Judy , music biopics in particular have been all the rage. Not only are they able to tell compelling stories, but audiences are entertained thanks to the musician's catalogue of songs on full display. And if you're an artist who's still living, having a biopic made about your early career is a pretty great marketing tool!

Live365 is committed to delivering you the hottest music news around. As such, we've been keeping our eyes on the development of several music biopics slated for release sometime in the next few years. Today, we'd like to share with you some of the biopics that intrigue us the most, and make us very excited to watch an artist's life story in movie theaters. Without further ado, here are 15 upcoming music biopics you need to know about!

1. Bob Marley

In very recent news, it was announced that Kingsley Ben-Adir ( Peaky Blinders, The OA, One Night in Miami ) would take on the role of Bob Marley in a Paramount Pictures biopic about the reggae legend's life. King Richard's Reinaldo Marcus Green is set to direct, Zach Baylin is assisting with the script, and members of the Marley family are producing the project.

It's about time a film about Bob Marley's life was made! The story will be covering an intense period in the Rastafarian man's life: his later years making Exodus in London just after a failed assassination attempt in Jamaica. We're hoping to sing along to songs like "Buffalo Soldier," "Could You Be Loved," and "Jammin'." We already know every little thing is gonna be alright with this biopic!

Back in May 2021, Cher revealed on Twitter a biopic about her life was in the works. Eric Roth, whose screenplays include Forrest Gump and A Star Is Born , will write the script while Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, whose credits include both Mamma Mia! films, will produce.

“Gary and I are thrilled to be working with Cher again and this time bringing her empowering and true-life odyssey to the big screen,” Craymer said in a press release. “One cannot help but be drawn to and inspired by Cher’s larger than life talent, fortitude, unique wit, warmth and vision. Her unparalleled success in music, film and TV has inspired generations. We could not be happier to tell her story to cinema audiences.”

Not much is known about the picture, save for the fact Universal Pictures will distribute the film and Deadline noted it “will not be a break-into-song musical like Mamma Mia! and probably more likely a closer cousin to a biopic like Bohemian Rhapsody .” Not only are we excited to listen to Cher music in a movie theater, we also can't wait to see the lead actress in Cher's iconic costumes!

3. "Weird Al" Yankovic

Just like the artist himself, the "Weird Al" Yankovic biopic is expected to be kooky, unconventional, and absolutely hilarious. Yankovic is writing and producing Weird: The "Weird Al" Yankovic Story while Eric Appel will direct with Daniel Radcliffe playing Yankovic. It's all being made as an original movie for the up-and-coming Roku Channel.

Due to the creators' wacky press statements and Appel's previous Yankovic biopic parody for Funny or Die, we theorize this historical film is one that won't take itself too seriously. In the spirit of "Weird Al," we're hoping this movie parodies the tropes present within current biopics and tackles the oversaturated genre in a funny new way.

4. The Bee Gees

Following the success of the HBO documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart , a full-fledged biopic on the Bee Gees has begun. The film will tell the story of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb and their ascent to becoming one of the most recognizable acts of the 1970s.

So far, Kenneth Branagh is tied to the director's chair and Bradley Cooper will play Barry Gibb. After seeing Cooper in Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza , we know he'll fit right in with a 70s aesthetic! In fact, some news outlets claimed he looked like the spitting image of Gibb while playing hairdresser Jon Peters in the Oscar-nominated feature.

5. Leonard Bernstein

Playing Barry Gibb isn't the only biopic role Cooper has in store. He'll also be playing American composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein in an upcoming Netflix film titled Maestro .

The feature is set to start shooting this May, with Carey Mulligan acting as Bernstein's wife, Felicia Montealegre. Cooper wrote the script with Josh Singer, who shared the Best Original Screenplay Oscar with Tom McCarthy for Spotlight . Cooper is producing alongside Fred Berner, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese.

Cooper will even sit in the director's chair, too: Spielberg was originally set to direct the movie, but Cooper convinced him to let go of the role. In an Actors on Actors interview, he revealed he asked Spielberg, "I always felt like I could play a conductor, but may I research the material and see if I can write it and direct it? Would you let me do that?" After watching Cooper's fantastic directorial debut A Star Is Born , we're sure Spielberg was eager to let him have the responsibility.

6. Elvis Presley

The King of Rock 'n' Roll will soon be the King of the Box Office. Famed director Baz Luhrmann ( Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby ) is helming a biopic on Elvis Presley , with young star Austin Butler in the lead role. Tom Hanks will play Elvis’ longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Elvis will chronicle Presley's rise from humble beginnings to one of the biggest stars in music history. The movie is due for release on June 24, 2022 via Warner Bros. Pictures.

7. Michael Jackson

Not only is the King of Rock 'n' Roll getting the biopic treatment, so is the King of Pop.

Lionsgate will distribute a new Michael Jackson biopic produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King. The film is also being made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate - which may impact how it deals with the multiple allegations of child sexual abuse that were brought against Jackson during the course of his career and after his 2009 death. Will it shy away from the controversy, or be unafraid to dive deeper into it?

Titled Michael , a screenplay is being written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. King and Logan previously collaborated on Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator .

8. Boy George

Back in April 2021, Boy George announced his biopic Karma Chameleon was set to start shooting across London and Bulgaria in the summertime. Additionally, a casting call went underway to look for the actor who would play George.

While we're not sure of the film's current status, we do know several details about the biopic. It will chronicle George's Culture Club success in the 80s while unflinchingly showing his struggles with substance abuse. Additionally, Danny Mays ( 1917 , Line of Duty ) will play George's father, and Sacha Gervasi is set to direct. There are even rumors of Keanu Reeves popping up! (Although, we think that might just be a joke perpetuated by George.)

9. Louis Armstrong

Director Sacha Jenkins will tell Louis Armstrong's story with the upcoming biopic Black & Blues: The Colorful Ballad of Louis Armstrong . The film will be released via Apple TV+ and comedian Tracy Morgan will play the famous trumpeter.

The biopic is actually self-financed by Morgan and has been a passion project of his for awhile. We're sure he'll nail it!

10. Whitney Houston

Being one of the best-selling artists of all time, it's inevitable a Whitney Houston biopic is getting made. Titled I Wanna Dance with Somebody after her famous 1987 hit, the movie is set for a Christmas 2022 release.

Sony is distributing the film while British actress Naomie Ackie ( Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, The End of the F---ing World ) will play the iconic singer. "We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," director Stella Meghie said, per The Hollywood Reporter . "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."

Actor Ashton Sanders will play Bobby Brown, while Nafessa Williams, Clarke Peters, and Tamara Tunie will also play roles in the flick.

11. Bob Dylan

If you're part of the Timothée Chalamet fan club, you've definitely heard about the Bob Dylan biopic he's spent months preparing for. Going Electric will star Chalamet as the iconic 60s artist with direction by James Mangold.

As NME reported back in October, the film was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and struggles with finding period-specific costumes and locations. However, cinematographer Phedon Papamichael has said the film is "not dead yet." We're hoping it will get made soon, since Chalamet has put a lot of hard work into getting ready for the character. Not only has he been learning guitar, but the actor rented out an Airbnb in Woodstock, NY and had a meeting with Joel Coen (director of Inside Llewyn Davis ) just to get into the mindset of Dylan.

Will Chalamet's performance rival that of Cate Blanchett's in I'm Not There ? That's what we're eager to see.

12. Amy Winehouse

The public will never stop loving Amy Winehouse. The British singer-songwriter perished way too soon, and it's fair to say we miss her expressive vocals and lovable sense of humor. That's why we're so happy to see a biopic being made about her short-yet-spectacular career.

The biopic was announced back in September 2021. According to The Hollywood Reporter , Halcyon Studios will produce the biopic after it optioned Daphne Barak’s 2010 book, Saving Amy . While no casting news has been announced yet (and mixed messaging has been reported about Mitch Winehouse's approval of the movie), we do know the film will take place during the final years of Winehouse's life.

13. Ronnie Spector

Many have learned about Ronnie Spector's life due to The Ronettes singer's recent death . As soon as she passed away, plans for a Ronnie Spector biopic were made more public. Production company A24 ( Moonlight, Lady Bird, Hereditary ) has secured Spector's life rights for the film, as well as the rights to the musician's autobiography, Be My Baby . Pulitzer-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury is in consideration to write the script.

And who will be playing Spector? None other than Emmy Award-winning actress Zendaya! Spector personally selected the Euphoria actress for the role before her death. We think it's a perfect casting. Zendaya's got the singing/dancing skills and fashionista status that playing Spector would require!

During an appearance on SiriusXM in November 2020, Ann Wilson revealed a biopic about Heart was in the works.

"I saw the first draft of the script," the singer admitted. "It's really cool." Carrie Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney, who also co-created and starred in IFC's Portlandia , will write and direct the film. Additionally, Lynda Obst of Sleepless in Seattle and How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days is producing. The movie is expected to focus on Ann and her sister Nancy, their childhood, early years as aspiring musicians, and eventual success with their chart-topping rock band.

While casting hasn't been announced yet and apparently COVID-19 has delayed the production, we do know the film will draw heavily from Kicking and Dreaming : the book Ann and Nancy wrote together chronicling their rise to fame and ensuing success.

15. John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Last on our list, we're mentioning the project we've all been waiting for: a biopic chronicling John Lennon and Yoko Ono's famous love story.

All we know so far is that acclaimed director Jean-Marc Vallée is attached. We have so many questions. Who will play John and Yoko? Will the other members of the Beatles be cast? Will the film cover John's assassination by The Dakota? Will we get to hear an actress do Ono's iconic caterwauling? Until the movie gets made, we guess we'll bide our time by watching Lennon and Ono together in Peter Jackson's Get Back .

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Article Image: Bob Dylan singing and playing guitar in 1978, Whitney Houston singing in 1991, Elvis Presley promoting the film "Jailhouse Rock" in 1957. ( Chris Hakkens , PH2 Mark Kettenhofen and The Library of Congress [ CC BY-SA 2.0 and Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons.)

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Get in tune with these 14 upcoming music biopics

Sydney Bucksbaum is a writer at Entertainment Weekly covering all things pop culture – but TV is her one true love. She currently lives in Los Angeles but grew up in Chicago so please don't make fun of her accent when it slips out.

Melody masters reimagined on the big screen

Will these music biopics hit the right note or turn out tone-deaf? See our list of 14 upcoming movies that chronicle the iconic lives of famous musicians, and who's set to star in them.

Leonard Bernstein

From A Star Is Born to Leonard Bernstein, Bradley Cooper is staying in the music genre for his next big directorial effort. The multi-hyphenate will direct and star in a Leonard Bernstein biopic , Maestro, about the conductor and composer behind West Side Story , Peter Pan , and more. Cooper co-writes the Netflix film with Josh Singer ( Spotlight ), while producing with, among others, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. Carey Mulligan is set to co-star as Felicia Montealegre, wife of the iconic composer.

Timothée Chalamet is expected to play Bob Dylan in an as-yet-untitled film from Searchlight Pictures . Directed by James Mangold , the film takes place in 1965, when the folk legend made a controversial shift to rock & roll and the electric guitar. However, in an interview with Collider , cinematographer Phedon Papamichael revealed production is on hold due to COVID-19.

Boy George is yet another musical icon to get the Hollywood treatment, with MGM producing the biopic and Sacha Gervasi ( Anvil: The Story of Anvil ) writing and directing. The as-yet-untitled project will follow the singer (born George Alan O'Dowd) from his early years in England growing up in a working-class Irish family through his rise up the pop charts as part of the group Culture Club in the 1980s. Sophie Turner has said she'd like the part , with Boy George admitting, "When I was 17, I would have loved to have been her."

Marianne Faithfull

Lucy Boynton is trading one music biopic for another. After appearing in Bohemian Rhapsody , the British actor is set to executive produce and star as singer Marianne Faithfull in Faithfull , directed by Ian Bonhôte. Set in mid-1960s London, the movie will chronicle the highs and lows of Faithfull's career after being discovered as a convent schoolgirl at 17, becoming a pop idol, her tumultuous romance with Mick Jagger that inspired some of the Rolling Stones' greatest songs, and being a homeless drug addict in Soho. "I am delighted that my story is finally being made with my dream team of Lucy, [producer] Julia [Taylor-Stanley] and Ian," Faithfull said.

Michael Jackson

It should come as no surprise that Michael Jackson is finally getting the biopic treatment . Graham King, who produced the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody , has acquired the rights to Jackson's music and is set to make a film based on the pop legend's life. Collaborating with King is screenwriter John Logan; the two previously worked together on Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, The Aviator.

Graham King is a busy man—he's also developing a biopic about the Bee Gees along with Steven Spielberg . Once director John Carney will helm the currently untitled film, with a script by John Logan. The movie will likely follow the trio of brothers— Barry , Robin, and Maurice Gibb—and their journey from humble beginnings in 1958 to reaching global fame after working on the soundtrack for the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever , penning iconic tunes like "Stayin' Alive" and "More Than a Woman." Paramount and King purchased the life rights to the Gibb family estate, and thus will be able to use the group's biggest hits in the movie. Barry is the sole surviving member of the group, as Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012.

Teddy Pendergrass

Six-time Grammy nominee Tyrese Gibson is taking on the life of R&B icon Teddy Pendergrass in a biopic written by Little Marvin, with Donald De Line ( Ready Player One ), Lee Daniels ( Precious ), and Gibson producing. Pendergrass' widow, Joan Pendergrass, is also on board as an executive producer. "This is the role that I feel I was born to play," Gibson said. "Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and, before he passed, put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story."

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

An adaptation of John Lennon and Yoko Ono 's epic love story has been in the works for years. The script was written by Bohemian Rhapsody scribe Anthony McCarten, while Ono herself was attached to produce. Jean-Marc Vallée ( Dallas Buyers Club ) had been expected to direct and edit before his death in 2021. There has been no other news about the project, but we still hope it will come together some day.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse 's family announced back in 2018 that the iconic singer was getting a big-screen biopic, with proceeds from the film reportedly benefiting the Amy Winehouse Foundation. The Winehouse family will serve as executive producers on the film, Back to Black , which has been written by Matt Greenhalgh and will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson . "We now feel able to celebrate Amy's extraordinary life and talent," the singer's father, Mitch Winehouse, said. "We know through the Amy Winehouse Foundation that the true story of her illness can help so many others who might be experiencing similar issues."

Rapper Gucci Mane (real name: Radric Delantic Davis) is getting a biopic from Paramount Players and Imagine Entertainment, based on his memoir, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane . Imagine's Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins will join Mane and Todd Moskowitz in producing the film about the trap house artist who started his career by releasing mixtapes while in prison.

Bob Marley is expected to be played by Kingsley Ben-Adir ( One Night in Miami ) in a new biopic about the reggae music trailblazer. The Jamaican singer-songwriter died of cancer in 1981, but in his short life he changed the legacy of reggae forever. Reinaldo Marcus Green ( King Richard ) will direct the biopic with input from the musician's son, Ziggy Marley.

Who better to make a movie about Madonna 's life than Madonna herself? The iconic singer is set to direct a biopic about her life, having co-written the script with a collaboration from Oscar-winning Juno scribe Diablo Cody . The still-untitled Universal film is rumored to star Julia Garner in the lead role and will also be produced by Madonna and two-time Academy Award nominee Amy Pascal ( Little Women ). The film is expected to follow the entertainer's rise to prominence as the culture-shaping musician, actress, director, author, and entrepreneur she is today. Sara Zambreno and Madonna's longtime manager, Guy Oseary, are on board as executive producers as well.

Lemmy, a.k.a. Ian Fraser Kilmister, the lead singer of Motörhead who passed away in 2015 , is getting a biopic from someone who knew him well—Greg Olliver. The filmmaker spent several years with the band for their 2010 documentary, also titled Lemmy . The movie will follow Kilmister's early life in England, his time as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, and the five years he spent with rock band Hawkwind before he went on to create Motörhead, forever changing the future of rock music. Motörhead's manager Todd Singerman and Steffan Chirazi will serve as executive producers for a screenplay written by Medeni Griffiths along with Olliver.

What's better than a biopic about an iconic female-led rock band? A biopic about an iconic female-led rock band written and directed by another iconic female rock star. Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein is set to write and direct a biopic on the rock band Heart for Amazon Studios. It was Heart guitarist Ann Wilson herself who revealed on SiriusXM's Volume West that "there's [a film] in the works" about her band, best known for late '70s and early '80s hits like "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda." Wilson added that she "saw the first draft of the script, it's really cool… The script started in childhood and ended up in the '90s." Casting is currently underway for the roles of Wilson and her sister, Nancy Wilson.

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10 Great Musical Biographies That Tell the Stories Behind Your Favorite Artists

September 29, 2023

You might know all the songs and albums of your favorite musicians, but do you know the experiences and inspirations behind their work? Luckily, you can find out by listening to some great musical biographies on Spotify. 

With picks that include memoirs from legendary stars including Dave Grohl , Billie Eilish , Gucci Mane , and Dolly Parton , you can discover all the wisdom these greats have to share. 

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music

Written and narrated by dave grohl.

Dave Grohl’s autobiography, The Storyteller , sheds light on what it’s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, who goes on to live out his craziest dreams as a musician. The rock icon reflects on everything from hitting the road with Scream at 18, to his time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters . He remembers jamming with Iggy Pop and dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band . He tells stories about drumming for Tom Petty and meeting Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall. Grohl even recounts unexpected moments like bedtime stories with Joan Jett to a chance meeting with Little Richard . 

The Sporty One: My Life as a Spice Girl

Written and narrated by melanie chisholm.

After five women answered a newspaper ad, the Spice Girls were born. They recorded their first single, “ Wannabe ,” and nearly overnight, Melanie “Melanie C” Chisholm went from small-town girl to Sporty Spice.

The Sporty One follows the meteoric rise of Melanie C and The Spice Girls, from the incredible highs of playing at Wembley, conquering the BRITs, and closing the 2012 Olympics, to the difficult lows. For the first time ever, Melanie C talks about the pressures of fame, the shaming and bullying she experienced, the struggles she has had with her body image and mental health, and the difficulty of finding herself when the whole world knew her name.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Written by dolly parton, robert k. oermann.

Narrated by Dolly Parton 

Dolly Parton, Songteller goes beyond the glitz, glamor, and rhinestones to the warmth, heart, and soul of a treasured pop culture icon. In this autobiography, 10-time Grammy Award–winning artist Dolly Parton weaves her words with music and memories to give listeners the stories behind her most cherished songs.

How close did Parton come to singing “ I Will Always Love You ” as a duet with Elvis Presley ? How did she become an actress? And exactly who was “ Jolene ”? This one-of-a-kind audio experience answers the most burning questions that Parton’s fans have.

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

Written by gucci mane and neil martinez-belkin.

Narrated by Guy Lockard

For the first time, hip-hop legend Gucci Mane tells the story of his rise, fall, and redemption in The Autobiography of Gucci Mane . With a string of influential mixtapes and street anthems that pioneered the sound of trap music in the 2000s, the rap icon inspired and mentored a new generation of artists and producers including Migos , Young Thug , Nicki Minaj , Zaytoven , Mike WiLL Made-It , and Metro Boomin .

Taking listeners back to his roots in Alabama, the streets of East Atlanta, and the studio where he found his voice, Gucci Mane reflects on his successes while also confronting his dark past, which included drug addiction, murder charges, and a prison sentence. 

But Gucci Mane has changed, and in this music bio, he provides an intimate glimpse into his radical transformation following his 2016 prison release—one that saw the rapper emerge sober, smiling, focused, and positive. This is one of music’s great comeback stories.

Born to Run

Written and narrated by bruce springsteen.

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that he decided to write about it, which then inspired him to tell the story of his entire life.

Vividly recounting his relentless drive to become a musician, his early days as a bar band king in New Jersey, and the rise of The E Street Band , Springsteen fills the pages of Born to Run with humor, originality, and disarming candor. For the first time, the superstar rocker shares the personal struggles that inspired his best work, and shows us why the song “ Born to Run ” reveals more than we previously realized. This isn’t just a legendary rock star’s memoir. This is a book for anyone who has ever wanted to be baptized in the holy river of rock and roll. 

Billie Eilish: In Her Own Words

Written by billie eilish.

Narrated By Billie Eilish, Maggie Baird, Patrick O’Connell

In this special audiobook companion piece, global pop phenomenon Billie Eilish walks fans through the personal highlights and special moments of her life and career, both on and off the stage. 

Billie Eilish: In Her Own Words is full of exclusive and unique content, including memories shared by her parents. Capturing the essence of Billie inside and out, listeners get personal glimpses into her childhood, her life on tour, and more, making this audio edition essential for any fan.

It’s a Long Story: My Life

Written by willie nelson and david ritz.

Narrated by Christopher Ryan Grant

It’s a Long Story is the complete, unvarnished story of Willie Nelson ‘s life. Told in his distinct voice and leaving no moment or experience unturned, the country legend takes listeners on a ride from Texas and Nashville to Hawaii and his legendary tour bus.

Nelson shines a light on all aspects of his life, including his drive to write music, the women in his life, his biggest collaborations, his lowest lows, and his highest highs—from his bankruptcy to the founding of Farm Aid.

Talking to My Angels

Written and narrated by melissa etheridge.

Following the success of her first memoir, award-winning rocker and trailblazing LGBTQIA+ icon Melissa Etheridge returns to take stock of her life in the years that have followed. 

Talking to My Angels is a profoundly honest look into Etheridge’s inner life as a woman, an artist, a mother, and a survivor. With characteristic wit and courage, Melissa delves into how numerous tragedies served as a catalyst for growth, and what the past two decades have taught her about the value of music, love, family, and life in the face of death. This audiobook also features live, stripped-down performances of many of Melissa’s songs, including “ Talking to My Angel ” and “ Here Comes the Pain .”

Chronicles of the Juice Man: A Memoir

Written by juicy j and soren baker.

Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White

The hustle still continues for hip-hop OG Juicy J in Chronicles of the Juice Man , where he shares his invaluable story as an unwavering force in the music industry. Jordan Houston’s rise to stardom was never easy. Beginning with his journey on the streets of Memphis in the ’80s, Juicy J was always inspired by music and had big dreams of becoming a superstar rapper. The Three 6 Mafia member stuck to his plan with determination, rising from a young, poor, ambitious kid to an Academy Award–winning and Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur. A never-before-seen look into one of the most influential tastemakers in the game, Chronicles of the Juice Man offers Juicy J’s wisdom as a respected industry veteran.

Tell It Like It Is: My Story

Written and narrated by aaron neville.

Tell It Like It Is shares the trials and tribulations of legendary singer and songwriter Aaron Neville through the lens of his faith, family, and music.

Scoring his first number-one hit in 1966 with “ Tell It Like It Is ,” the artist went on to form the Neville Brothers with his siblings Art , Charles , and Cyril . Aaron was the breakout star, and over the next six decades, he’s enjoyed four platinum albums, three number-one songs, and entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

But few people know the challenging and circuitous road Aaron took to fame. Born in a housing project in New Orleans, he struggled as a teenage father working to raise a family while building his career as a musician, surviving a stint in jail for car theft and battling heroin addiction for many years. Now for the first time, fans can discover the inside story. 

Eligible Spotify Premium users in the U.K. and Australia can now look forward to 15 hours of audiobook listening per month on any audiobook marked “Included in Premium.”  Learn all about it.  

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The best memoirs and biographies of 2022

Heartfelt memoirs from Richard E Grant and Viola Davis, childhood tales of religious dogma, and vivid insights into Agatha Christie and John Donne

The best books of 2022

C elebrity memoirs often follow the same trajectory: a difficult childhood followed by early professional failure, then dazzling success and redemption. But this year has yielded a handful of autobiographies from famous types determined to mix things up. Richard E Grant’s vivacious and heartfelt A Pocketful of Happiness (Gallery) recounts a year spent caring for his late wife, Joan Washington, who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly before Christmas in 2020, and the “head-and-heart-exploding overwhelm” that followed. The book interweaves hospital appointments with memories of the couple’s courtship plus showbiz stories of Grant at the Golden Globes, or hijinks on the set of Star Wars. This juxtaposition of glamour and grief shouldn’t work, but it does.

Minnie Driver’s Managing Expectations (Manila) comprises spry and amusing autobiographical essays that detail pivotal moments in the actor’s life. These include her experience of becoming a mother, cutting off all her hair on a family holiday in France and the time her father sent her home to England from Barbados alone, aged 11, including a stopover at a Miami hotel, as punishment for being rude to his girlfriend (Driver got her revenge by buying up half the gift shop on her dad’s credit card). She also recalls the disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein bemoaning her lack of sex appeal, which she notes was rich from a man “whose shirts were always aggressively encrusted with egg/tuna fish/mayo”.

Alan Rickman’s Madly, Deeply (Canongate) diaries provide insight into the inner life of the late actor who, despite his many successes, frets over roles turned down and rails at the perceived ineptitude of script writers, directors and co-stars. He nonetheless keeps glittering company, hobnobbing with musicians, prime ministers and Hollywood megastars, and almost single-handedly keeps the tills ringing at the Ivy. And while he seethes at critics’ reviews of his own work, his assessments of less-than-perfect films and plays are so deliciously scathing, they deserve a book of their own.

In Finding Me (Coronet), the actor Viola Davis gives a clear-eyed account of her deprived childhood and her rise to fame, along with the violence, abuse and racism she endured along the way. The book is not so much a triumphant tale of overcoming adversity as a howl of fury at the injustice of it all. Davis may now be able to survey her career from a place of Oscar-winning privilege, but she doesn’t hesitate in calling out her industry and its ingrained racial bias, which leads to white actors landing plum roles and “relegates [Black actors] to best friends, to strong, loudmouth, sassy lawyers and doctors”. In The Light We Carry (Viking), the follow-up to her bestselling memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama also touches on the impossible-to-meet expectations that dog anyone trying to make it in a world that sees them as different, or deficient. “I happen to be well acquainted with the burdens of representation and the double standards for excellence that steepen the hills so many of us are trying to climb,” she writes. “It remains a damning fact of life that we ask too much of those who are marginalised and too little of those who are not.”

Away from the world of global fame and its attendant scrutiny, the journalist Chitra Ramaswamy’s touching memoir Homelands (Canongate) documents the author’s friendship with 97-year-old Henry Wuga, who escaped Nazi persecution as a teenager and began a new life in Glasgow. Interwoven with Wuga’s recollections is Ramaswamy’s own family story – she is the daughter of Indian immigrant parents – through which she digs deep into matters of identity, belonging and the meaning of home. Similar themes are explored in Ira Mathur’s multilayered Love the Dark Days (Peepal Tree), which, set in India, Britain and the Caribbean, reads like a fictional family saga as it leaps back and forth in time. The book charts the lives of the author’s wealthy, dysfunctional forebears against a backdrop of patriarchal hegemony and a collapsing empire.

The Last Days (Ebury) by Ali Millar and Sins of My Father (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) by Lily Dunn each tell harrowing stories of families torn apart by religious dogma. Millar, who grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness on the Scottish borders, reflects on a childhood haunted by predictions of Armageddon and blighted by her eating disorder. As an adult she marries, within the church, a controlling man and has a baby, though at 30 she makes her escape and is “disfellowshipped”, meaning she is cut off for ever from her family. Meanwhile, Dunn recalls losing her father to a commune in India presided over by the cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, where disciples were encouraged to “live in love”, meaning they could engage in guilt-free sex. Dunn’s book is her attempt to pin down this charismatic, mercurial and unreliable figure and the ripple effects of his actions on those closest to him. In Matt Rowland Hill’s scabrously funny Original Sins (Chatto & Windus), it is the author who is the agent of chaos. The son of evangelical Christians, Hill shoots heroin at the funeral of a friend who died from an overdose, and tries to score drugs on a visit to Bethlehem. Were his account a novel, you might accuse it of being too far-fetched.

In Kit de Waal’s first autobiographical work, Without Warning and Only Sometimes (Tinder Press), the author recalls how she and her four siblings would go to bed hungry while their father blew his earnings on a new suit, and her mother would work off her rage by collecting empty milk bottles and throwing them at a wall in the back yard. After a bout of depression in her teens, De Waal eventually found comfort and escape in literature. Her book is a brilliant evocation of the times in which she lived, when children learned to make their own entertainment and adults didn’t talk about their feelings, and a funny and tender portrait of a complicated family.

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The Crane Wife (Viking), by the American author CJ Hauser, began life as a confessional essay about the time she travelled to the gulf coast of Texas to study whooping cranes 10 days after breaking off her engagement. Published in the Paris Review, the essay blew up online, prompting Hauser to expand her thoughts on love and relationships into this thoughtful and fitfully funny book. Across 17 confessional essays, we find her furtively spreading her grandparents’ ashes at their old house in Martha’s Vineyard, contemplating breast reduction surgery and reflecting on her relationships with a high-school boyfriend and a divorcee who is clearly still in love with his ex.

Finally, some excellent biographies. Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman (Hodder & Stoughton) by Lucy Worsley is a riveting portrait of the queen of crime viewed through a feminist lens. The book acknowledges Christie’s flaws, most notably in her views on race, while portraying her as ahead of her time in putting women at the centre of her stories and showing how older women “have more to offer the world than meets the eye”. Super-Infinite (Faber), winner of this year’s Baillie Gifford prize, is a biography of the 17th-century preacher and poet John Donne by Katherine Rundell, the children’s novelist and Renaissance scholar. Ten years in the writing, the book approaches its subject with wit and vivacity, bringing to life Donne’s inner world through his verse.

Jonathan Freedland’s The Escape Artist (John Murray) is a remarkable account of the life of Rudolf Vrba, a prisoner at Auschwitz who was put to work in “Kanada”, a store of belongings removed from inmates which revealed that the line fed to them was a lie: they were not there to be resettled but murdered. Vrba and his friend Fred Wetzler pledged to escape and tell the world about the Nazis’ industrialised murder, hiding beneath a woodpile for three days before slipping through the fence to freedom. The horror of this story lies not just in its account of “cold-blooded extermination” but in the slowness of authorities to react to the Vrba-Wetzler report, which laid out the workings of Auschwitz, complete with maps showing the chambers. Freedland recalls the words of the French-Jewish philosopher Raymond Aron, who, when asked about the Holocaust, said: “I knew, but I didn’t believe it. And because I didn’t believe it, I didn’t know.”

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The Best Reviewed Memoirs and Biographies of 2022

Featuring buster keaton, jean rhys, bernardine evaristo, kate beaton, and more.

We’ve come to the end of another bountiful literary year, and for all of us review rabbits here at Book Marks, that can mean only one thing: basic math, and lots of it.

Yes, using reviews drawn from more than 150 publications, over the next two weeks we’ll be calculating and revealing the most critically-acclaimed books of 2022, in the categories of (deep breath): Fiction ; Nonfiction ; Memoir and Biography; Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror; Short Story Collections; Essay Collections; Poetry; Mystery and Crime; Graphic Literature ; and Literature in Translation .

Today’s installment: Memoir and Biography .

Brought to you by Book Marks , Lit Hub’s “Rotten Tomatoes for books.”

1. We Don’t Know Ourselves by Fintan O’Toole (Liveright) 17 Rave • 4 Positive • 1 Mixed • 1 Pan

“One of the many triumphs of Fintan O’Toole’s We Don’t Know Ourselves is that he manages to find a form that accommodates the spectacular changes that have occurred in Ireland over the past six decades, which happens to be his life span … it is not a memoir, nor is it an absolute history, nor is it entirely a personal reflection or a crepuscular credo. It is, in fact, all of these things helixed together: his life, his country, his thoughts, his misgivings, his anger, his pride, his doubt, all of them belonging, eventually, to us … O’Toole, an agile cultural commentator, considers himself to be a representative of the blank slate on which the experiment of change was undertaken, but it’s a tribute to him that he maintains his humility, his sharpness and his enlightened distrust …

O’Toole writes brilliantly and compellingly of the dark times, but he is graceful enough to know that there is humor and light in the cracks. There is a touch of Eduardo Galeano in the way he can settle on a telling phrase … But the real accomplishment of this book is that it achieves a conscious form of history-telling, a personal hybrid that feels distinctly honest and humble at the same time. O’Toole has not invented the form, but he comes close to perfecting it. He embraces the contradictions and the confusion. In the process, he weaves the flag rather than waving it.”

–Colum McCann ( The New York Times Book Review )

2. Thin Places: A Natural History of Healing and Home by Kerri Ní Dochartaigh (Milkweed)

12 Rave • 7 Positive • 2 Mixed

“Assured and affecting … A powerful and bracing memoir … This is a book that will make you see the world differently: it asks you to reconsider the animals and insects we often view as pests – the rat, for example, and the moth. It asks you to look at the sea and the sky and the trees anew; to wonder, when you are somewhere beautiful, whether you might be in a thin place, and what your responsibilities are to your location.It asks you to show compassion for people you think are difficult, to cultivate empathy, to try to understand the trauma that made them the way they are.”

–Lynn Enright ( The Irish Times )

3. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton (Drawn & Quarterly)

14 Rave • 4 Positive

“It could hardly be more different in tone from [Beaton’s] popular larky strip Hark! A Vagrant … Yes, it’s funny at moments; Beaton’s low-key wryness is present and correct, and her drawings of people are as charming and as expressive as ever. But its mood overall is deeply melancholic. Her story, which runs to more than 400 pages, encompasses not only such thorny matters as social class and environmental destruction; it may be the best book I have ever read about sexual harassment …

There are some gorgeous drawings in Ducks of the snow and the starry sky at night. But the human terrain, in her hands, is never only black and white … And it’s this that gives her story not only its richness and depth, but also its astonishing grace. Life is complex, she tell us, quietly, and we are all in it together; each one of us is only trying to survive. What a difficult, gorgeous and abidingly humane book. It really does deserve to win all the prizes.”

–Rachel Cooke ( The Guardian )

4. Stay True by Hua Hsu (Doubleday)

14 Rave • 3 Positive

“… quietly wrenching … To say that this book is about grief or coming-of-age doesn’t quite do it justice; nor is it mainly about being Asian American, even though there are glimmers of that too. Hsu captures the past by conveying both its mood and specificity … This is a memoir that gathers power through accretion—all those moments and gestures that constitute experience, the bits and pieces that coalesce into a life … Hsu is a subtle writer, not a showy one; the joy of Stay True sneaks up on you, and the wry jokes are threaded seamlessly throughout.”

–Jennifer Szalai ( The New York Times )

5.  Manifesto: On Never Giving Up by Bernardine Evaristo (Grove)

13 Rave • 4 Positive

“Part coming-of-age story and part how-to manual, the book is, above all, one of the most down-to-earth and least self-aggrandizing works of self-reflection you could hope to read. Evaristo’s guilelessness is refreshing, even unsettling … With ribald humour and admirable candour, Evaristo takes us on a tour of her sexual history … Characterized by the resilience of its author, it is replete with stories about the communities and connections Evaristo has cultivated over forty years … Invigoratingly disruptive as an artist, Evaristo is a bridge-builder as a human being.”

–Emily Bernard ( The Times Literary Supplement )

1. Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

14 Rave • 4 Positive • 1 Mixed

“Rundell is right that Donne…must never be forgotten, and she is the ideal person to evangelise him for our age. She shares his linguistic dexterity, his pleasure in what TS Eliot called ‘felt thought’, his ability to bestow physicality on the abstract … It’s a biography filled with gaps and Rundell brings a zest for imaginative speculation to these. We know so little about Donne’s wife, but Rundell brings her alive as never before … Rundell confronts the difficult issue of Donne’s misogyny head-on … This is a determinedly deft book, and I would have liked it to billow a little more, making room for more extensive readings of the poems and larger arguments about the Renaissance. But if there is an overarching argument, then it’s about Donne as an ‘infinity merchant’ … To read Donne is to grapple with a vision of the eternal that is startlingly reinvented in the here and now, and Rundell captures this vision alive in all its power, eloquence and strangeness”

–Laura Feigel ( The Guardian )

2. The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland (Harper)

12 Rave • 3 Positive

“Compelling … We know about Auschwitz. We know what happened there. But Freedland, with his strong, clear prose and vivid details, makes us feel it, and the first half of this book is not an easy read. The chillingly efficient mass murder of thousands of people is harrowing enough, but Freedland tells us stories of individual evils as well that are almost harder to take … His matter-of-fact tone makes it bearable for us to continue to read … The Escape Artist is riveting history, eloquently written and scrupulously researched. Rosenberg’s brilliance, courage and fortitude are nothing short of amazing.”

–Laurie Hertzel ( The Star Tribune )

3. I Used to Live Here Once: The Haunted Life of Jean Rhys by Miranda Seymour (W. W. Norton & Company)

11 Rave • 4 Positive • 1 Pan

“…illuminating and meticulously researched … paints a deft portrait of a flawed, complex, yet endlessly fascinating woman who, though repeatedly bowed, refused to be broken … Following dismal reviews of her fourth novel, Rhys drifted into obscurity. Ms. Seymour’s book could have lost momentum here. Instead, it compellingly charts turbulent, drink-fueled years of wild moods and reckless acts before building to a cathartic climax with Rhys’s rescue, renewed lease on life and late-career triumph … is at its most powerful when Ms. Seymour, clear-eyed but also with empathy, elaborates on Rhys’s woes …

Ms. Seymour is less convincing with her bold claim that Rhys was ‘perhaps the finest English woman novelist of the twentieth century.’ However, she does expertly demonstrate that Rhys led a challenging yet remarkable life and that her slim but substantial novels about beleaguered women were ahead of their time … This insightful biography brilliantly shows how her many battles were lost and won.”

–Malcolm Forbes ( The Wall Street Journal )

4. The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon’s Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I by Lindsey Fitzharris (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

9 Rave • 5 Positive • 1 Mixed

“Grisly yet inspiring … Fitzharris depicts her hero as irrepressibly dedicated and unfailingly likable. The suspense of her narrative comes not from any interpersonal drama but from the formidable challenges posed by the physical world … The Facemaker is mostly a story of medical progress and extraordinary achievement, but as Gillies himself well knew—grappling daily with the unbearable suffering that people willingly inflicted on one another—failure was never far behind.”

5. Buster Keaton: A Filmmaker’s Life by James Curtis (Knopf)

8 Rave • 6 Positive • 1 Mixed

“Keaton fans have often complained that nearly all biographies of him suffer from a questionable slant or a cursory treatment of key events. With Buster Keaton: A Filmmaker’s Life —at more than 800 pages dense with research and facts—Mr. Curtis rectifies that situation, and how. He digs deep into Keaton’s process and shows how something like the brilliant two-reeler Cops went from a storyline conceived from necessity—construction on the movie lot encouraged shooting outdoors—to a masterpiece … This will doubtless be the primary reference on Keaton’s life for a long time to come … the worse Keaton’s life gets, the more engrossing Mr. Curtis’s book becomes.”

–Farran Smith Nehme ( The Wall Street Journal )

Our System:

RAVE = 5 points • POSITIVE = 3 points • MIXED = 1 point • PAN = -5 points

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Steve Lawrence, 88, Who Sang His Listeners Down Memory Lane, Dies

With his wife, Eydie Gorme, and sometimes on his own, he kept pop standards in vogue long past their prime. He also acted on television and on Broadway.

By Robert D. McFadden

Steve Lawrence, the mellow baritone nightclub, television and recording star who with his wife and partner, the soprano Eydie Gorme, kept pop standards in vogue long past their prime and took America on musical walks down memory lane for a half-century, died on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88.

The cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease, said Susan DuBow, a spokeswoman for the family. He had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2019.

Billed as “Steve and Eydie” in Carnegie Hall concerts, on television and at glitzy hotels in Las Vegas, the remarkably durable couple remained steadfast to their pop style as rock ’n’ roll took America by storm in the 1950s and ’60s. Long after the millennium, they were still rendering songs like “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” “Just in Time” and “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” for audiences that seemed to grow old with them.

Mr. Lawrence, a cantor’s son from Brooklyn, and Ms. Gorme, a Bronx-born daughter of Sephardic Jewish immigrants, met professionally in 1953 as regular singers on “The Steve Allen Show” a late-night show on NBC’s New York station that would go national the next year as “Tonight.” Their romance might have been the plot of an MGM musical of the ’40s, with spats, breakups, reconciliations and plenty of songs.

When they finally decided to get married, Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Gorme faced a roadblock, as they recalled in a dressing-room interview with The New York Times at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas in 1992.

“The major problem was his mother,” Ms. Gorme explained. “She said she’d put her head in the oven if Steve married me.”

He rolled his eyes and tried to get a word in edgewise, but she plunged on: “To the day his mother died, she said I wasn’t Jewish but Spanish.”

Later, the topic turned to the age of their audiences.

She: “Can I say something?”

He: “Could I ever stop you?”

She: “All the people out there tonight, or most of them, are our age. We’re playing to people like us. The reality is we are who we are. We can’t be anyone but Steve and Eydie.”

It was the kind of married-folks repartee that went well with ballads and show tunes, and they used it onstage and off, clearly enjoying each other’s company. She played the emotional, talkative, candid one; he was the easygoing crooner with gentle jokes about their sex life. Many of their friends were comedians, including Johnny Carson , Bob Newhart, Don Rickles and Carol Burnett.

Besides playing concerts and tours with his wife, Mr. Lawrence starred in Broadway musicals, acted on television and in the occasional movie (including “The Blues Brothers”), produced TV specials and recorded scores of albums, with and without Ms. Gorme, and more than 60 singles. His “Portrait of My Love” was a Top 10 hit in 1960. His version of “Go Away Little Girl,” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, hit No. 1 on the charts in 1963 and sold more than a million copies.

Record sales put him in the top ranks of America’s pop singers in the early 1960s, and despite competition from rock groups, his club and concert dates with Ms. Gorme remained enormously popular.

In 1964, Mr. Lawrence was also a hit on Broadway in the musical “What Makes Sammy Run?,” based on the Budd Schulberg novel about a ruthless Hollywood mogul of the 1930s who succeeds by deception and betrayal, with music and lyrics by Ervin Drake. It ran for 540 performances; Mr. Lawrence won a New York Critics Circle Award and was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Sammy Glick.

He and Ms. Gorme co-starred in “Golden Rainbow,” a Broadway musical that ran for nearly a year in 1968 and ’69. Its score included a reprise of Mr. Lawrence’s 1967 single “I’ve Gotta Be Me” (which was later a hit for Sammy Davis Jr.).

In the 1970s, as their recording magic faded, Steve and Eydie remained headliners at the Copacabana in New York, the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles, the Eden Roc in Miami Beach and the Sands and Sahara hotels in Vegas. Their 1975 television tribute to the Gershwins, “Steve and Eydie: Our Love Is Here to Stay,” was an Emmy nominee, and he won an Emmy as a producer of “Steve and Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin” (1978).

The couple celebrated their 25th anniversary as singing partners with a Carnegie Hall concert in 1983. “Of all the pop baritones to have emerged in the shadow of Frank Sinatra, Mr. Lawrence has kept his voice in the best shape,” Stephen Holden wrote in a review in The Times. “His ballad performances Saturday boasted the same velvety smoothness that characterized his singing in the middle 1950s.”

They joined Mr. Sinatra on his Diamond Jubilee World Tour in 1991, traveling to Europe, Asia, Australia and across the United States. When Mr. Sinatra retired, he gave Mr. Lawrence his book of arrangements, and they were used on the 2003 album “Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra.”

Steve Lawrence was born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn on July 8, 1935, one of three sons of Max and Anna (Gelb) Liebowitz. His father was a cantor and a house painter.

The Liebowitz boys were all musically gifted. By 8, Sidney was singing in a synagogue choir, and by 12 he was composing songs. He dropped out of Thomas Jefferson High School before graduation to sing in bars and nightclubs.

He began calling himself Steve Lawrence, the given names of two nephews. He won “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” at 15 and sang for a week on Godfrey’s morning radio show.

In 1952, he signed with King Records and released a single, “Poinciana,” which sold 100,000 copies. (Both he and Ms. Gorme would have some of their biggest hits with Columbia.) A year later, he was chosen from among 50 applicants to be a regular on Steve Allen’s New York show; he gained wider attention when the show began broadcasting nationally in 1954. He sang with the United States Army Band after being drafted in 1958.

Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Gorme were married in 1957. They had two sons, Michael and David. Michael died of an undiagnosed heart condition in 1986. Ms. Gorme retired in 2009 and died in 2013 . Mr. Lawrence is survived by his son David, a granddaughter and his brother, Bernie. He had lived in Los Angeles for many years.

In their twilight years, the couple scaled back the tours that had dominated their schedules. But they continued to appear at the Stardust in Las Vegas, Foxwoods in Connecticut and smaller venues.

In 2004, at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island, where they had played many times, they performed in a theater in the round, dressed to the nines, he in a tuxedo and she in a sequined white caftan. Family photos were projected on big screens — Eydie as a baby, Steve in his Army uniform, their wedding pictures — and the crowd oohed and aahed like proud grandparents.

“Forty years we’ve been schlepping all over the world, only to be working in a merry-go-round in Westbury,” Mr. Lawrence joked to a Times reporter that year . “If we were good, who knows? Maybe they’d let us play at Fortunoff’s.”

Then they sang the familiar old favorites, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Mam’selle” and “Where or When,” as the rapt, aging audience sang and hummed along.

Alex Traub contributed reporting.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this obituary referred incorrectly to the arrangements on the album “Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra.” They were given to Mr. Lawrence by Frank Sinatra, not vice versa.

How we handle corrections

Robert D. McFadden is a senior writer on the Obituaries desk and the winner of the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for spot news reporting. He joined The Times in May 1961 and is also the co-author of two books. More about Robert D. McFadden