Bernie Taupin :: ARR Recommended Reading List

William Clarke Quantrill: His Life And Times by Albert Castel The Quantrill legend is rooted in acts of savage violence throughout Kansas and Missouri during the civil war – deeds both romanticized and vilified. In Castel’s biography (the best of only several) the author traces Quantrill’s rise to power, from border ruffian and Confederate Army captain to lawless leader of “the most formidable band of revolver fighters the West ever knew.”		Four Strong Winds: Ian & Sylvia Tyson by John Einarson with Ian Tyson & Sylvia Tyson A book I’ve yet to read but by all accounts the definitive story of Canada’s foremost folk duo. Ian & Sylvia’s influence runs like a bloodline through a multitude of artists while their songs have been covered and reinvented by the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Neil Young & The Tragically Hip. Not content to linger in the past they moved with the times leaving an admirable legacy that has secured them iconic status above the 49th parallel.
The Chitlin’ Circuit And The Road To Rock ‘N’ Roll by Preston Lauterbach For generations, “chitlin’ circuit” meant second-tier-brash performers in raucous nightclubs far from the bright city light. This world of clubs and conmen has so far managed to avoid close examination despite its wealth of plotlines and vulgar glory. This book starts a little tentatively but revs up with the introduction of it’s colorful characters and intriguing and entertaining details regarding the formative years of some of the greatest artists of swing, R&B and Rock & Roll.		Satan Is Real: The Ballad Of The Louvin Brothers by Charlie Louvin with Benjamin Whitmer I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book half my life and now it’s here in Charlie’s own words. Completed before he passed away in 2011 this is “a real-life Cain & Abel story from the American heartland.” Undoubtedly one of the most influential and mesmerizing acts to ever emerge from country music their harmonizing and songs have influenced everybody from The Everly Brother to The Beatles and The Byrds and even to those who don’t even know it. Tragic, terrifying and moving it proves one thing, out of darkness comes light. Even the demons couldn’t prevent The Louvin Brothers from making a Heavenly sound.
Fever: Little Willie John: A Fast Life, Mysterious Death & The Birth Of Soul by Susan Whitall with Kevin John Soul: Finally justice is served and Little Willie John gets his story told. Arguably one of the genres greatest voices this no frills account of his fast and fantastic life will enlighten those who are not familiar and thrill those who are.		I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy by Bob Riesman Blues: Bob Riesman takes a stab at filling in the blanks on Broonzy’s hazy upbringing and early life. While he has some success much is still speculation, which makes for a frustrating ride at times. However the fact that his dedication and perseverance is sincere makes this the first Broonzy biography to matter.
Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded The World by John Szwed Multi Genre: If not for Lomax and his father John the preservation of American roots music would not be what it is. In fact it is unthinkable what we might be devoid of had this man not dragged his primitive equipment around this country and the world. While Lomax himself comes across (depending on your point of view) as slightly unappealing there is no denying his undeniable contribution to the preservation of our musical heritage.		Moanin’ At Midnight: The Life And Times Of Howlin Wolf by James Segrest & Mark Hoffman Blues: A must for anyone like myself who worships Howlin’ Wolf. The best I’ve read on the man and until anyone one does better the definitive biography.
Frank: The Voice by James Kaplan Pop Vocals & The American Songbook: Hands down the best book written on Sinatra. Engrossing, enlightening and addictive, this like Guralnick’s twin volumes on Elvis is all you need. I just hope there’s a volume 2 in the works as “The Voice” ends with Frank’s resurgence and Oscar win for “From Here To Eternity.” “Frank: The Chairman” perhaps?		The Producer: John Hammond And The Soul Of American Music by Dunstan Prial Multi Genre: Hammond was the legendary Columbia A&R man who discovered among others Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. He was also a producer of both records and concerts that promoted musical awareness. A multi faceted man whose influence touched and traversed the musical landscape for decades, this biography tells his story solidly illuminating both his passion for music as well as his rather dowdy demeanor.
Hand Me Down My Travelin’ Shoes: In Search Of Blind Willie McTell by Michael Gray Blues: The most comprehensive biography of one of the most enigmatic and mysterious bluesmen. The fact that the real story is shrouded in half-truths and hearsay makes this book read like a dedicated piece of detective work.		Nina Simone: The Biography by David Brun Lambert Jazz & Blues Vocals: A book I haven’t yet read but the last published since her death. Nina Simone was one of the most important piano vocalists and song stylists of the 20th century.
The Record Men: The Chess Brothers And The Birth Of Rock & Roll by Rick Cohen R&B & Blues: A small book about the great Chicago label and its founders. Forget the awful “Cadillac Records” movie this is how it really happened.		Deep Blues by Robert Palmer Blues: For my money the definitive book on the history of the blues from the Congo to Chicago. Classic and uncluttered Palmer maintains the readers interest offering a concise account of the evolution of this art form. No intimidating tome but 300 pages of sheer enjoyment, want to learn about the blues this it!
Faith In Time: The Life Of Jimmy Scott by David Ritz Jazz Vocals: With adversity at every turn and many a bad luck streak Jimmy Scott has managed to survive on the sheer awesome beauty of one of the most unique and God given voices of all time. Written with obvious love and compassion for his subject David Ritz tell Jimmy’s story with absolute accessibility to his subject.		W. C. Handy by David Robertson Jazz & Blues: While I would dispute his title as “The Father Of The Blues” this is a solid portrait of the man who reconfigured the genre and bought it to the masses. A hugely influential name in American music.
Meeting Jimmie Rodgers: How America’s Original Roots Music Hero Changed The Pop Sound Of The Century by Barry Mazor Country: Not a biography but a new take on the Rodgers legacy and a fascinating overview of how his music has infiltrated 20th century music on almost every level. Rodgers was one of the first American artists to achieve international popularity, a truly gifted artist, musician and songwriter.		Country: The Twisted Roots Of Rock 'n' Roll by Nick Tosches Country: Nick Tosches acerbic wit is the perfect compliment to these twisted tales from the dark underbelly of country’s coming of age. Just read up on Spade Cooley and you may not ever listen to him the same way again.
Deep In A Dream – The Long Night of Chet Baker by John Gavin Jazz: An excellent portrait of a tortured genius and his life long commitment to drug addiction. Harrowing but John Gavin’s ability to weave the light of his music through the darkness of his excesses is commendable.		Linthead Stomp: The Creation of Country Music in the Piedmont South by Patrick Huber Early Country Music: The first book-length study of southern millhands musical culture. Contrary to popular belief American country music did not have it’s roots solely on southern farms and mountain hollows. Huber offers vivid and colorful portraits of Piedmont textile worker musicians including many ARR favorites like Charlie Poole, The Dixon Brothers, Dave McCarn and Fiddlin’ John Carson. A unique and one of a kind book.
Really the Blues by Mezz Mezzrow & Bernard Wolfe The Jazz Age: A bohemian manifesto and one of the best music books ever written. The story of a Jewish jazzman who fell in love with black culture (he demanded to be classified as a “Negro” when arrested for marijuana possession.) Mezz Mezzrow writes of his life and times in a jazz lingo that’s impossible to resist. Evokes the era authentically it’s pages populated by the characters that defined it. Even if jazz ain’t your bag you still need to read this book, essential.		Little Richard - The Birth of Rock & Roll by David Kirby Rock & Roll: Less a straight forward biography than a meditation on art, music, and culture through a lens lined heavily with kohl and ‘Pancake 31’ makeup. A real fun read!