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Title: American Legends: The Life of Gene Autry

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kelly Rhodes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-05-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

"Music has been the better part of my career. Movies are wonderful fun, and they give you a famous face. But how the words and melody are joined, how they come together out of air and enter the mind, this is art. Songs are forever." (Gene Autry)

A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' American Legends series, listeners can get caught up to speed on the lives of America's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

In the early 20th century, Westerns were one of the most popular genres in Hollywood. One of the young stars at the forefront was Gene Autry, a Texan whose life story made him a natural to be the country's most famous "singing cowboy". Autry would become a symbol of masculinity and morality onscreen during the 1930s, but it was effortless for someone who had already grown up riding horses to school.

Autry came of age at a time when the "singing cowboy" was at the apex of its popularity, and, like his most famous successor, Roy Rogers, Autry actually got his start in show business as a singer. Even today Autry might be best known for being a pioneer of country music and the author of Christmas hits "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Frosty the Snowman", and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Autry would produce hundreds of recordings during his life, helping ensure the popularity of the country music genre and earning inductions into several related halls of fame.

Members Reviews:

Very good book. It is good to know these people ...

Once again Charles Rivers has done it.A lot of information in a small space.

I also read the bio of Roy Rogers, and these two men were not that different.

Although they acted in movies mostly for children they were astute businessmen.

Someone once said, If Bob Hope and Gene Autry sold all their real estate holdings

there would not be much of L.A. left.

In my mind Autry had a notch up on Rogers for that time period he had joined

the military when the war was going on.

The book brought out items I had not heard about. I am a rodeo fan, but I did not

know Autrys involvement as a producer...

Very good book. It is good to know these people as real people, wort's and all.

Dutch........

Very nice picture of a favorite entertainers to many

This book is well done and shows the progression of a singer into an international and patriotic hero to many. A man of good values and excellent business sense. Well done.

Cowboy heart throb

This book was enthralling. Filled in alot of the missing blanks loved it. I watched all the movies with my mom. Her idol as well ireally adored this book.

Very disappointed. Did not tell a thing about his life

Very disappointed. Did not tell a thing about his life. Thought it was his bio.

The Life of Gene Autry

Great story about a wonderful fellow.

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Title: Gene Autry and Roy Rogers

Subtitle: America's Two Favorite Singing Cowboys

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kelly Rhodes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

"Music has been the better part of my career. Movies are wonderful fun and they give you a famous face. But how the words and melody are joined, how they come together out of air and enter the mind, this is art. Songs are forever." (Gene Autry)

"I did pretty good for a guy who never finished high school and used to yodel at square dances." (Roy Rogers)

In the early 20th century, Westerns were one of the most popular genres in Hollywood. One of the young stars at the forefront was Gene Autry, a Texan whose life story made him a natural to be the country's most famous "singing cowboy". Autry would become a symbol of masculinity and morality on screen during the 1930s, but it was effortless for someone who had already grown up riding horses to school.

Autry came of age at a time when the "singing cowboy" was at the apex of his popularity, and like his most famous successor, Roy Rogers, Autry actually got his start in show business as a singer. Even today, Autry might be best known for being a pioneer of country music and the author of Christmas hits "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Frosty the Snowman", and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Autry would produce hundreds of recordings during his life, helping ensure the popularity of the country music genre and earning inductions into several related halls of fame.

Of course, the popularity of Autry's music and country music in general was bolstered by the fact that he became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. After he was discovered in 1934, Autry made dozens of films and was still one of the industry's biggest moneymakers when he went off to fight in World War II.

Members Reviews:

WAY TOO SHORT IS ALL.

Any additional comments?

I loved these old re-runs of stories of the old west, singing songs and pretty woman and to read about there lives was a real pleasure to me. The only issue was that each man gets about an hour of time and I bet several hours could have easily been filled up. Roy was the best because of all he had to over-come in life and still was a really good man and fine Christian example as both of these men seemed to be. I loved the book, but wished it was way longer.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Nat King Cole

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Alex L. Vincent

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-20-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

"If I could read it, I could play it." - Nat King Cole

A lot of time has been spent covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' American Legends series, listeners can get caught up on the lives of America's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute. And they can do so while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

Among the most recognizable and iconic vocal artists known to American society from the mid-20th to the 21st century, baritone Nat King Cole is indelible in the nation's consciousness for such hits as "Mona Lisa" and "Ramblin' Rose" as well as for his rendition of Mel Tormé's famous "Christmas Song", with the opening line known to millions of American households: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire." Cole is almost synonymous with the Christmas holiday season. His entire career, following an early start as a first-rate pianist, includes a consistent string of similar hits, including: "Route 66", "Sweet Lorraine", "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", "Nature Boy," "Too Young", "Answer Me", "Walkin' My Baby Back Home", "Straighten Up and Fly Right", "Lush Life", "Those Hazy Lazy Crazy Days of Summer", "People", "That Sunday That Summer", "Dear Lonely Hearts", "L-O-V-E", and "Unforgettable". His gentle baritone sound, elegant phrasing, and crystal-clear enunciation are unmistakable, and have remained as a beloved fixture in America's collective ear for well over half a century.

Members Reviews:

Nat King Cole

This short read,narrated nicely by Alex L. Vincent,lead us on a journey through Mr. Coles life and times.It was very interesting to me to see just how people of color were treated in the 'old days',even if they were talented.I enjoyed listening to his story.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse

Nat Does Not Do Rock n' Roll

Nat does not do rock n' roll. This is what he told Natalie when she was in love with Elvis and wanted her father to sing rock n' roll. 'Along with Sinatra, he was the most successful artist of his generation.'

"The Christmas Song", "Route 66", and "Unforgettable" were a few of his most notable songs especially when Natalie accompanied him posthumously in "Unforgettable." He was a jazz pianist and went into the pop genre and began a parallel career. He was considered the African-American counterpart to Bing Crosby. He was also in several films.

I grew up listening to Nat King Cole and I think we had all his albums. He was my dad's favorite artist. This audiobook was a great listen and was extremely moving as I didn't know he had been attacked for the color of his skin. I never knew this and learning of this made me cry. This was a man who brought so much joy into the lives of so many people.

Alex L. Vincent did a great job narrating this audiobook. He spoke clearly and had a good pace as well as a nice tone. He made this a nice, pleasant listen.

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Title: Legends of Music: The Life and Legacy of John Lennon

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Robin McKay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

In 1964, girls all across the United States filled venues, almost literally screamed their heads off, and fainted en masse. Almost from the second they played the first note, The Beatles would be hit with the resounding screams, which made it impossible for them to even hear themselves sing. When they made their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in early 1964, they were greeted by young fans who whipped themselves up into such a frenzy that some of them fainted. Beatlemania had struck North America, creating a musical and pop culture phenomenon unlike anything the world had ever seen.

At the center of it all was John Lennon, the man who founded the Beatles and was instrumental in creating the soundtrack of the 1960s, while producing some of the world's most timeless classics. Together with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, Lennon became one of the world's most famous men, and he was also one of the world's most interesting and outspoken men, a complex figure who survived a turbulent upbringing, addictions to drugs, and unstable relationships, only to be tragically killed just as he was settling into a serene, comfortable life. His loss is still widely felt today like it was in December 1980, as people remain in awe of his music and continue to grapple with the contradictory nature of his life and work, which at any given moment could oscillate from his notoriously acerbic wit to the endless optimism of "Imagine".

Members Reviews:

Too Short

way too short and outside of a few tidbits nothing new to offer about John Lennon, but no a bad read either

john lennon book

it was good that it was free from amazon kindle but i havent read it because i havent had time

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Title: Legends of Music: The Life and Legacy of Kurt Cobain

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Rhiannon Angell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

"It's really not hard to keep your dignity and sign to a major label.... Most people don't have any dignity in the first place." - Kurt Cobain

The dark and dusty high school gymnasium seemed like a weird place for a musical revolution. The cheerleaders look like mannequins, and the bleacher bums look like they haven't taken a bath in years. A janitor looks like he's adding to the mess instead of cleaning it up. As the music starts slowly, the crowd is still asleep. But as the tempo and volume of the music gradually increase until the chorus is unleashed at full force, the crowd transforms into a head-banging mob full of crowd surfers.

In the middle of it all is Kurt Cobain, the dirty blond who could have been mistaken for one of the crowd if he wasn't holding a guitar. The song and the music video both end in full-throated chaos as the frontman for Nirvana and the crowd start ripping up the gym.

Cobain later noted that he tried to model the song after one The Pixies might have done, but "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and its accompanying music video ushered in rock's "grunge" movement at the start of the 1990s. The song, ironically named after a deodorant, captured the culture in its entirety. A reaction to the likes of the previous decade's yuppies and acts like M.C. Hammer, grunge became a sound and culture for angst-ridden teens and the disaffected youth who were proud to be plain. Combining punk, metal, and hard rock, the grunge sound emanated out of Seattle from groups like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, giving the young decade its trademark sound.

Whether these groups intended for it or not, grunge became the most popular music of the decade, and the look and sound both became trendy fads.

Members Reviews:

Very nice

Was a quick read but it was good. I enjoyed it and had no problems following it on my kindle!

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Title: Stairway to Nowhere

Author: Luke James

Narrator: Luke James

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-15

Publisher: Luke James

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

Stairway to Nowhere is the true story of late 1970s, Birmingham, UK, band Fàshiön. In the brief spotlight of their 15 minutes of fame, Fàshiön toured both the US and UK as an opening band for The Police, did a UK club tour with a then-unknown band from Ireland called U2, opened for The B-52s on their first-ever UK tour, and had a new band called Duran Duran open shows for them.

The book tells the story of how four young, unemployed, working-class gits from the gutters of Brum donned make-up, attitude, weird clothes, and swaggered forth to escape the dreaded clutches of Birmingham's car-factory mentality by conquering the music business. On their voyage of escape and discovery, Fàshiön encounter a plethora of the music industry's sickest practitioners. Join them on their headlong flight up the stairway to nowhere as they cobble together some of the most innovative and original pop music of the time.

Members Reviews:

The Height of Fashion

What did you love best about Stairway to Nowhere?

For a fan of Fashion - the real formative Fashion, featuring the towering Luke - this book is a revelation. The band toured with a series of high profile bands on their way up (the headliners more so than Fashion) back at the height of the New Wave, and I was lucky enough to see them as an opener for the Police at a college campus gig in 1979. What an eye-opener. For me and my friends they stole the show. To this day, the classic Product Perfect is one of a handful of my favorite records from that era.

More than 35 years later, it's a pleasure to listen to the inimitable Luke narrate his account of Fashion's formative years - what was and what could have been, as it were. As an historical account and highly entertaining slice of life, the audio Stairway to Nowhere stands as an impressive performance piece even if you've never heard of the band. Luke knows how to tell a tale, warts and all, with ample humor betraying an ability to laugh at the sincerity of youth without diminishing its brilliant idealism. The story is unadulterated, and includes rather graphic snapshots of the darker side of the rock and roll experience at a time when everything seemed to be in great flux.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Luke is the star, with Dik and Mulligan in memorable supporting roles.

What does Luke James bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Luke James reads, acts, performs in a voice and accent all his own, the perfect product of his Birmingham past and an engaged theatrical approach. He doesn't just read his story but plunges into it, even sing-telling the parts involving song lyrics. If you know the songs, it makes you want to hear them.

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Title: Luminary Icon...

Subtitle: The Story of the Beginning and End of Hip Hop's First Female MC

Author: Sha-Rock, Iesha Brown

Narrator: Trinise Crowder

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-23-15

Publisher: eBookIt.com

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

It's been years since we won the lawsuit against Sugar Hill Records. I am at a place in my life where I finally feel it is necessary to tell my story. Lord knows I am not getting any younger. Some may not like it, but the truth stands clear when everything else crumbles. My hope is to give you a visual of my group, the Funky 4 + 1 More's journey as young teenagers from the Bronx, New York. Teenagers who were young inner city kids who broke barriers and became the Gladys Knight and the Pips of hip-hop. The Funky 4 + 1 More was instrumental in paving the way for many hip-hop artists of today. I wrote this book so you may know me as the Luminary Icon. The female hip-hop icon who stands as the foundation for all female MCs/rappers. I wrote this story for all of the young men and women around the world to encourage, build, but most importantly...invest in yourselves. This goes out to all of my American and international fans, readers, media, the hip-hop community, and young, aspiring artists who have never heard of MC Sha-Rock. I give to you the true story of hip-hop's first female MC...Luminary Icon.

Members Reviews:

First female MC's story of the birth of hip hop

Thank you to Sha-Rock for telling her story. Her memoir is enlightening and entertaining. And heartbreaking at times too.

It's about time credit is due, 1st female MC!

Thumbs up! The narrator did her thing telling the story of the very first female MC Sha Rock. Great job!

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Title: Yakety Yak I Fought Back

Subtitle: My Life with The Coasters

Author: Carl Gardner

Narrator: Tommie Earl Jenkins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-15

Publisher: Talking Music

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

If you don't know who Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carl Gardner is, you should. The story of the lead tenor of pioneering vocal group The Coasters is brought to life in this audiobook. Telling the story of their rise to fame and laying bare the barriers that not only The Coasters but all black artists through the 1950s and '60s faced, it's a must for any music fan.

Members Reviews:

What is the secret of your success? Still searchin'...

Some years ago the NY Times ran an article about members of vintage singing groups testifying on Capitol Hill for the right to have their groups' names copyrighted. Front and center was Carl Gardner, who revealed that fake Coasters were copping 90% of his gigs and therefore his income.

Of course I was psyched to read this man's memoirs. I wanted to hear glorious tales of the R&B nightlife in Los Angeles, the eccentricities of Leiber & Stoller, and his relationship with Grady Chapman, whose lead spot he took over in the Robins--to say nothing of his day on Capitol Hill. (Did the senators ask for his autograph and say, "I've got all your records!"?) The problem is that at 180 pages--less when you subtract the photos and the website stuff--none of this is really in the book. Everything is glossed over very slightly: just when the reader is asking "but what about...?" he pulls back and switches to the next topic. Was Chapman resentful at getting busted down to first tenor? He never says. How does he respond to critics who charge that the Coasters' songs are rife with demeaning stereotypes? He mentions the charges but never replies.

Granted, a lot of show-biz look-backs share these faults. (Eddie Fisher's and Dodd Darin's come to mind, but are still worth a look.) But the subject matter and the author's participation makes the reader expect much more. It seems a rush job, too, with its funny typos (songwriter Doc Primus, promoter Gene Normal, Paul McCarthy, Beatle) and missing periods after sentences. If you buy it, keep your red pencil handy; you'll be scribbling "But what about...?" quite often.

Buy this piece of Rock n Roll history!

This is the TRUE story of the legendary Coasters told by group founder Carl Gardner. It is a fascinating behind the scenes look at the early days of the rock n roll. Veta Gardner does a great job of telling Carl's story. Buy the book you won't be sorry.

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Title: Backstage with Bryan Rooney

Subtitle: From Liverpool to Ringo to Donna Summer...

Author: Bryan Rooney

Narrator: Bryan Rooney

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-10-14

Publisher: Ariey Production

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

Haven't you always wanted to go backstage? Englishman Bryan Rooney is your personal guide through the highs and lows of the music business as he experienced it, starting where rock 'n' roll begain: Liverpool in the 1960s. As one of the first roadies ever, Bryan tells firsthand about life on and off the road - and around the world - with Procol Harum, Reinhard Mey, The Beatles, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, Donna Summer, and more. Join this master storyteller as he takes you from concert riots in the Frisian Islands and Milan, through the hallways of Tittenhurst Park, to being pulled over by Malibu cops in an Excalibur with a drunken Keith Moon wearing a Nazi uniform. Celebrate Bryan's wedding with his best man Ringo Starr, and fly the Concorde with sausages for John Lennon. BackStage is your pass to this whirlwind adventure.

Members Reviews:

an old friend

Bryan Rooney was a friend of mine for many years. From the 60s back in London. I last saw him at my wedding in 1998 and was saddened by his death. Glad he was at peace with it all coming down, his story is a fun and memorable one of times gone by.

rooney

as a friend of Bryan I was overjoyed to read this account of his life and career in the music business. I miss him.

Behind the British Music scene

Easy read, lot's of great stories behind the artists you know from England during the 60's.

Sad ending to his life.

Glad he wrote it and shared his moments

Brilliant rock and roll memoir

Everything backstage for your review and enjoyment.

Tales of a bygone era as told by the pirate roadie who lived them. Very enjoyable and satisfying read.

A Fun and Fascinating Read

For those who are musicians at heart, Beatle and/or Donna Summer fans, and want to take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the life of a true Roadie, this book has it all. Bryan's stories are all incredibly heartfelt, and you can almost imagine yourself being with him on his adventures. I enjoyed the book very much and highly recommend it.

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Title: Big Muddy

Subtitle: A Selection from Pete Seeger: The Storm King

Author: Pete Seeger, Jeff Haynes (editor)

Narrator: Pete Seeger, Paul Cebar (performer), Charlie Burnham (performer), Dean Bowman (performer)

Format: Original Recording

Length: 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-14

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Music

Publisher's Summary:

Back porch swamp blues music stomps you into the Mekong River as Pete tells the controversial story of how the airing of this song, protesting the war in Vietnam, contributed to the Smother's Brothers' show being cancelled.

This single is part of the ongoing project called Pete Seeger: The Storm King - an audio collection presenting Seeger's spoken words as he captivatingly recounts his most engaging stories, narratives, and poems - set to new music, produced by world-renowned percussionist/producer Jeff Haynes, from over 50 musicians from traditions as diverse as African Music, Blues, Bluegrass, Classical Guitar, Folk, Jazz, Native American Music, and World Beat.