Get Best Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Orson Welles

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Diana Brown

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-19-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"I have always been more interested in experiment than in accomplishment." (Orson Welles)

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.

When it comes to Hollywood and the entertainment industry, perhaps nobody catapulted to fame as quickly or as strangely as Orson Welles, but it would also be safe to say that few produced such critically acclaimed work either. Though he had worked on stage productions from an early age and seamlessly transitioned into radio, few were familiar with his work until a legendary 1938 radio broadcast of H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, during which some people who heard Welles narrating the work truly believed that an alien invasion was underway. As Welles famously apologized at the end of the broadcast, "This is Orson Welles, ladies and gentlemen, out of character, to assure you that The War of the Worlds has no further significance than as the holiday offering it was intended to be; The Mercury Theatre's own radio version of dressing up in a sheet and jumping out of a bush and saying, 'Boo!'"

Although the alleged widespread hysteria caused by that broadcast is mostly overstated, the notorious broadcast made Welles a household name, and he followed it up with one of the greatest movies ever made: Citizen Kane.

Members Reviews:

Orson Welles in a Nutshell

It seems more could have been explored. This seemed more like; "the cliff notes" to a larger than life character. All facts, without much feeling. A decent overview.

Good

I have decided to give most reviews from Charles River Editors 4 stars . They are short , maybe 50 to 60 pages and cover the subject thoroughly . The sources are great . Very few mistakes and most of those are on differing theories .

I just finished ones on the Shroud of Turin , Judas Iscariot and Gene Kelly . The first 2 required research just to check things out .

The life of orson Wells

Orson Wells was considered a genius by historians. His life & his work is something that should be studied by nor just movie buffs; but educators as well as the public as a whole.

good synopsis

This is a good synopsis of the life and work of Orson Welles at a fair price. If you are interested in Welles than this is a good place to start.

Life of orson welles

This book was so short, it didn't get into anything about his life or career enough. The writing was fine though I would be upset if I had paid for it.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Diane Lehman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-15-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us." - Louisa May Alcott, Rose in Bloom

Louisa May Alcott (1832 - 1888) was one of the best authors of her day, but even though she's remembered primarily for being a late 19th century novelist, she was also a progressive Transcendentalist. Though Alcott is not as well-known as writers like Thoreau and Emerson, and she lacked the advocacy work of women like Susan B. Anthony, she used her pen to help push for change on the foremost social issues of the day, including gender equality and abolition.

Alcott managed to make semi-autobiographical works popular among audiences of all ages. Her most critically acclaimed work is Little Women with the protagonists modeled after Alcott and her sisters. The book was both breezy but serious, offering a glimpse at the various aspects of life for 19th century women coming of age. One contemporary reviewer called Little Women "the very best of books to reach the hearts of the young of any age from six to 60."

Members Reviews:

Louisa May Alcott's Life

As a lifelong fan of Louisa May Alcott's books, I was very curious about her own life. This book was a joy to read......very concise and full of great information.

Louisa May Alcott

What an interesting life she led. She knew famous authors before she became one, such as Emerson and Hawthorne, She was a very generous and kind spirit, helping the Civil War wounded as well as her extended family

Great book on a great author

Well worth the time taken to read about the life of Ms. Alcott, very happy with the purchase, only problem I had was with downloading to my kindle.

Interesting but superficial

Interesting but superficial. Mostly about her writings and some about her personal life.

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Title: Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Aristotle

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: W. B. Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"All men, by nature, desire to know. An indication of this is the delight we take in our senses; for even apart from their usefulness they are loved for themselves; and above all others the sense of sight. For not only with a view to action, but even when we are not going to do anything, we prefer sight to almost everything else. The reason is that this, most of all the senses, makes us know and brings to light many differences between things." (Aristotle, Metaphysics)

Among all the knowledge and pursuits handed down by our ancestors, few were as important as philosophy, which literally taught people how to think and became directly responsible for ideas like reason and empiricism. Men like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle formed the backbone of Western philosophy, and subsequent philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Thomas Aquinas expounded on previous philosophy. In Charles River Editors' Legendary Philosophers series, listeners can get caught up to speed on the lives of the most important philosophers in history in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

Alongside Plato, Aristotle is, without question, one of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers and arguably the greatest icon of ancient thought. His life and work expanded rapidly and extensively across the ancient world, helped in part by the fact he tutored Alexander the Great. He was a recognized and celebrated intellectual force during all of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Furthermore, after Aristotle, Greek thought and political influence began a rapid decline.

Members Reviews:

Insight into the heart and teachings of Aristotle

Your interest in this book on Aristotle will highlight his main philosophies as a Greek thinker and take you into the core of his passions and beliefs. Aristotle's ethical and metaphysical issues will largely be looked at with the understanding of the time period in which he would share his beliefs.

Born in 384 B.C. In Stageria, a Greek city, he was privileged to be the son of a doctor that would avail him the opportunity to gain an education at Plato's prestigious academy for 20 years. He tutored the famous Alexander the Great and Ptolemy and after returning to Athens he established an academy known as Lyceum.

Aristotle considered metaphysics to be the primary science and believed knowledge begins with people's use of the senses. Metaphysics posed the questions of:

- what is meant to exist

- what does exist

- How do things continue to exist even while changing

He believed that everything that is real is imprinted on the human soul from birth and it is up to man to learn all the knowledge he has.

Aristotle was so revered in the ancient past and Middle Ages that people took his observations on things like the sun and stars, how to cure an elephant from insomnia, how the direction of a wind blowing affects the health of children if conceived, and others and accepted them without proof.

Ethics, a big cornerstone of his philophical teachings spoke on the way to live a proper, satisfying life with happiness, the byproduct of thinking and knowing, and contemplation which produces ultimate pleasure.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Steve McQueen

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Todd Van Linda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-11-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"I live for myself and I answer to nobody." - Steve McQueen

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 1960s and 1970s, no actor personified cool, calm and collected like Steve McQueen, whose suave anti-hero protagonists made men jealous and women swoon. As actor Donald Logue puts it in The Tao of Steve, "Steve is the prototypical cool American male. He's the guy on his horse, the guy alone. He has his own code of honor, his own code of ethics, his own rules of living. He never, ever tries to impress the women, but he always gets the girl." And indeed, that was the case not only in movies like The Thomas Crown Affair, Bullitt, The Getaway, and Papillon, but also in real life. Actress Ali MacGraw, who later became one of his wives, described his effect on women: "I remember seeing him across the swimming pool and my knees were knocking. He radiated such macho energy. Men wanted to be like him. Uptight society ladies and biker molls wanted to be with him."

Unlike many actors who become this type of heartthrob, McQueen seemed to have the bona fides. Growing up rough and tough in the Midwest, McQueen was sent to a juvenile facility California because he didn't get along with his stepfather, and after that there he became a Marine.

Members Reviews:

The Legend

Steve McQueen was a man's man. I was around when he became a star and he was not and every woman dream. This book spells out the truth about a guy that was all about truth. This is well worth the read and I really enjoyed it. My husband was a counselor at Jr. Republic and met Steve several times. He really did come and meet with the boys and tried to support what went on at the facility. He was always there for anyone that would contact him directly!

Excellent Short Biography

As usual with this series of American Legend biographies, Steve McQueen's is well written. The story offers many unique tidbits not widely known. If you are interested in Steve McQueen, you should read this one. It is an interesting life that can be read in one short sitting.

Steve McQueen. What a terrific bio

I usually don't like bios but having been brought up in west LA area near Pico & LA Cienega I went to movies in Hollywood and Beverly Hills frequently saw l occasionally saw a star. I read and enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend reading it.

Five Stars

Good little book!

For Collectors Only

Very short. Obviously, cheaply published. Several errors and typos (note: Bullitt did not when the Academy Award for Best Picture). If you collect McQueen books like I do, then by all means get this one.

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Title: Unbuttoning America

Subtitle: A Biography of Peyton Place

Author: Ardis Cameron

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-02-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Published in 1956, Peyton Place became a best seller and a literary phenomenon. A lurid and gripping story of murder, incest, female desire, and social injustice, it was consumed as avidly by readers as it was condemned by critics and the clergy. Its author, Grace Metalious, a housewife who grew up in poverty in a New Hampshire mill town and had aspired to be a writer from childhood, loosely based the novel's setting, characters, and incidents on real-life places, people, and events. The novel sold more than 30 million copies in hardcover and paperback, and it was adapted into a hit Hollywood film in 1957 and a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. More than half a century later, the term "Peyton Place" is still in circulation as a code for a community harboring sordid secrets.

In Unbuttoning America, Ardis Cameron mines extensive interviews, fan letters, and archival materials including contemporary cartoons and cover images from film posters and foreign editions to tell how the story of a patricide in a small New England village circulated over time and became a cultural phenomenon. She argues that Peyton Place, with its frank discussions of poverty, sexuality, class and ethnic discrimination, and small-town hypocrisy, was more than a tawdry potboiler. Metalious's depiction of how her three central female characters come to terms with their identity as women and sexual beings anticipated second-wave feminism. More broadly, Cameron asserts, the novel was also part of a larger postwar struggle over belonging and recognition. Fictionalizing contemporary realities, Metalious pushed to the surface the hidden talk and secret rebellions of a generation no longer willing to ignore the disparities and domestic constraints of Cold War America.

Members Reviews:

Admirable Effort and a Fabulous Read

WHAT a fabulous book, and why couldn't it be longer? I gobbled it up this afternoon and evening, as soon as it was delivered in the mail. There is so much to say about the cultural influence of Peyton Place and Grace Metalious' life -- well covered in Emily Toth's excellent 1981 and so far only extant biography, yes, but here is updated information from Ardis Cameron on the 1947 Barbara Roberts case (whom Toth, to my and perhaps other readers' puzzlement, covers with the pseudonym of "Jane Glenn", so that for years I thought that WAS the victim's real name).

It's so absolutely true that the novel had a dark, despairing interior which the silly, squeaky-clean movie version of course came nowhere near capturing, and for once an old fart like myself can say that I was too young to have ever seen the 1960's TV series, but I'd always heard it was even worse than the movie. I wonder, I just wonder what it would be like to actually do a film version which is really true to the book, setting it in the 1930's, and WWII-and-postwar 1940's -- to really have it as sordid and shabby with tragic class struggles and grim sexual cruelty as Grace Metalious' novel portrayed.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Stevie Wonder

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Joshua Miles

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision." (Stevie Wonder)

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.

Among the most innovative and independent artists to come out of Motown in the latter half of the 20th century, along with colleagues Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, and Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder was said by many to possess three distinct obstacles to fulfillment in the music industry. First, he was poor, and worse, he was black and blind. Wonder, however, refused to shrink from or acknowledge any of these realities as barriers, asserting that he had not been in any way disadvantaged or limited in his path toward success.

Through a long and prodigious career at Motown and a vast experience of collaborations with great musicians of the era, Stevie Wonder has gone on to prove that his optimistic view toward life and work was correct from the very beginning in a lengthy and extraordinarily productive career. From childhood appearances and record releases to a nonstop regimen of over half a century, he has produced an almost unparalleled catalogue of hits; a long list of exceptional tunes written for fellow musicians, many working within Motown; and a touring legacy that has taken him to locations around the globe where no Motown artist has previously gone.

Members Reviews:

Failure

Not worth the time to read. To write about Stevie Wonder, one of the greatest musicians in history, one needs inspiration and thorough understanding of music and poetry. No such thing. The author just listed some facts arranged randomly and chaotically. The SOUL of the GENIUS is lost. In addition - many factual errors. I am so sorry to have bought it.

Mini book

I wish I had known it was only as thick as a People Magazine! A page count should be included in the description.

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Title: History for Kids: The Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: David Zarbock

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"Every job is good if you do your best and work hard. A man who works hard stinks only to the ones that have nothing to do but smell." (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

In Charles River Editors' History for Kids series, your children can learn about history's most important people and events in an easy, entertaining, and educational way. The concise-but-comprehensive book will keep your kid's attention all the way to the end.

"A long time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and little girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin."

So begins the first of a series of primarily autobiographical books for children that would give 20th century America a look at what it was like when the country was still young and the West was a largely empty, untamed wilderness. They were written by a woman who had experienced a hardscrabble frontier life: Laura Ingalls Wilder. The books were first published in the 1930s, when the United States desperately needed a reminder that "tough times don't last but tough people do". In addition to giving Americans a nostalgic glimpse of the past, the books were a reminder of the nation's unique spirit and belief that hard work can overcome any obstacle.

The semi-autobiographical Little House books were so popular in their time that Laura eventually became a well-known author around the world, even as an ensuing debate grew among scholars and historians over what role Laura's daughter Rose Wilder Lane played in the drafting of the books.

Members Reviews:

LAURA INGALLS WILDER:PIONEER WOMAN

This biography is another excellent piece of writing from Charles River editors. Laura Ingalls was born in 1867 to Charles and Caroline Ingalls who lived in Pepin, Wisconsin. Her parents wanted to buy land on which to farm, but they were deceived into purchasing Indian lands and were forced to give them up. After they returned home to Wisconsin and saved up again. his time they moved to Minnesota. Laura's baby brother was born and became ill soon after. The family spent all their money trying to make him well, but he soon died. Laura's sister Mary became ill with scarlet fever in 1879. Mary suffered blindness as a result. Laura then served as her sister's guide. She could not go to school but developed her storytelling skills in order to explain the world to her sister. Soon the family joined her father in South Dakota. Her father became both a shopkeeper and a farmer. He saved enough money to send the girls to school. Laura also got a job as a seamstress. When Laura turned 16, she began to teach farm children. In 1885 Laura married Almanzo Wilder. They had two children, but their son soon died. Then their house burned to the ground. So they moved to Florida and worked hard to save money. Finally, they had enough saved enough to buy a farm in Missouri. On the trip, Laura wrote down what she saw in a journal. By 1910 Laura was writing for a local newspaper and worked to help make life better for the women who lived on the farms. Like many other women such as Susan B. Anthony, Laura felt that women should be treated better. She worked with the Farm Loan Association to get loans for her neighbors who needed them. By 1930 Laura no longer wrote for the newspaper.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Aretha Franklin

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Michael Gilboe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-24-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well." (Aretha Franklin)

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.

A certain inevitability characterizes the rise to fame of Aretha Franklin. Indeed, while it is true that neither of her parents were pop singers, they were each talented vocalists - Aretha's father, C.L., was a particularly famous preacher, with a voice so melodic that his sermons effectively doubled as musical performances. Moreover, in an age in which economic opportunities were particularly limited for African-Americans, Aretha was fortunate enough to grow up in a household of relative comfort. Not only was she exposed to music on a daily basis in her household, but her father was a savvy enough businessman to orchestrate her career during its nascent stages, helping her navigate the challenges of entering the music industry. To be certain, in many respects, Aretha Franklin was from an early age the beneficiary of opportunities that are simply unavailable to most aspiring vocalists.

Members Reviews:

For becoming a teen mother at age 14 I'd say she 's come a long way!

I liked this short biography for learning about Aretha Franklin's life story of which I had not followed prior. She had a lot of good, old songs circa late 60s early 70s which I wouldn't mind owning including "Respect", "Chain of Fools" , "I Say a Little Prayer" and "Son of a Preacher Man." Now that I know she acted in "The Blues Brothers" movie as well I'm going to have to dust off my copy and give it a spin so I can relive some memories and witness her performance once again. Very good book!

Celebrity

A good overall explanation of the life of Aretha Franklin and her rise to celebrity status.

Aretha: A Unique Singer and Woman

This quick book opens the door on Aretha Franklin's remarkable life. I had two wishes: 1) That a photo of her famous father be included, and 2) that more be said about her 3 children. Tying Aretha's life into one continuous string was helpful; I collected her albums but had little info about her personal life other than she grew up singing gospel songs at church.

I enjoyed the analysis of why her song "Respect" was such cultural touchstone for the time in which it was released. Delightful!

A glimpse of the life.

I have great respect for Aretha Franklin, but this short summary of her life seemed more inerested in her recording contracts than in the woman herself. That being said, the book does give a glimpse of the life behind the music.

VERY GOOD

I've enjoyed the singing of Aretha Franklin, and her biography was interesting.

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Title: Poster Girl

Author: Beccy Cole

Narrator: Beccy Cole

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-15

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Heartfelt and honest, Poster Girl is the inspirational memoir of a strong woman who epitomises the authentic spirit of country music and of Australia.

"The truth is, all I've ever wanted is to be onstage and present my songs and stories.... If they come to see me, I'm giving them something to see." (Beccy Cole)

Known for her hugely entertaining live shows and songs that are beloved by people of all ages, Beccy Cole has won nine Golden Guitars and seven songwriting awards, amongst other accolades. Her work has taken her around Australia, to small country towns, the Top End, and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and to Iraq, where she performed for Australian troops.

Behind this amazing success is the shy girl with a dream; the artist who has forged a creative life and worked incredibly hard to do it; the mother whose son is at the centre of her world; the fiercely loyal friend; the devoted daughter and granddaughter. There's also the woman who has looked for love, who's had her heart broken and now finds it filled with joy.

In this unabridged audio edition, Beccy Cole tells her own story in that warm, distinctive voice we know and love.

Critic Reviews:

"Talented, funny and brave ... and my best friend." (Kasey Chambers)

Members Reviews:

Loved it

Loved the book and having it read by Beccy herself was awesome. I found her life story very interesting.

Authentic

laugh, cry and be humbled. love this lady. a genuine aussie girl made good. all with a kind heart. fantastic.

Wonderfully read by Beccy

Thank you Beccy. A great and engaging story that is told wonderfully by the great voice behind the great music

Awesome!

A brilliant book.

Beautifully read by Beccy

Open, honest and raw.

A window into Beccy's heart, soul and music.

Fantastic read

Would you consider the audio edition of Poster Girl to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but as the audio version is brilliantly read by Beccy herself - telling her own story - so yes, I'd say the audio version is better.

What did you like best about this story?

Beccy's openness in telling her story. She was brave, honest and heartfelt.

What about Beccy Coles performance did you like?

As she was reading her own life story, it felt like she was just there with you, having a chat.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! I can't say how many times I shook my head and said "Oh, Beccy!" She made me laugh quite a number of times and I did tear up a couple of times too.

Any additional comments?

Terrific read - highly recommended.

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Title: American Legends: The Life of Little Richard

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Robin McKay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"The grass may be greener on the other side, but it's still difficult to cut." - Little Richard

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.

As the present generation of rock music devotees looks back to the early days of the genre, each fan base heralds one artist or another as the founder of the movement that swept the country in the 1940s and '50s. Titles such as "King of Rock" and "Father of Rock" are spread freely among a small group of pioneers that are revered today as the greats of early rock. Buddy Holly is noted for his combination of a traditional look with a driving beat and a refreshing, simplistic American style of romantic lyrics, Elvis Presley stands alone in terms of exerting a charismatic, seductive hold over his audience, and Chuck Berry is known for his guitar innovations and appeal to teen romance and the American automobile. Within this generation came Richard Wayne Penniman, a young blues singer from Macon, Georgia affectionately known to the public as "Little Richard". Whereas Holly, Presley, and Berry were daring innovators, Penniman based his appeal on an outrageous stage personality, a catalog of special vocal effects, a barbaric set of piano techniques, and a raft of nonsensical texts bordering on gibberish, many of which had to be significantly cleaned up for public consumption.

Members Reviews:

short amd sweet! loved it and will listen again

great story!!! short and sweet. Now to find another on audiobook on him :) :)