Bücher der Reihe Musicians of Note

The son of a Southern California horse trainer, John Stewart was a gifted musician who spread his talents across many genres. He grew up idolizing Elvis Presley. But along came the Kingston Trio and by age 20, Stewart became the Trio's fourth member when Dave Guard left the highly popular group. Stewart and his future wife, Buffy Ford, joined Robert Kennedy's presidential compaign, only to have it cut short when an assassin's bullet took down Kennedy. Shortly, Stewart's classic solo album, California Bloodlines, came out to critical acclaim. His music was an eclectic blend of folk and country, with an occasional dash of rock tossed in. His sound became known as "Americana." He sang of common folks and common places, historical events as well as current. Stewart scored top hits as a member of the Kingston Trio and as a solo artist. He composed the Monkees' number one pop hit, "Daydream Believer," and Rosanne Cash's number one country hit, "Runaway Train." No slouch at rock, Stewart's recording of "Gold" became number five on the pop charts. Its accompanying LP reached number ten. Themes in his more than 650 songs varied widely. He sang of "Omaha Rainbows," "Missouri Birds," "Chilly Winds," gypsy girls named Shannon, driving race horses stone blind, his beloved "Mother Country," a loner named "Willard," a "Lonesome Picker," and countless more memorable tunes. Yet, he is unknown to many outside the music industry. Dreamer, poet, social narrator, and legendary singer/musician, John Coburn Stewart - the "Lonesome Picker."

Bobby Vee got his "lucky break" after the infamous crash of the plane Buddy Holly was riding went down in an Iowa cornfield, killing all aboard. Auditions were quickly held to find temporary replacements so the Winter Dance Party tour could go on. That ill-fated opportunity eventually led to a recording contract for the Fargo, ND teenager. Shortly, hit records began to come. Take Good Care of My Baby, Run to Him, Sharing You, Rubber Ball, The Night Has a Thousand Eyes, Come Back When You Grow Up and many others made Bobby one of the biggest stars of his day. Read all about his surprising rise to fame and his legendary music career in The Music of Bobby Vee.

Three English/Australian brothers, Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, ran off a string of hit records during the late sixties. Many soon proclaimed them the second-coming of The Beatles. However, nothing prepared the music industry for what would occur a few years later when their manager asked them to write a some songs for a movie he was producing. With little more than a working movie title (Saturday Night Fever) and a generic plot, in a weekend's time at a French chalet, the Gibbs quickly wrote several modern day classics, including "How Deep is Your Love" and "Stayin' Alive." Before this run was over, the Bee Gees had scored an incredible feat of six consecutive number one records. Furthermore, younger brother Andy GIbb would achieve an unprecedented record of chart toppers with his first three records. The Music of the Bee Gees tells about the incredible story and songs the boys wrote and recorded during their storied 40+ year career. Included are discographies for each brother and for the Bee Gees, collectively.

Vanilla Doo-wop highlights several white fifties/sixties vocal groups, telling how they came to be, discusses their music, and provides discographies of the records they released. From Dion and the Belmonts, The Passions, The Tokens, The Critters, the Royal Teens, and many more, it's a great read for those interested in popular music from that era. Many of their records reached the highest rungs of the charts and others barely scratched the surface. Over the years these groups gave us great listening pleasure. Their memorable music still stands strong today. Check out the incredible stories of many groups that make up Vanilla Doo-wop...

Like many young men, Bobby Goldsboro's enviable music career came about by chance. Playing in a local band while attending college, rock great Roy Orbison hired Bobby's band to back him. What begin as a temporary gig turned into one of the longest-lasting careers of the pop/rock era. Soon Goldsboro was recording on his own. Among his many time-proven hits are: Honey, Broomstick Cowboy, Summer (the First Time), Watching Scotty Grow, I'm a Drifter, The Straight Life, See the Funny Little Clown, and a host of other memorable gems. Before long, Bobby was not only turning out hit records, he was hosting his own successful TV variety show. As his music career wound down, he turned his skill to painting. He is an accomplished artist with paintings gracing public places across the South. The Music of Bobby Goldsboro relates his story from small town kid to music legend, TV personality and artist. It's a story you won't want to miss.