“If you want to release your aggression, get up and dance. That’s what rock and roll is all about.”
Musicians are often revered as the coolest people on the planet by many of us. They possess the exceptional ability to interlace notes and symphonies that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from sorrow to ecstasy. Their works become timeless pieces, deeply ingrained in both our memories and the annals of society. And, because of that, people have become fascinated with the lives and times of the people behind the songs. Join us at What We Reading for our top music biographies from 2022!
Chuck Berry: An American Life – R.J. Smith
Chuck Berry, the legendary musician behind hits like Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene, You Never Can Tell, and Roll Over Beethoven blazed a trail in the music industry and is widely considered the inventor of Rock and Roll. Despite his monumental impact, his life was full of contradictions and motivations that continue to intrigue readers to this day. In the biographical masterpiece, Chuck Berry: An American Life, author R.J. Smith takes readers on a fascinating journey into the remarkable life and times of one of North America’s greatest performers.
Through interviews, archival research, and legal documents, Smith paints a vivid picture of Berry’s life and legacy, revealing the profound impact he had on societal norms and attitudes. With compelling storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of music and its cultural significance.
Shine Bright – Danyel Smith
Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop is a deeply personal exploration of identity and the profound impact of Black female musicians on cultural norms. Author Danyel Smith skillfully focuses each chapter of the book on different Black female artists, highlighting how they have become powerful weapons in the fight for social change and enduring forces in shaping her life.
Through a warmly conversational and unapologetically powerful lens, Smith delves into the biggest challenges facing society and how these remarkable artists have grown to challenge them. With insightful analysis and a deeply personal perspective, Shine Bright shines a light on the pivotal role that Black women have played in the evolution of pop music and the broader cultural landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, identity, and social change.
Dilla Time – Dan Charnas
Dan Charnas’ Dilla Time is a fascinating tale that blurs the line between musician biography and cultural history resource. The book takes readers on a journey through the life and times of James DeWitt Yancey, better known as ‘J Dilla,’ a hip hop producer who pioneered a new sound for popular music despite never recording a big hit with the public.
Through over 150 interviews with friends, colleagues, and industry admirers, Charnas explores Dilla’s gifted childhood, his collaborations with the likes of Michael Jackson, his untimely death at just 32, and the enduring legacy that has led musicians from jazz to rap to study his techniques and deep understanding of sound.
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The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1: 1969-73 – Allan Kozinn And Adrian Sinclair
The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1, expertly weaves together hundreds of interviews, meticulous research, and previously unseen documents to take readers on a personal and professional journey with Paul McCartney in the years immediately following the dissolution of The Beatles.
Beatles historian Allan Kozinn and award-winning documentarian Adrian Sinclair delve deep into McCartney’s life, examining how he redefined himself as both a man and an artist. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of McCartney’s musical evolution, the authors offer a compelling portrait of a legend conquering bouts of depression and self-doubt to establish a legacy that continues to influence the music industry to this day.
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Queer Country – Shana Goldin-Perschbacher
Dr. Shana Goldin-Perschbacher’s Queer Country is a music biography that delves into the world of queer and transgender country musicians. Drawing from her extensive knowledge in interdisciplinary popular music studies and identity studies at Temple University, the author uncovers the contributions of these artists to the music industry, explores why they have been overlooked by the mainstream, and highlights the growing connection between their identities and acceptance in society.
Through the book, readers gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of queer and transgender country music and the artists who have helped shape it.
Charlie’s Good Tonight – Paul Sexton
Charlie’s Good Tonight, the 2022 music biography by Paul Sexton, brings to life the incredible story of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones.
Despite being overshadowed by his bandmates for years, Sexton’s research and close friendship with Watts have enabled him to craft a compelling narrative that spans the musician’s life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to superstardom in the 1970s and beyond. Along the way, readers are treated to a wealth of behind-the-scenes stories, insights into the band’s dynamics, and an intimate portrayal of Watts’ personality and character.
Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story – Joe Coscarelli
In Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story, Joe Coscarelli takes readers on an immersive journey through Atlanta’s rich history and deep connection with rap music. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences, Coscarelli delivers a captivating account of the music scene’s intricate web of people and politics, exploring issues of race, class, money, and salvation.
Through hundreds of interviews and ride-alongs, he introduces readers to the talented and resilient Black American men and women who navigate broken school systems and institutional racism, while grappling with the constant threat of incarceration. Coscarelli’s epic biography of Atlanta’s rap music is a powerful tribute to the city’s enduring cultural influence.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
