Drooling fanatic, n. 1. One who drools in the presence of beloved rock stars. 2. Any of a genus of rock-and-roll wannabes/geeks who walk around with songs constantly ringing in their ears, own more than 3,000 albums, and fall in love with at least one record per week. With a life that’s spanned the phonographic era and the digital age, Steve Almond lives to Rawk. Like you, he’s secretly longed to live the life of a rock star, complete with insane talent, famous friends, and hotel rooms to be trashed. Also like you, he’s content (sort of) to live the life of a rabid fan, one who has converted his unrequited desires into a (sort of) noble obsession. Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life traces Almond’s passion from his earliest (and most wretched) rock criticism to his eventual discovery of a music-crazed soul mate and their subsequent production of two little superfans. Along the way, Almond reflects on the delusional power of songs, the awkward mating habits of drooling fanatics, and why Depression Songs actually make us feel so much better. The book also includes: • sometimes drunken interviews with America’s finest songwriters • a recap of the author’s terrifying visit to Graceland while stoned • a vigorous and credibility-shattering endorsement of Styx’s Paradise Theater • recommendations you will often choose to ignore • a reluctant exegesis of the Toto song “Africa” • obnoxious lists sure to piss off rock critics But wait, there’s more. Readers will also be able to listen to a special free mix designed by the author, available online at www.stevenalmond.com, for the express purpose of eliciting your drool. For those about to rock—we salute you!

Using the essentially rhetorical (some might say theological) question: "What was the first rock 'n' roll record?" as its starting point, this unique book nominates 50 records for the honor, beginning with an early live recording, "Blues, Part 2" (1944) and ending with Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956). Forewords by Billy Vera and Dave Marsh.

'I was amazed at how many people have shared an experience I though was so rare' - Eric ClaptonIn this exciting and inspiring book, 75 of the world's most iconic musicians reveal - many for the first time - their thoughts on creating music. Psychologist Jenny Boyd has probed the minds and souls of these artists and has delved into the drive to create, the importance of nurturing creativity, the role of unconscious influences and the effects of chemicals and drugs on the creative process.Music legends who contributed exclusive interviews include: ERIC CLAPTON - GEORGE HARRISON - JULIAN LENNON - JACKSON BROWNE - DAVID CROSBY - STEPHEN STILLS - GRAHAM NASH - DON HENLEY - HANK MARVIN - KEITH RICHARDS - RAVI SHANKAR - RINGO STARR - STEVE WINWOOD - MICK FLEETWOOD - STEVIE NICKS - JONI MITCHELLWith candid photographs and in-depth analysis of what makes great musicians tick, this is the ultimate book for any music fan.

Whether broadcasting over the airwaves, or hosting a teenage dance, or presenting a concert, music has been at the center of Pat O'Day's world since the dawn of rock 'n' roll. This memoir offers a colorful trip through the formative years of top-40 radio. You'll read about the development of rock music in the Northwest and about the inner workings of the radio business--and the story ranges well beyond the Pacific Northwest to include never-before-heard stories about Jimi Hendrix, the Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, Jerry Lee Lewis, BTO, Tony Orlando, Paul McCartney, Elvis and many others.--From publisher description.

Washington, D.C.-based rock 'n' roll antihero Ian F. Svenonius provides an unparalleled and exquisitely provocative how-to guide for rock bands.

A useful resource for people of all ages who want to know more about rock history, Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection links national and international events in music and the world, though the primary focus is on Cleveland. Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection is the first in-depth look at the people, venues and artists that made Cleveland the "Rock 'n' Roll Capital of the World." Author Deanna Adams conducted personal interviews with more than 150 musicians, managers, DJ's, promoters, record executives, journalists, and club owners--all pioneers of this new musical movement--to compile these chapters of musical history.