Confessions of a Rock N Roll Name Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon's Last Interview

by Laurie Kaye

On December 8, 1980, twenty-something rock journalist Laurie Kaye entered the legendary Dakota apartments in New York to interview her longtime idol John Lennon. It was the last interview Lennon would ever give— just hours later, outside that same building, Lennon was shot dead by a twenty-five-year-old man (Kaye refuses to name him) whom Kaye herself had encountered after finishing the interview and stepping outside. Kaye has beaten herself up ever since over her failure to recognize that the assassin posed a danger and should have been reported. Here Kaye recounts not just her unfortunate brush with history, but also her turbulent early years growing up in LA and her fascinating, star-packed journey from radio intern to acclaimed writer/producer. Plus interviews with such titans of the music industry as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Talking Heads, the Ramones, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger.

Genres: Music

230 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Henry L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and interesting trip thru the radio business, culminating with the author Laurie Kaye's fascinating and intimate (final) interview with John Lennon on Dec. 8, 1980. The reader is "along for the ride" thru Laurie's career as a determined radio journalist, as she interviews numerous rock legends (some before they were legends). The final chapters of the book contain much of John and Yoko's actual interview, making the reader a "fly-on-the-wall" with the same excitement that Laurie felt the day she spoke with them in their apartment. The ending is tragic, powerful, and heartfelt.

[Phil Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover. Such a moving account of Laurie’s determination to succeed without the support or recognition of her parents, and of how she has created such wonderful experiences for all of us in helping us understand more about our favourite rock icons through some great interviews. I admire Laurie’s courage to share the most heartbreaking rock story of all, and cannot imagine what the long-lasting emotions of December 8 1980 must have generated. Thanks for achieving such a wonderful final memory for us all with the interview of John and Yoko though Laurie, you brought out the best in them.

A really well written book, couldn’t put it down.

[Jon Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such an engaging and well-written read that it was hard to put down. You feel like you are in the room when Kaye describes her numerous interviews of rock legends and her stories about those she's interviewed were fascinating and often quite fun. I also very much enjoyed her descriptions of her life and her career that led up to the last interview of John Lennon before he was killed. This is a must read for anyone who loves the Beatles or rock music generally. You won't be disappointed.

[John]

Unputdownable! Alternating between ROFL and bawling, I have consumed the first 90 pages in a single bite! For a glimpse into the innerworkings of the music industry, dash toward Laurie's foundational memoir. Its a first person account of her well-lived life of genuine musical passion, spelled out page-by-captivating page. She captures glimpses of life's richness through her cohesive personal epithets and 'like I was there' feel for conversations with our generation's musical greats.

[Laurie Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many readers recommended this book as super incredibly interesting and well-written! Loved all the rock 'n' roll name-dropping, interview quotes and descriptions, and the stories of Laurie's fascinating life and career!

[Alun Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Kaye's 'Confessions of a Rock 'n' Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon's Last Interview' is everything that a lover of music and humankind would want from a book. The pages are richly filled with humour, pathos, spirit, drive, ambition, purpose, and luck.

During an acclaimed and distinguished career in broadcast media and music journalism, Laurie interviewed such illustrious figures as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, David Bowie, The Ramones, Talking Heads, Little Richard, Mick Jagger, and, of course, John Lennon (as the title identifies, Laurie was the last person to interview the influential icon during the afternoon of 8th December 1980).

Laurie is a natural storyteller, and the memoir is beautifully written, being engaging, interesting and thought-provoking. Which leads me to the interview with John Lennon during that fateful afternoon. Even after all these years, it is difficult to comprehend John Lennon's appalling murder — an emotional reaction that was especially furthered because of the immediacy and brilliance of Laurie's interview with the Lennons and her writing. Can it really be nearly 45 years since a school friend told me as we walked to our first lesson of the day that John Lennon had been murdered? I was already a Beatles fan (thank you, big brother, Paul) and just felt sick and numb. The grief, shock and guilt experienced by Laurie in the weeks following John Lennon's assassination tell a sad tale of her own poignant and emotional response to the news of John's senseless murder.

It was interesting/sad to discover that several poignant quotes from John that I have read down the years came from Laurie's discussion with John Lennon during that afternoon. Namely, while referring to the 5-year hiatus from the music industry Lennon spent as a househusband and doting father to Sean, that John's guitar was 'hung up behind the bed for 5 years'; John regarding himself as having done 'pretty damn well' as a talent scout in relation to Paul and Yoko; and 'Did you get through it all? Wasn't the seventies a drag?' That John was optimistic about the unfolding 1980s serves only to reinforce the despicable tragedy.

Well done, Laurie. Your memoir is both unique and important — and not just in relation to your interview with John and Yoko and the timing of it. Your biography is a fascinating story that is wonderfully told. My top mark of 5 stars is thoroughly deserved 👏 👏 🙏🙏 ♥️♥️

[Sai Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Kaye’s memoir is a compelling and vividly recounted journey through the life of a talented rock journalist who rose from a challenging childhood to remarkable professional achievements. Having been raised with many influences from artists and communities such as Fleetwood Mac, the Grateful Dead, and the Kesey Family, I found this book to be a true gem, a rare and unexpected blessing to encounter. The narrative’s centerpiece, her final interview with John Lennon just hours before his murder, is both poignant and harrowing, and Ms. Kaye’s reflection on this moment, along with her interactions with music icons like Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger, makes the reader feel transported back in time. The memoir is haunting, inspiring, and wonderfully written, capturing the depth of thought and cultural significance of her experiences. As both a writer and a music lover with eclectic tastes, I wholeheartedly encourage other thought leaders, philosophers, and curious readers alike to experience this remarkable story. Its recognition in the Writer’s Digest Awards only affirms its literary and cultural merit.

[Kat Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading "Confessions of a Ruck N Roll Name Dropper", an incredible memoir.

I really enjoyed reading what inspired Laurie to become a radio personality, interviewer and writer. She relives her childhood love of music and the radio, and then describes some of the best concerts ever, and finally takes us along as she meets and works with many of the top artists of the time.

Laurie's beautifully insightful writing ties the past to the present and vice versa, connecting people to each other through songs/music/lyrics and life. It’s an exciting and interesting ride via her unique voice. Her joy and enthusiasm, along with a lifetime in the industry, create the perfect mix of personal and professional stories, with humor and sometimes even heartbreak.

Laurie, rock n roll name dropper, a journey of a life inspired by music, a journey you will want to share.

[Rob Frankel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Kaye has led a fascinating life, one in which rock music has been a driving force. She has always been a terrific writer and interviewer, something I know from personal experience, having worked with her on the Satcon One radio special in 1980. Laurie has a knack for bringing out the humanity and essential truths of her interview subjects, and she brings those same qualities to her own life story leading up to that fateful day with John and Yoko at The Dakota. Confessions Of A Rock 'N' Roll Name dropper is a must-read for every music fan.

[John Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a Rock N Roll Namedropper by Laurie Kaye is an absolute must for every Beatles aficionado, rock music enthusiast, or anyone who lived through the 1970s! Ms. Kaye is a consummate story teller who relates her life’s history with spellbinding journalistic directness and colorful imagery. It is a unique memoir written by the journalist blessed/cursed with the privilege/responsibility of interviewing John Lennon on the day he was murdered….

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie's love for music mimics my own. Our paths in music are/were very different. Yet her early years in school parallels my own musical experiences, as we are the same age. Her style of writing makes me want to know more about her life, and not just her interviews with the famous. As of this review, I've just finished chapter 4, and only put the book down because life got in the way. Now I can't wait to pick it up again.

[Janet Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock and roll memories can’t get any better than this! Laurie Kaye has done it all and shares amazing stories from back in the day. A must read for anyone coming of age in the 1970s and their offspring.

[Ernest Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling entertaining true story that takes the author from a troubled childhood into the exciting world of rock n roll music- and made it into a great career! Her story of interviewing John Lennon the night before he died is something to read. Really good.- Ernie Chambers, Writer-Producer

[Laurie Oloughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, great writing, all leading up to the ‘do you remember where you were when heard…’ of the rock n roll generation. All the twists and turns along the way of this remarkable person and the great storytelling make for a super read.

[jack lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie certainly has an incredible story to tell. What an experience she has had! I cannot recommend this book enough to Beatles fans, young and old - and even to people who are just interested in a good read. I'll be saving this book forever.

[Curt Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It���s well written and brings to life this story of her early life and career.
Amazing encounters with interesting people in every chapter!

[Mirrour · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! That was a great read ... very authentic and filled with that "insider" vibe ... Entertaining and very informative and insightful. Ms. Kaye is top-notch—highly qualified on subject: Just when you thought that you know everything there was to know about one of your personal icons, Laurie Kaye breaks through with a new flood of knowledge and backstory. Again ... when only a WOW will do! This is must-read material. Thank you for the deep insight and thorough entertainment - cover to cover!

-Rosaro Colger
MIRROUR
L.A.-based Pop/Rock Band

[Rie Sadler Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best memoirs I have ever read and I would love for Laurie Kaye to write a book about her life and work since Dec. 8, 1980. As someone whose own career choices have developed out of the love of music, I felt like I totally "got her" and could understand her feelings while working within that world. Further, she was a trailblazer in the worlds of music radio and journalism during a time when those male-dominated industries did not want to give women the chance to shine and flourish, but rather relegate them to assistants and secretaries. Her story, in essence, is an example of the "girl power" that paved the road for those of us in later generations to follow. This book was a great read and difficult to put down. Her in honesty in every way, from her upbringing to trying to keep her "fan girl" in check at times brings in humility and a stronger relatability. After reading this book, Laurie is definitely someone I would love to meet for coffee and just chat over similar experiences. I truly recommend this book for anyone who loves music, works in the music industry in any facet, works in journalism, is a musician, or is interested in women's history as well as music history (especially Rock & Punk).