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The Singers Talk: The Greatest Singers of Our Time Discuss the One Thing They're Never Asked About: Their Voices
A groundbreaking collection of inspiring and instructive conversations about the beauty, brutality, discipline, and technique of being a successful singer.
“This is a captivating look at both the nitty-gritty preparation and emotional energy that ‘it takes [for artists] to stand up to that mic... reach down into their guts, and give everything they’ve got for the sake of the song.’ Its star power and up-close, revelatory detail will keep readers riveted from start to finish.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“For all of the conversations we have about music, there is precious little talk about the art of communicating emotion and meaning via the human voice. The Singer's Talk remedies this by reaching out to a wide range of different singers, who speak insightfully about both the skill and the magic required to change minds and break hearts.” —Steven Hyden, author of Twilight of the Gods and other books
These revelatory, frequently funny, and deeply engrossing in-depth interviews provide fans and aspiring singers a backstage pass to the challenges every vocalist faces onstage and in the studio. Packed with never-before-heard stories, The Singers Talk reveals a truly intimate side to these iconic personalities while offering a master class on how the best in their field keep their vocal cords in shape and protect themselves on the road—along with countless other tricks, techniques, strategies, and philosophies to help vocalists at every level perfect the craft of singing.
“This is the most geeked out I’ve ever talked about my voice!” —Thom Yorke
This historic roster of artists Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Nick Cave, Chuck D, Roger Daltrey, Joe Elliott, Emmylou Harris, Brittany Howard, Chrissie Hynde, Norah Jones, Simon Le Bon, Geddy Lee, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Perry, Lionel Richie, LeAnn Rimes, Smokey Robinson, Robert Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Rod Stewart, Paul Stanley, Michael Stipe, Jeff Tweedy, Roger Waters, Dionne Warwick, Ann Wilson, Thom Yorke, and many more. Additionally, the book features conversations about legendary voices no longer with us, such as Butch Vig on Kurt Cobain, Clive Davis on Whitney Houston, Nile Rodgers on David Bowie, and Jimmy Iovine on Tom Petty.
“Singing is so much more than hitting the right note. It’s about connecting with the audience, connecting with something divine to a certain degree. It’s connecting to your most primitive and deepest intuition, and to your nature as a human on this planet.” —Karen O.
More than just an indispensable guide for singers of any level, The Singers Talk is an unforgettable read for music fans everywhere.
All royalties from The Singers Talk will benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign.
“This is a captivating look at both the nitty-gritty preparation and emotional energy that ‘it takes [for artists] to stand up to that mic... reach down into their guts, and give everything they’ve got for the sake of the song.’ Its star power and up-close, revelatory detail will keep readers riveted from start to finish.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“For all of the conversations we have about music, there is precious little talk about the art of communicating emotion and meaning via the human voice. The Singer's Talk remedies this by reaching out to a wide range of different singers, who speak insightfully about both the skill and the magic required to change minds and break hearts.” —Steven Hyden, author of Twilight of the Gods and other books
These revelatory, frequently funny, and deeply engrossing in-depth interviews provide fans and aspiring singers a backstage pass to the challenges every vocalist faces onstage and in the studio. Packed with never-before-heard stories, The Singers Talk reveals a truly intimate side to these iconic personalities while offering a master class on how the best in their field keep their vocal cords in shape and protect themselves on the road—along with countless other tricks, techniques, strategies, and philosophies to help vocalists at every level perfect the craft of singing.
“This is the most geeked out I’ve ever talked about my voice!” —Thom Yorke
This historic roster of artists Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Nick Cave, Chuck D, Roger Daltrey, Joe Elliott, Emmylou Harris, Brittany Howard, Chrissie Hynde, Norah Jones, Simon Le Bon, Geddy Lee, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Perry, Lionel Richie, LeAnn Rimes, Smokey Robinson, Robert Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Rod Stewart, Paul Stanley, Michael Stipe, Jeff Tweedy, Roger Waters, Dionne Warwick, Ann Wilson, Thom Yorke, and many more. Additionally, the book features conversations about legendary voices no longer with us, such as Butch Vig on Kurt Cobain, Clive Davis on Whitney Houston, Nile Rodgers on David Bowie, and Jimmy Iovine on Tom Petty.
“Singing is so much more than hitting the right note. It’s about connecting with the audience, connecting with something divine to a certain degree. It’s connecting to your most primitive and deepest intuition, and to your nature as a human on this planet.” —Karen O.
More than just an indispensable guide for singers of any level, The Singers Talk is an unforgettable read for music fans everywhere.
All royalties from The Singers Talk will benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 5, 2023
Cool read, if a bit exhaustive (not to say exhausting) -- the sheer scope of singers the author apparently managed to talk to is mind-boggling. I mean there's Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Thom Yorke, Tony Bennett, Michael Stipe, Robert Smith, it's a bit insane really. I'm not a singer, but it was fun to hear about individual trade secrets nevertheless: apparently, the one thing everyone seems to agree on is that in order to sing well, you need a lot of sleep. (Got that covered.) I especially liked how some of the artists swore by certain remedies (tea and vocal warm-up exercises come to mind), while to others that very sort of thing meant a lack of true talent and/or vocal power.
I read the whole thing in one go, which probably is not the best idea; I think you'd be better served to pick a chapter here and a chapter there, as things necessarily became a bit repetitive after a while, especially as the author posed the same questions every time.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the chatty approach he took to "interviewing" his subjects. The guy's no journalist. He's a FAN; and it shows. This isn't exactly a collection of interviews, it's a grab bag of apparently more or less unedited transcripts of friendly chats he had ("Well guess what, man? I love you.", "Awww, thanks, bro.") at least some of which were conducted over the phone. It's like eavesdropping on two strangers talking on the train. One of which happens to be a major musical artist. Hundreds and hundreds of pages of eavesdropping; and of course you're bound to do some serious eye-rolls here and there (I swear, one more variation of "You know, being a singer is so special, you can't hide behind your instrument when you ARE the instrument blah blah blah"... UGH. Get OVER yourself, dude).
The fawning and buddying-up got a tad much at times, and I cringed more than once when the author *once again* inserted himself and his own experience as a rock singer into the conversation; I mean, there you are talking to Bruce SPRINGSTEEN or some other towering rock god millionaire who's been in the business for the last two billion years, someone who is known in literally every corner of the world and then some, and you keep bringing up your own little band project and those little gigs you played and that funny/crazy/scary thing your voice did that one time or whatever... I don't know. I mean I've never *heard* of the guy. On that note, there were some people included in this that didn't ring a bell either, so it's not JUST rock deity that gets to spill the beans.
Also, the respective introductions the author provides regarding the artists he's about to speak to: skip them. Do yourself a favor and just read the interview. Don't believe me? This is how he introduces Chrissie Hynde: "CHRISSIE HYNDE DOES NOT SUFFER FOOLS. So, now we're in a pickle. 'Cause this fool's a fool for Chrissie Hynde." *groan* And btw, this quote illustrates the general tone of the writing pretty well, too. It's like Wayne from Wayne's World finally got around to writing a book. If you can handle this for almost 500 pages: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. To me, it came across as super unprofessional and fan-boy-y.
Still, I had fun with the book, and it was cool to get a glance inside an industry that usually only offers up perfectly polished product for consumption and never lets on how that perfection is achieved.
My thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the chance to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I read the whole thing in one go, which probably is not the best idea; I think you'd be better served to pick a chapter here and a chapter there, as things necessarily became a bit repetitive after a while, especially as the author posed the same questions every time.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the chatty approach he took to "interviewing" his subjects. The guy's no journalist. He's a FAN; and it shows. This isn't exactly a collection of interviews, it's a grab bag of apparently more or less unedited transcripts of friendly chats he had ("Well guess what, man? I love you.", "Awww, thanks, bro.") at least some of which were conducted over the phone. It's like eavesdropping on two strangers talking on the train. One of which happens to be a major musical artist. Hundreds and hundreds of pages of eavesdropping; and of course you're bound to do some serious eye-rolls here and there (I swear, one more variation of "You know, being a singer is so special, you can't hide behind your instrument when you ARE the instrument blah blah blah"... UGH. Get OVER yourself, dude).
The fawning and buddying-up got a tad much at times, and I cringed more than once when the author *once again* inserted himself and his own experience as a rock singer into the conversation; I mean, there you are talking to Bruce SPRINGSTEEN or some other towering rock god millionaire who's been in the business for the last two billion years, someone who is known in literally every corner of the world and then some, and you keep bringing up your own little band project and those little gigs you played and that funny/crazy/scary thing your voice did that one time or whatever... I don't know. I mean I've never *heard* of the guy. On that note, there were some people included in this that didn't ring a bell either, so it's not JUST rock deity that gets to spill the beans.
Also, the respective introductions the author provides regarding the artists he's about to speak to: skip them. Do yourself a favor and just read the interview. Don't believe me? This is how he introduces Chrissie Hynde: "CHRISSIE HYNDE DOES NOT SUFFER FOOLS. So, now we're in a pickle. 'Cause this fool's a fool for Chrissie Hynde." *groan* And btw, this quote illustrates the general tone of the writing pretty well, too. It's like Wayne from Wayne's World finally got around to writing a book. If you can handle this for almost 500 pages: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. To me, it came across as super unprofessional and fan-boy-y.
Still, I had fun with the book, and it was cool to get a glance inside an industry that usually only offers up perfectly polished product for consumption and never lets on how that perfection is achieved.
My thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the chance to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
February 20, 2024
I’ve always been a “wanna-be” rock star, playing in garage bands, duets and for free at street festivals, even now at age 73. And usually I’m a singer, maybe the lead singer. I love it but have never been trained, so my daughter gifted me this book for Christmas.
First and to its credit, Danny Thomas’ grandson wrote it as a fundraiser for his family’s charity, St. Judes’s Children’s Hospital … a good enough reason to buy the book. But is it a good enough reason to read it? My answer is a qualified “yes.”
This book is many things: instructional, sometimes fascinating, sycophantic, drawn out, repetitious, insightful. I learned quite a bit that I’ll try to incorporate in my own singing, but this isn’t an easy read. Even if you feature yourself a singer, a lot of this will not resonate … but that which does make sense may be mind and technique expanding.
First and to its credit, Danny Thomas’ grandson wrote it as a fundraiser for his family’s charity, St. Judes’s Children’s Hospital … a good enough reason to buy the book. But is it a good enough reason to read it? My answer is a qualified “yes.”
This book is many things: instructional, sometimes fascinating, sycophantic, drawn out, repetitious, insightful. I learned quite a bit that I’ll try to incorporate in my own singing, but this isn’t an easy read. Even if you feature yourself a singer, a lot of this will not resonate … but that which does make sense may be mind and technique expanding.
December 13, 2023
This was so wonderful. I cried several times while reading. The emotions and excitement this book evoked in me was beyond what I suspected. The book is a fundraiser for St Jude, and I think that why so many artists agreed to be a part of it. But wow. Stevie Nicks, Roger Waters, my favorite Jim James. I could go on.
July 6, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Permuted Press for an advanced copy on this music book dealing with a instrument that does not seem to get the coverage that it richly deserves, the human voice.
Loving both books and music I have read a lot of books dealing with music over the years. Band histories, biographies on players, looks at different music genres, a history of recording, histories on vinyl collecting and manufacturing, studios and the equipment that producers swear by. However I was struck by a line from the author Jason Thomas Gordon, talking about the lack of books on the most important instrument in a band, the voice. When Frank Sinatra got a cold, the entire world would know about it, and yet there is little outside of instructional books about singers and how they knew they could sing, and even more importantly how to care for this precious gift. So Thomas Gordon began to talk to musicians about their voice, and found that the asking about singing opened up a lot territory to be explored. The Singers Talk: The Greatest Singers of Our Time Discuss the One Thing They're Never Asked About: Their Voices is a fascinating look at singers, their skills, training, or in many cases lack of, and their thoughts on music, influences and their vocal gifts.
Jason Thomas Gordon had started in his band as drummer, moved to singing and found that the toll on his body was far more than he had expected. The mental stress of being able to perform, the physicality of singing, and dealing with throat ailments and health was something he didn't expect, nor could he find much information on. So he began to talk to other singers, or to friends of singers who had passed on. Starting with a standard set of questions for each singer, Thomas Gordon would expand their answers, surprising both himself, and the singers with the depths and emotions that could come from asking about their gift. The standard questions include influences, when did one start, how to maintain and train a voice, and more embarrassing and best moments. The book is set up alphabetically and the range and depth of talent is quite huge. Steve Perry, Sam Moore, Geddy Lee, John Lydon, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks and much, much more. Some of these singers biggest influences won't be a surprise, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, but the amount of times Kermit the Frog is brought up will be quite surprising.
One of the more fascinating books on music, singing, and creativity I have read in quite a while. I thought I would be interested considering I enjoy the music of many of the people interviewed, but this really was a revealing and wonderful book. Jason Thomas Gordon is a very good interviewer, starting with a standard set of questions, but with a gift for finding little things to ask more questions about, that sometimes surprise both the artist and interviewer with what comes of it. Quite a few interviews will make one think that someone is making onions, the one with Doug Pinnock of King's X was sad, and yet at the end so hopeful and happy, I had to read it twice and dig out some old albums from my collection. There are jokes, great stories, some trauma, and a reminder that art takes its toll on people. I really can't recommend this book enough.
A great gift for oneself and for others who love music. Singers will learn lots of different ways to care for their voice, music lovers will get great stories, and more music to listen to. Creative types will learn how to care for their art and to keep trying. A book that deserves a place in a music library, and one that will be read quite a bit.
Loving both books and music I have read a lot of books dealing with music over the years. Band histories, biographies on players, looks at different music genres, a history of recording, histories on vinyl collecting and manufacturing, studios and the equipment that producers swear by. However I was struck by a line from the author Jason Thomas Gordon, talking about the lack of books on the most important instrument in a band, the voice. When Frank Sinatra got a cold, the entire world would know about it, and yet there is little outside of instructional books about singers and how they knew they could sing, and even more importantly how to care for this precious gift. So Thomas Gordon began to talk to musicians about their voice, and found that the asking about singing opened up a lot territory to be explored. The Singers Talk: The Greatest Singers of Our Time Discuss the One Thing They're Never Asked About: Their Voices is a fascinating look at singers, their skills, training, or in many cases lack of, and their thoughts on music, influences and their vocal gifts.
Jason Thomas Gordon had started in his band as drummer, moved to singing and found that the toll on his body was far more than he had expected. The mental stress of being able to perform, the physicality of singing, and dealing with throat ailments and health was something he didn't expect, nor could he find much information on. So he began to talk to other singers, or to friends of singers who had passed on. Starting with a standard set of questions for each singer, Thomas Gordon would expand their answers, surprising both himself, and the singers with the depths and emotions that could come from asking about their gift. The standard questions include influences, when did one start, how to maintain and train a voice, and more embarrassing and best moments. The book is set up alphabetically and the range and depth of talent is quite huge. Steve Perry, Sam Moore, Geddy Lee, John Lydon, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks and much, much more. Some of these singers biggest influences won't be a surprise, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, but the amount of times Kermit the Frog is brought up will be quite surprising.
One of the more fascinating books on music, singing, and creativity I have read in quite a while. I thought I would be interested considering I enjoy the music of many of the people interviewed, but this really was a revealing and wonderful book. Jason Thomas Gordon is a very good interviewer, starting with a standard set of questions, but with a gift for finding little things to ask more questions about, that sometimes surprise both the artist and interviewer with what comes of it. Quite a few interviews will make one think that someone is making onions, the one with Doug Pinnock of King's X was sad, and yet at the end so hopeful and happy, I had to read it twice and dig out some old albums from my collection. There are jokes, great stories, some trauma, and a reminder that art takes its toll on people. I really can't recommend this book enough.
A great gift for oneself and for others who love music. Singers will learn lots of different ways to care for their voice, music lovers will get great stories, and more music to listen to. Creative types will learn how to care for their art and to keep trying. A book that deserves a place in a music library, and one that will be read quite a bit.
June 30, 2023
The Singers Talk by Jason Thomas Gordon is such a fun book to read that you might miss just how many actual tips are included for both singers (obviously) and (less obviously) anyone with creative tendencies. Oh yeah, and there is a lot for fans of music as well.
This book came along at an interesting time for me. I have recently, maybe within the past year or so, started watching some music reaction videos. My favorites are the ones by vocal coaches or simply trained singers (though ones by people who simply want to broaden their musical experience can be fun too, just usually less informative). The videos have made me more aware of what a singer does knowingly and, by extension, what even a when-I'm-alone singer does unknowingly. So this book felt comfortable right from the book description.
While the format is generally Q&A with some standard questions for each, Gordon shows his love of music when the standard questions have largely been answered and he poses specific questions about songs or performances in particular. These questions and responses will probably be the most interesting for the general fan, but it is also where some of the singers go into detail about how they did whatever they did. So there are a lot of helpful gems in those parts.
I found a couple of singers/bands I had heard of but never (that I was aware of) listened to. So I had a great time hearing some new-to-me music, which is always welcome. Plus I went back several times to songs I (thought I) knew after reading the comments and gained a whole new appreciation.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes music, well, specifically music with lyrics. From singers and songwriters to casual fans, there is plenty here to educate and entertain.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This book came along at an interesting time for me. I have recently, maybe within the past year or so, started watching some music reaction videos. My favorites are the ones by vocal coaches or simply trained singers (though ones by people who simply want to broaden their musical experience can be fun too, just usually less informative). The videos have made me more aware of what a singer does knowingly and, by extension, what even a when-I'm-alone singer does unknowingly. So this book felt comfortable right from the book description.
While the format is generally Q&A with some standard questions for each, Gordon shows his love of music when the standard questions have largely been answered and he poses specific questions about songs or performances in particular. These questions and responses will probably be the most interesting for the general fan, but it is also where some of the singers go into detail about how they did whatever they did. So there are a lot of helpful gems in those parts.
I found a couple of singers/bands I had heard of but never (that I was aware of) listened to. So I had a great time hearing some new-to-me music, which is always welcome. Plus I went back several times to songs I (thought I) knew after reading the comments and gained a whole new appreciation.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes music, well, specifically music with lyrics. From singers and songwriters to casual fans, there is plenty here to educate and entertain.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 9, 2024
This is a really interesting read overall. I will admit that after a while the interviews were a little bit repetitive and, as the book is quite long and I saw my library due date rapidly approaching, I ended up having to skip around to just the people I know and am interested in.
People like Aimee Mann, Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson, Michael Stipe, and Thom Yorke. And wow, did I love hearing what they had to say.
I think this book puts into perspective what it means to be a singer versus what it means to be a vocalist, and how not everyone needs to be both. Take Nick Cave for example--an incredible songwriter, but not really an incredible vocalist in the traditional sense. His performances are bordering on spoken word. But there's something in his voice and his delivery that really makes the songs impactful in a way someone hitting all the rights notes with perfect technique just never could.
This obviously isn't some groundbreaking revelation. But it was a fun journey exploring the different forms of vulnerability, and how these singers found ways to embrace themselves and what they bring to the table beyond just hitting notes or striving for some subjective idea of what they "should" do.
I think as a musician it certainly gave me a lot to chew on.
People like Aimee Mann, Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson, Michael Stipe, and Thom Yorke. And wow, did I love hearing what they had to say.
I think this book puts into perspective what it means to be a singer versus what it means to be a vocalist, and how not everyone needs to be both. Take Nick Cave for example--an incredible songwriter, but not really an incredible vocalist in the traditional sense. His performances are bordering on spoken word. But there's something in his voice and his delivery that really makes the songs impactful in a way someone hitting all the rights notes with perfect technique just never could.
This obviously isn't some groundbreaking revelation. But it was a fun journey exploring the different forms of vulnerability, and how these singers found ways to embrace themselves and what they bring to the table beyond just hitting notes or striving for some subjective idea of what they "should" do.
I think as a musician it certainly gave me a lot to chew on.
May 18, 2024
I adored this book. Perfect for me....another music lover all my days with a huge collection of music and many playlists I love to share. These down to earth interviews gave me more to go listen to. Yes, many of the same questions but some of his favorites got extra time and inquiries. My favorite interview (no, NOT five tho there ARE many) was Roger Waters as it was so real and opened up my understanding of his "dark" moods and opinions. I loved already many many of the artists and songs mentioned in the book and their favorite authors often jelled with mine. My fave question was the last few about top five artists, who they'd ask a question of and duet with. And Jason.....what a fan boy. I'd never hear of his band but maybe I'll have a listen too. I love biographies and delving into personalities esp of singers, bands and other favorite artistic folks I relate to and am curious about. If you love modern music I hope you'll enjoy these moments spent with great singers & those who knew them (if they'd passed) like Nick Cave, Smokey, REM, Petty, Ann Wilson and so many many more. Great read
September 4, 2023
What an amazing book this is! For singers, and music fans alike. I saw it, read the description, and was like “yes!”; I then told my teens about it, and they really wanted to read it as well.
Mr. Gordon speaks with some of the most unique and important voices in the music industry as well as those who closely knew and worked with some who are no longer here. The questions and answers are enlightening to anyone curious as to the care of a singer's voice, and there’s a lot to take from this, for singers and aspiring singers.
Written by Danny Thomas’s (the founder of St. Jude’s) grandson - royalties from this title go to St. Jude’s Research Hospital through their Music Gives to St. Jude Kids Campaign, making this title an extra excellent one to add to your bookshelf.
* And, I love that Thom Yorke meditates before going on stage, if the situation allows.
Thank you to Permuted Press and NetGalley for the DRC!
Mr. Gordon speaks with some of the most unique and important voices in the music industry as well as those who closely knew and worked with some who are no longer here. The questions and answers are enlightening to anyone curious as to the care of a singer's voice, and there’s a lot to take from this, for singers and aspiring singers.
Written by Danny Thomas’s (the founder of St. Jude’s) grandson - royalties from this title go to St. Jude’s Research Hospital through their Music Gives to St. Jude Kids Campaign, making this title an extra excellent one to add to your bookshelf.
* And, I love that Thom Yorke meditates before going on stage, if the situation allows.
Thank you to Permuted Press and NetGalley for the DRC!
January 1, 2025
4.5
I read an interview or two at a time over the course of the whole year. Well, more like I read half the book over the first 11+ months, then realized the year was almost over and binged the rest quickly lol. It's very interesting, it's just in a format that makes it easy to put down and come back to later.
The interviews are quite fascinating, even with the singers I wasn't familiar with. Anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this book, I think, but you can glean the most from it if you are a singer.
The only reason to knock it half a star is that there are quite a few typos. (The only truly objectionable one was in the Little Richard section, talking about Lloyd Price and spelling his name "Llyod" 5 times on one page, to the point that I thought maybe it was just an unusual spelling, but no. His name is Lloyd!)
I read an interview or two at a time over the course of the whole year. Well, more like I read half the book over the first 11+ months, then realized the year was almost over and binged the rest quickly lol. It's very interesting, it's just in a format that makes it easy to put down and come back to later.
The interviews are quite fascinating, even with the singers I wasn't familiar with. Anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this book, I think, but you can glean the most from it if you are a singer.
The only reason to knock it half a star is that there are quite a few typos. (The only truly objectionable one was in the Little Richard section, talking about Lloyd Price and spelling his name "Llyod" 5 times on one page, to the point that I thought maybe it was just an unusual spelling, but no. His name is Lloyd!)
October 29, 2023
What a great book, I loved it! I don't think I have ever seen singers interviewed about using THEIR instrument. I liked the interview style; it was like being a fly on the wall to interviews with some of the greatest singers ever. What I also appreciated were the interviews with producers to great talents that are no longer here to speak for themselves....Tom Petty, Chris Cornell, Janice Joplin, David Bowie, among others.
Another fact that I learned after completing this book is all proceeds are being donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Way to go Jason Thomas Gordon, thank you for compiling this awesome material and additional thanks for supporting such a worthy cause!!
Another fact that I learned after completing this book is all proceeds are being donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Way to go Jason Thomas Gordon, thank you for compiling this awesome material and additional thanks for supporting such a worthy cause!!
April 2, 2024
Wonderful, FULL of insights, not only into the processes of singing, but the processes of art, and the artists themselves. Its wonderful how deeply many of these singers bared their souls, and really revealed interesting and deeply personal stuff.
I also love that Gordon asked the same questions of everyone, so you could see how some answers are always the same, how some answers were generally a little similar, and some varied wildly.
I'm always fascinated by biographies/interviews with artists that really try to explore the how and why of their craft, and this book did that very well.
I also love that Gordon asked the same questions of everyone, so you could see how some answers are always the same, how some answers were generally a little similar, and some varied wildly.
I'm always fascinated by biographies/interviews with artists that really try to explore the how and why of their craft, and this book did that very well.
May 5, 2024
Collection of conversations between the author and singers about the challenges, beginnings, high points and their lives on the road. Features Bruce Springsteen, Michael Stipe, Jeff Tweedy, Thom Yorke, Seth Avett, Ben Bridwell, Karen O, Britt Daniel, Jim James, Roger Daltrey, and conversations concerning Tom Petty, Chris Cornell and Kurt Cobain amongst many others. At over 500 pages, some of the interviews are repetitive and involve musicians that I didn’t care for, but on the whole an engaging read.
February 4, 2024
3.5 Stars
On the one hand I liked that the questions asked the variety of singers were the same, and they created jumping off points for digression. On the other hand at times it felt like they were just going through the motions with those questions. If the singer wasn't interested in digression it didn't happen. Interesting look overall and I like the commonalities of the five favorite singers and the duet singer. I wish it the back there had been a tally of who was noted the most.
On the one hand I liked that the questions asked the variety of singers were the same, and they created jumping off points for digression. On the other hand at times it felt like they were just going through the motions with those questions. If the singer wasn't interested in digression it didn't happen. Interesting look overall and I like the commonalities of the five favorite singers and the duet singer. I wish it the back there had been a tally of who was noted the most.
December 6, 2023
I highly recommend dipping into this book with the beverage of your choice on hand and your Spotify app open. At first I only read the interviews with artists I listen to, but those artists recommended others, or mentioned favorite songs, and I happily went deep into the rabbit hole of new to me music, too. Perfect way to spend a winter's evening.
November 18, 2023
Loved it. Loved that Jason Thomas Gordon did his homework and loved every singer he interviewed. Wished there was a playlist to listen to as I read. Would be a great audio book. Hope it raises millions for St Jude’s
December 17, 2024
Well, this was a pretty good read. Everyone says the same thing. Get sober. Yeah, whatevs. There's a reason you haven't wrote anything in a blue moon worth a crap and I don't wanna pay 150 bucks to go see you do stuff you wrote 30 years ago.
July 10, 2023
Overall enjoyable read although I would have loved to see a bit more diversity in the lineup of vocalists interviewed.
November 2, 2023
Good interviews but the intro paragraphs tend to be super cringy????
November 16, 2023
Loved hearing the best talk about their voices.
December 6, 2023
Fabulous gift book for serious singers of rock-n-roll. A reference guide of the popular singers you know.
September 23, 2023
Very well written and was pleased to know that proceeds from my purchase were sent to St Jude’s Hospital for children.
August 1, 2023
What a fascinating read! As a singer, I was originally drawn to this title because I wanted to learn the technical secrets of some of my favorite vocal artists. But once I began reading, I became more enthralled with the different ways they talked about their art in its totality-- performance, touring, writing, collaborating and recording. I love the variety of musicians, as well. The book sent me back to the archives to listen to albums I hadn't thought of for a while and to hear them with new ears.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for review. Note that the proceeds from this book benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which makes it an even better book to actually purchase for one's personal library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for review. Note that the proceeds from this book benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which makes it an even better book to actually purchase for one's personal library.
June 30, 2024
Fun book of interviews with pop singers. The author is very much a fan and takes a nontechnical approach. But singing technique is famously hard to talk about so you could read a book about "legit" singers like Great Singers on Great Singing by Jerome Hines and not really understand what people are talking about. And that's fine. Get a voice teacher if you're wondering about something. Interesting to contrast how these singers operate compared to my own experience, which is non-touring and more about classical technique and sheet music. Occasionally someone will remark about how quiet some of the singers were in the studio. Chris Cornell for one, which jibes with what I've heard about scream mic technique. But also Roy Orbison, which surprised me. Lots of useful thoughts about how to use your voice and take care of it.
May 21, 2024
Interesting book, loved the depth of the interviews, and I learned some interesting tidbits/new things about some of my favorite singers.
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