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Tuned In—Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within
"An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit." - Kirkus Reviews
"A truly fascinating tale by a fascinating man." - Martin Short
"So much more than I expected. ... Highly recommended!" - Ray Romano
Tuned Memoirs of a Piano Man offers a message of hope to anyone pursuing a dream against the odds.
The unique convergence of Jim Wilson's two careers - piano technician/confidant to the stars and a globally successful recording artist - has led to extraordinary experiences with some of the world's most exalted music singing Beatle songs with Paul McCartney, limo rides with Elton John, road trips with Carole King, and horseback riding with Dan Fogelberg. But beyond this everyman's telling of intimate celebrity tales, Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man's relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives.
Emerging from a troubled childhood in a broken West Texas home, a young man moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a singer-songwriter. He soon strays from his mission when his piano tuning sideline blossoms into a career as piano technician to the entertainment industry's biggest names. His help in the development of the world's first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano leads to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes. His front row seat provides him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes.
But when his world is shattered by his dearest friend's sudden and untimely death, he is forced to question the true meaning of success. He returns to his heart's purpose, takes a leap into the unknown, and sets out on a solo career, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals. Along the way he battles countless obstacles, including crippling panic attacks.
After four Billboard Top-20 albums, two PBS specials, and over 75 million worldwide streams of his compositions, Jim reflects on his life in music. He offers us a candid, humorous, insider's account of the raucous LA scene and shares engaging tales of his time spent with music legends.
"A truly fascinating tale by a fascinating man." - Martin Short
"So much more than I expected. ... Highly recommended!" - Ray Romano
Tuned Memoirs of a Piano Man offers a message of hope to anyone pursuing a dream against the odds.
The unique convergence of Jim Wilson's two careers - piano technician/confidant to the stars and a globally successful recording artist - has led to extraordinary experiences with some of the world's most exalted music singing Beatle songs with Paul McCartney, limo rides with Elton John, road trips with Carole King, and horseback riding with Dan Fogelberg. But beyond this everyman's telling of intimate celebrity tales, Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man's relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives.
Emerging from a troubled childhood in a broken West Texas home, a young man moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a singer-songwriter. He soon strays from his mission when his piano tuning sideline blossoms into a career as piano technician to the entertainment industry's biggest names. His help in the development of the world's first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano leads to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes. His front row seat provides him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes.
But when his world is shattered by his dearest friend's sudden and untimely death, he is forced to question the true meaning of success. He returns to his heart's purpose, takes a leap into the unknown, and sets out on a solo career, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals. Along the way he battles countless obstacles, including crippling panic attacks.
After four Billboard Top-20 albums, two PBS specials, and over 75 million worldwide streams of his compositions, Jim reflects on his life in music. He offers us a candid, humorous, insider's account of the raucous LA scene and shares engaging tales of his time spent with music legends.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionMusic
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Jim Wilson
254 books15 followersJim Wilson could have simply dismissed himself as a competent piano tuner-technician, even an exceptional one. But he was and is so much more, and it took the sudden death of a dear friend and the encouragement of a legendary singer/songwriter to prove it to him.
From a broken home in Amarillo, Texas to a multi-award-winning recording artist, Jim Wilson’s journey is a captivating tale of showbiz glamour, personal tragedy, self-discovery, and dogged determination. And, as is typical of Jim Wilson, he’s turned out to be a pretty good wordsmith.
Tuned-In: Memoirs of a Piano Man is a page-turner and a life-changer. It’s a self-help book in the form of an autobiography. It is entertaining, revealing and full of lessons for musicians, fans, and all readers.
Jim Wilson’s life direction was set when he was given a guitar at age 7, then began composing songs at age 9. Soon after moving from West Texas to LA in his early 20’s, he gained a reputation as a respected piano technician, catering to the highest echelon of the music industry. Jim helped develop the first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano in the 80’s, which became an instant hit with artists and studios around the world.
It was the shocking, untimely death of his closest friend that forced Jim to question the whole purpose of his life. With the love and support of his musical heroes – most significantly his friend and mentor, Dan Fogelberg -- Jim set out on a solo career, composing, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals.
Four of Jim’s ten recordings have hit the Billboard Top-20, he’s had two PBS specials, and his music has been streamed over 75 million times by fans around the globe. He was recently made a “Lifetime Member” of the Recording Academy. He enjoys scuba diving, skiing, pilot lessons, and mountain biking. Tuned In is Jim’s first book.
From a broken home in Amarillo, Texas to a multi-award-winning recording artist, Jim Wilson’s journey is a captivating tale of showbiz glamour, personal tragedy, self-discovery, and dogged determination. And, as is typical of Jim Wilson, he’s turned out to be a pretty good wordsmith.
Tuned-In: Memoirs of a Piano Man is a page-turner and a life-changer. It’s a self-help book in the form of an autobiography. It is entertaining, revealing and full of lessons for musicians, fans, and all readers.
Jim Wilson’s life direction was set when he was given a guitar at age 7, then began composing songs at age 9. Soon after moving from West Texas to LA in his early 20’s, he gained a reputation as a respected piano technician, catering to the highest echelon of the music industry. Jim helped develop the first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano in the 80’s, which became an instant hit with artists and studios around the world.
It was the shocking, untimely death of his closest friend that forced Jim to question the whole purpose of his life. With the love and support of his musical heroes – most significantly his friend and mentor, Dan Fogelberg -- Jim set out on a solo career, composing, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals.
Four of Jim’s ten recordings have hit the Billboard Top-20, he’s had two PBS specials, and his music has been streamed over 75 million times by fans around the globe. He was recently made a “Lifetime Member” of the Recording Academy. He enjoys scuba diving, skiing, pilot lessons, and mountain biking. Tuned In is Jim’s first book.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2024
At first glance this may appear to be the memoir of someone who hung out with the some of the biggest names in music, but beyond the fact that Jim Wilson tuned and primed the pianos which produced many of the tunes that make up the very soundtrack of my generation's teens and early adulthood, this is also a story of singular grit and determination. Wilson's profession may have given him a backstage pass to enjoy the glitz and glam of rock 'n roll, but making it as an award-winning composer and musician in his own right was down to his own talent, sweat and tears. Jim tells it like it is and it's an eye-opener. Well paced, well written and inspirational.
July 5, 2024
In “Tuned In Memoirs of a Piano Man,” readers will meet author Jim Wilson, piano technician to many of the most celebrated names in popular and classical music, and an accomplished composer and performer in his own right. Wilson takes us “Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within,” sharing his life story from his 1960s Texas childhood and all through his career trajectory in the decades that have followed. Along the way, Wilson worked with, connected with, and in many instances, befriended the extraordinary talents whose compositions and performances created what for many of us, his contemporaries, are the soundtrack that formed both the backdrop to our youth and to our most memorable life events.
Most readers are aware, and likely fans of the musical luminaries the author writes about; people like Carole King, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Jackson Browne, to name just a very few of the significant many in Wilson’s life. Yet it’s very possible that we don’t know of him and his own accomplishments, and little of the extraordinary interconnectedness of the musical scene and industry, especially its two centers, Los Angeles and London. Wilson was there for it all, an essential resource for nearly any artist who owned or played a piano and became through his work relationships the ultimate inside man. He is the person who saw and heard musical history as it was made and popular culture as it evolved.
Wilson’s memoir is not just a collection of anecdotes for fervent fans: it is an exploration of his own evolution and ambition and his need for self-expression through music. It is also a story of his fractured family. While some of the scars Wilson bore from his childhood healed over, he also relates the pain and loss he suffered, his regrets, and how he learned to move forward and evolve, despite those difficulties.
The author effectively grabs the reader’s attention with the book’s prologue, an account of his 1985 meeting with Paul McCartney, one of his idols, complete with a color photo. It’s the perfect opening to this very enjoyable and candid memoir, so personably written that you feel you could be sitting down for a long chat and story swap with an old friend.
From there, the book takes us through Wilson’s early years, and then the ups and downs of his remarkable career, told in a very intimate one-to-one style. It’s a highly enjoyable account of a life that hovered on and often shifted into, the exclusive and elusive world of the most creative and highly successful musicians of one of the most storied periods in popular music. For anyone who is contemporary to Wilson (a mid-range Baby Boomer born in the 1950s), many aspects of his childhood, youth, and adult years will feel remarkably familiar through his allusions to the cultural references so prevalent in the American scene. His highly descriptive and often lyrical accounts of his experiences are truly almost like being there, as though you might be a passenger in his back seat or the neighborhood friend who can drop in for a potluck dinner and an evening of reminiscing – it’s that intimate.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man” by Jim Wilson is the extraordinary attention to detail. Whether Wilson kept extensive diaries or has an incredible memory of his experiences, we, his readers, and music fans, are the lucky ones who can enjoy his fascinating and resonating life story.
Most readers are aware, and likely fans of the musical luminaries the author writes about; people like Carole King, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Jackson Browne, to name just a very few of the significant many in Wilson’s life. Yet it’s very possible that we don’t know of him and his own accomplishments, and little of the extraordinary interconnectedness of the musical scene and industry, especially its two centers, Los Angeles and London. Wilson was there for it all, an essential resource for nearly any artist who owned or played a piano and became through his work relationships the ultimate inside man. He is the person who saw and heard musical history as it was made and popular culture as it evolved.
Wilson’s memoir is not just a collection of anecdotes for fervent fans: it is an exploration of his own evolution and ambition and his need for self-expression through music. It is also a story of his fractured family. While some of the scars Wilson bore from his childhood healed over, he also relates the pain and loss he suffered, his regrets, and how he learned to move forward and evolve, despite those difficulties.
The author effectively grabs the reader’s attention with the book’s prologue, an account of his 1985 meeting with Paul McCartney, one of his idols, complete with a color photo. It’s the perfect opening to this very enjoyable and candid memoir, so personably written that you feel you could be sitting down for a long chat and story swap with an old friend.
From there, the book takes us through Wilson’s early years, and then the ups and downs of his remarkable career, told in a very intimate one-to-one style. It’s a highly enjoyable account of a life that hovered on and often shifted into, the exclusive and elusive world of the most creative and highly successful musicians of one of the most storied periods in popular music. For anyone who is contemporary to Wilson (a mid-range Baby Boomer born in the 1950s), many aspects of his childhood, youth, and adult years will feel remarkably familiar through his allusions to the cultural references so prevalent in the American scene. His highly descriptive and often lyrical accounts of his experiences are truly almost like being there, as though you might be a passenger in his back seat or the neighborhood friend who can drop in for a potluck dinner and an evening of reminiscing – it’s that intimate.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man” by Jim Wilson is the extraordinary attention to detail. Whether Wilson kept extensive diaries or has an incredible memory of his experiences, we, his readers, and music fans, are the lucky ones who can enjoy his fascinating and resonating life story.
April 7, 2024
Heartfelt memories of a star
I was impressed by Jim's ability to recall the impressive memories of his life and impacts of others in it. His admittance of fears and desires for acceptance resonates with many other people who have had the same experience. The book is an excellent accomplishment detailing the hurdles leading success.
I was impressed by Jim's ability to recall the impressive memories of his life and impacts of others in it. His admittance of fears and desires for acceptance resonates with many other people who have had the same experience. The book is an excellent accomplishment detailing the hurdles leading success.
February 29, 2024
Thank you NetGallery, Willow Bay Media and author Jim Wilson for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.
I was anxious to read this book and found it very disappointing. Other than mentioning meeting famous musicians as a highly recommended piano tuner and technician this is a shallow vanity tome. Celebrity names are bandied about as if in a newspaper society column report on a celebrity party. The author’s childhood and musical development are hardly unique or even interesting as they are similar to those of millions of “wanna-be” pop artists. Spotty information on installing midi technology to the pianos of major artists tempts, but never delivers. In similar fashion descriptions of tuning, voicing, adjusting a piano’s ‘action’ are more label than interesting.
One is impressed by the manner in which the author proceeds to develop a meaningful career in music, but so much of his life-adventures are commonplace. Spending time shmoozing with top pop artists, jazz greats, producers, etc. is often superficial an not really any different than the experiences of professional musicians anywhere. This book is reallly a “me” story that qualifies as a self-published project. It would be more interesting as a magazine article. Meeting famous music artists a book does not make.
I was anxious to read this book and found it very disappointing. Other than mentioning meeting famous musicians as a highly recommended piano tuner and technician this is a shallow vanity tome. Celebrity names are bandied about as if in a newspaper society column report on a celebrity party. The author’s childhood and musical development are hardly unique or even interesting as they are similar to those of millions of “wanna-be” pop artists. Spotty information on installing midi technology to the pianos of major artists tempts, but never delivers. In similar fashion descriptions of tuning, voicing, adjusting a piano’s ‘action’ are more label than interesting.
One is impressed by the manner in which the author proceeds to develop a meaningful career in music, but so much of his life-adventures are commonplace. Spending time shmoozing with top pop artists, jazz greats, producers, etc. is often superficial an not really any different than the experiences of professional musicians anywhere. This book is reallly a “me” story that qualifies as a self-published project. It would be more interesting as a magazine article. Meeting famous music artists a book does not make.
April 17, 2024
There is a quote from Bob Kerrey that I read a long time ago that goes: "Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change." In my life, I've seen unexpected kindness build everything from everlasting friendships to undying love.
In Jim Wilson's Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man, readers will be able to see how a single seed created by the act of an unexpected kindness flourishes into a garden filled with cherished memories, life-altering bonds, and successes that one can only dream of.
The story begins sometime during the author's youth when he accompanies his mother to return some paintbrushes to a friend of hers. While his mother and the friend, Toy, are talking, the young Wilson finds a dusty relic of a guitar and starts to pluck at the strings. At the end of the visit, as the author and his mother are leaving, Toy mentions seeing him with the guitar and asks if he likes it. Wilson responds that he did, Toy tells him, "Take it, it's yours."
That was the beginning of the author's lifelong love of music, all started with a random act of kindness.
Jim Wilson's accolades are many, I listened to a list of his songs, which I played in the background while reading his book. His music was complementary to his book as it eventually shed light on the inspirations behind his beautiful pieces.
Jim Wilson's autobiography is eye-opening. It was fascinating to read how a simple act of generosity and kindness could irrevocably change someone's life in the way that Toy had done for Wilson. In that moment, Toy couldn't have been aware that he had just planted a seed that would shape Wilson's life in the way that it did and sadly, he wouldn't find out as he would pass away before he could see that seed grow into a sturdy tree.
Outside of the various twists and turns that his career took, Wilson is very introspective and very candid about himself when it comes to his life and struggles, which is refreshing to read as most people would shy away from revealing such details about themselves, especially when it comes to the mental health. He points out his shortcomings, where he went wrong in life, and how he worked to better, not only for himself but for others as well. It made him empathetic during those periods of heartbreak.
The writing is spectacular. There are moments when the memoir was so vivid that I felt as though I was watching a documentary. I also enjoyed when the author introduced someone, he would give a succinct background on who they were, which was helpful. I'll also give special mention to the great detail the author goes into detailing his work with pianos. As non-musician, I learned a significant amount of information about pianos from the book. I learned about techniques such as "Voicing," which works on the tuning of a piano, and all of the information that would go into the MIDI. It not only demonstrates Wilson's vast knowledge of his craft, but also how much care went into working with such a complex instrument.In the end, there are lessons that readers can take away from this book. You can say that the act of self-determination is what won him the day, the dizzying effects of pushing oneself with determination through desperation to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, that mastering such a niche artform like piano tuning can open doors one would never expect to walk through. The author's belief in the Power of One was justified or just going for it and taking that leap into the abyss just to see if you can do it was key to all of this success. However, the biggest takeaway from this book for me personally, is that the author's greatest attribute is his personality and his ability to forge bonds.
Wilson's ability to strike up a friendship and build connections in his journey from a regular person with a dream to becoming a legend in the music industry is such an underrated skill to have. Yes, all of the other things I mentioned assisted him, but it was those bonds that helped him succeed and ultimately helped him achieve his dreams.
Strangely, I'm reminded of the stories I read about Ringo Starr. After the Beatles disbanded, all of the other Beatles and other rock stars lined up and helped Ringo with various parts of his career, which notched him a lot of acclaim as a solo artist. This was so prevalent that the Mersey Beat, which was a music publication in Liverpool, England in the early 1960s, dubbed Ringo "The Loveable Beatle." Being a likable, friendly person is an underrated skill and Wilson shows that if one can tune it, much like a piano, anything is possible. Add a massive amount of talent like Wilson's and anything is possible.
The book is a great read and includes a number of pictures of the author and many industry giants, which was a great bonus to have and adds so much to the overall book as well. Without any hesitation, Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man earns an award-winning recommendation from me. Go out of your way to read this autobiography. – Elijah B.
In Jim Wilson's Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man, readers will be able to see how a single seed created by the act of an unexpected kindness flourishes into a garden filled with cherished memories, life-altering bonds, and successes that one can only dream of.
The story begins sometime during the author's youth when he accompanies his mother to return some paintbrushes to a friend of hers. While his mother and the friend, Toy, are talking, the young Wilson finds a dusty relic of a guitar and starts to pluck at the strings. At the end of the visit, as the author and his mother are leaving, Toy mentions seeing him with the guitar and asks if he likes it. Wilson responds that he did, Toy tells him, "Take it, it's yours."
That was the beginning of the author's lifelong love of music, all started with a random act of kindness.
Jim Wilson's accolades are many, I listened to a list of his songs, which I played in the background while reading his book. His music was complementary to his book as it eventually shed light on the inspirations behind his beautiful pieces.
Jim Wilson's autobiography is eye-opening. It was fascinating to read how a simple act of generosity and kindness could irrevocably change someone's life in the way that Toy had done for Wilson. In that moment, Toy couldn't have been aware that he had just planted a seed that would shape Wilson's life in the way that it did and sadly, he wouldn't find out as he would pass away before he could see that seed grow into a sturdy tree.
Outside of the various twists and turns that his career took, Wilson is very introspective and very candid about himself when it comes to his life and struggles, which is refreshing to read as most people would shy away from revealing such details about themselves, especially when it comes to the mental health. He points out his shortcomings, where he went wrong in life, and how he worked to better, not only for himself but for others as well. It made him empathetic during those periods of heartbreak.
The writing is spectacular. There are moments when the memoir was so vivid that I felt as though I was watching a documentary. I also enjoyed when the author introduced someone, he would give a succinct background on who they were, which was helpful. I'll also give special mention to the great detail the author goes into detailing his work with pianos. As non-musician, I learned a significant amount of information about pianos from the book. I learned about techniques such as "Voicing," which works on the tuning of a piano, and all of the information that would go into the MIDI. It not only demonstrates Wilson's vast knowledge of his craft, but also how much care went into working with such a complex instrument.In the end, there are lessons that readers can take away from this book. You can say that the act of self-determination is what won him the day, the dizzying effects of pushing oneself with determination through desperation to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, that mastering such a niche artform like piano tuning can open doors one would never expect to walk through. The author's belief in the Power of One was justified or just going for it and taking that leap into the abyss just to see if you can do it was key to all of this success. However, the biggest takeaway from this book for me personally, is that the author's greatest attribute is his personality and his ability to forge bonds.
Wilson's ability to strike up a friendship and build connections in his journey from a regular person with a dream to becoming a legend in the music industry is such an underrated skill to have. Yes, all of the other things I mentioned assisted him, but it was those bonds that helped him succeed and ultimately helped him achieve his dreams.
Strangely, I'm reminded of the stories I read about Ringo Starr. After the Beatles disbanded, all of the other Beatles and other rock stars lined up and helped Ringo with various parts of his career, which notched him a lot of acclaim as a solo artist. This was so prevalent that the Mersey Beat, which was a music publication in Liverpool, England in the early 1960s, dubbed Ringo "The Loveable Beatle." Being a likable, friendly person is an underrated skill and Wilson shows that if one can tune it, much like a piano, anything is possible. Add a massive amount of talent like Wilson's and anything is possible.
The book is a great read and includes a number of pictures of the author and many industry giants, which was a great bonus to have and adds so much to the overall book as well. Without any hesitation, Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man earns an award-winning recommendation from me. Go out of your way to read this autobiography. – Elijah B.
April 2, 2024
I don't know about music so I wasn't sure until I heard about this book from someone else, also not in the music industry. I found this book so easy to read and the situations were far more about art and the confluence of personal struggles and overcoming obstacles so that I really enjoyed this. What I found compelling were the personal struggles, the heartaches and setbacks that defined Wilson's character and that he learned to grow from. Stage fright for example is crippling for any artist. Even if you are not a creative, what happens when your search for the dream career, the dream family or lifestyle just doesn't come about the way you hoped? How does one learn to love the 'pivot' one must do and adapt to another path? Wilson demonstrates how with appreciation, a new way forward opens that's even more rewarding and appropriate than our own 'plans.' I was moved by the tragic losses Wilson has experienced, how it shines a clear light on--what's most important to us. What do we really want from life? This story is a very real, very empathetic illustration of working for and wrestling with our dreams, our inner demons and desires. He makes some very cool observations on how music influences every culture and family--from Mexican households in Texas to adoring concert goers in Ireland, it demonstrates the power of music. I also enjoyed how he has been able to learn from every client, famous or not, that he has met. It's a life of a simple person, who seems to have one goal, to connect with people, and to find the artist within as he states. Truly remarkable. I highly recommend.
March 30, 2024
Tuned In" is an extraordinary book, a compelling and insightful memoir that offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional music as revealed by someone very much on the inside.
With clarity and authenticity, Wilson - an accomplished musician as well as LA's top piano technician - shares his personal experiences and encounters with some of the most prominent figures in the industry, detailing captivating stories of his interactions with any number of renowned composers and performers. Having crossed paths with a tremendous array of talent, he shares his memories of these encounters with warmth and humility. Through his anecdotes, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the human side of the music industry and the relationships that form between technicians and artists.
Bottom line, "Tuned In" is an extremely compelling read that will appeal to music enthusiasts and professionals alike. It's informative and consistently engaging, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of the music business.
Whether you're a musician or simply someone who appreciates great music and the people who create it, "Tuned In" will resonate with you.
With clarity and authenticity, Wilson - an accomplished musician as well as LA's top piano technician - shares his personal experiences and encounters with some of the most prominent figures in the industry, detailing captivating stories of his interactions with any number of renowned composers and performers. Having crossed paths with a tremendous array of talent, he shares his memories of these encounters with warmth and humility. Through his anecdotes, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the human side of the music industry and the relationships that form between technicians and artists.
Bottom line, "Tuned In" is an extremely compelling read that will appeal to music enthusiasts and professionals alike. It's informative and consistently engaging, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of the music business.
Whether you're a musician or simply someone who appreciates great music and the people who create it, "Tuned In" will resonate with you.
March 30, 2024
Contrary to one of the reviews here, I found the memoir style refreshing and inspiring. Unlike many authors who work to create separated and austere versions of their life to present polished and glitzy Facebook-happy versions of their lives, or worse scandalous and trashy extreme versions - Mr. Wilson's memoir was extremely relatable. As someone who dabbled in music, I found the joy at working alongside ones heroes endearing and genuine. Only a small few artists ever actually attain the ability to make a living doing what they love let alone get to sit with legends like Paul McCartney and Elton John for goodness sake! I almost teared up thinking about that. What makes Mr. Wilson's book special is exactly that it's about the journey. Nothing was handed to him or easy or straight forward. It actually reminded me at times of reading The Artist's Way. I think that any one who has dreamed of being a musician can learn a lot from this book and follow in his persistence and creativity. Keep it up Mr. Wilson. I loved it and will go check out your music.
March 30, 2024
What an incredible journey this book take you on! So many wonderful stories of music legends and from the unique perspective of a piano tuner (or perhaps we should call him the piano whisperer!) I especially enjoyed learning about how Elton became a Yamaha piano artist! It seems Wilson has a way with not only pianos but how to hang and talk to celebrities, effortlessly blending in with them and never taking one moment of it for granted. Of course it helps that Wilson is musically inclined as well, having created an entire body of work as an artist himself. Guess that's why so many of these amazing artists are drawn to him and trust his musical abilities. But I also love the double entendre of being "tuned in", as if Wilson's calling was to tune musical instruments but by following this path, it helped him gain an insight into his own life. An easy breezy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
I admit, I'm a sucker for music memoirs and this book proved a uniquely charming addition to that tradition. So often we fixate on the lives of superstars, but never consider the many musicians and artisans who live by and for music. Jim Wilson, from a small Texas town, makes his way to LA with musical dreams, an uncanny ear, and little in the way of formal education. Practical, in spite of himself, he becomes a piano tuner, never imagining that this side gig would land him in the homes and studios of some of music's biggest stars. What he finds, in his journey, is not his own superstardom, but a community built around the love of music. This book is a lively romp, crossing continents and musical genres and technologies. It's a tender look at a life that music made.
April 1, 2024
Was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Tuned In and I loved it! The language in the book has so much personality, in both the highest and lowest moments for Jim. Tuned In is such an honest account of Jim's lived life. The book is filled with so many great stories with great celebrities and artists, but for me is overshadowed by Jim's expression of his thoughts, emotions, struggles, and pride in those experiences. Jim is so honest in this and he really puts you in his head through all of the most formative and affecting moments of his life and career. I found it so inspiring and there's a lot that I've taken away from reading this book. I greatly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend picking it up!
April 2, 2024
Want to read about midnight sledding at Dan Fogelberg‘s house? Jim’s road trip across the states with Carole King, talking about life and loss? This is Jim‘s life story, but what a life he has lived, and what interesting people he has bumped into along the way. It’s also a story about his growth as a person, as a soul, and a musician. I truly loved this book and breezed through it in two days-- a page turner! I know anyone who loves music will love this book.
July 12, 2024
This is an absolutely wonderful memoir from Jim Mitchell, who has tuned the pianos of everyone from Carole King to Elton John to Paul McCartney, to name just a few, and is a composer in his own right. If you are a fan of the music of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s (and more), you'll enjoy this book.
September 1, 2024
Deep waters of the music business through the voice of a kind and mostly gentle man. Great fun to travel the globe with Jim's storytelling prowess. Lots of fun and also emotional experiences in these Hollywood Hills. Authentic and heartfelt. I was loathe to finish it. Highly recommend!!!
April 25, 2024
This was a great book. Thoroughly enjoyable to read, both about the author and his contacts in the music world.
May 1, 2024
Being a pianist myself I enjoyed reading about these musicians and how their music affects their lives.Enjoyable book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews