Brian Jones: The untold life and mysterious death of a rock legend

by Laura Jackson

In this definitive biography of Brian Jones, Laura Jackson - the first to insist that Jones was murdered and the first to identify his killer - rejects the stereotype of a narcissistic rock star who was doomed to self-destruct. Instead, she spoke to the people who knew him his family and friends, girlfriends and confidantes, the musicians and friends who lived and worked with him right up until his death in 1969. Jones emerges as a man of immense talent, energy and humour, but crippled by insecurities and shyness - a portrayal greatly at odds with the sordid rumours that plagued him throughout his life, which continue to this day. Jackson provides new testimony on the rivalries within the Rolling Stones and the bitter final split, together with telling details from the pathology and coroner's reports, to tell the story behind the headlines and get to the heart of the mysterious death of Brian Jones.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jarno · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book doesn't change the public image of Brian Jones being a self-centered ass hole and a maniac even if the cover text insists different. Also there's no new proof about a murder which one should get before acclaiming to have identified a killer.

[Denise K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Rolling Stones fan, I knew I had to learn more about Brian Jones, the band's founder who died tragically decades ago. I know from my Stones subreddit that plenty of current fans think Brian Jones is overrated, and the group survived, actually flourished, just fine without him - and, ok, that part is true enough.
But Jackson's book definitely shed new, if opinionated, light on one of the greatest rock bands of all time. I was unsure if I'd get into the book at first - wondered if it would be too textbook-like. Instead, I found myself reading steadily, intrigued by the information on Jones' personal life perhaps even more so than the band's early history.
Jackson is clear in her intent for the book: to depict Jones as a true musical genius who was wronged in many ways, including allegedly being murdered in the summer of 1969.
While parts got far too opinionated, and I was left wondering about a handful of things, the factual background about musician is what kept me turning pages. He had supportive parents, good looks, unique talents . . . yet he struggled as a human being. Jackson leaves room for you to develop your own theories about the truth, which I did. And in the future, whenever I spin my vinyl copy of "Between the Buttons," I'll listen more closely, thinking about the immortality of Brian Jones.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the author was obviously hyping the positive points in her subject, still I found her concern for her subject and his reputation to be endearing. His lack of savagery and over-all embracing of more civilized behavior than his band mates meant and means Brian Jones was a notch above the average. Also: There were many details highlighting the time period and the culture of the Rock and Roll scene in general. The information was not only welcome but quite interesting as well.

[Historical Dolls Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so the title of the book is a bit misleading. Yes it does talk about Brian Jones life and I got to know more of the rockstar. Though I was hoping it would talk more about his death but only talks about it the last 20 so pages. I’m still left with questions.

[Bridgette Buck-Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better book to read.....

Although this was interesting, the definitive book on Brian's death is titled "Who Killed Christopher Robin" ,there are some interesting things in this book....but mostly stuff any stones fan knew already...

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author blind to his flaws

Author blind to his flaws

this unbalanced biography is muddled by the author's adoration of her subject. She makes endless excuses for his bad behavior. She omits three of his six illegitimate children. Everyone else in his life is blamed for his failings.

[Christophe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of interest for any Stones fan, but biased against Mick and Keith.