Jake Bugg - The Biography

by David Nolan

In a world of boy bands and manufactured pop, Jake Bugg's simply-strummed tales of life on the council estate where he grew up have connected with music fans around the world.Bugg has turned the music industry inside out with the unexpected success of his country folk songs with a rockabilly twist. He's taken the sounds of the 1950s and 60s into the 21st century. But how did a teenager from Nottingham â€" a city whose music scene was previously notable for one hit wonders and novelty records â€" go from the bottom of the bill to the top in such a short space of time?Journalist David Nolan has immersed himself in the Nottingham music scene and tracked down the key players who helped Jake along the way. Here, for the first time, is Bugg's story, in this unofficial biography.Jake is he The Council Estate Bob Dylan, The Cockiest Lonnie Donegan Wannabe in Nottingham or The King of the Clifton Delta?Maybe he's all three.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

David Nolan is a British award-winning journalist who's authored biographies on subjects ranging from Simon Cowell to the Sex Pistols. He's also written for newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Tacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unofficial bio. claims he was born "Jacob" but I remember reading online an interview with his dad who said his name has always been Jake.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s interesting to read about Bugg in context because he shouldn’t have gained a number 1 album and made it, yet this author pieces together the historical, socio-cultural and artistic context behind why he did.
The author reveals the networks that supported Bugg’s rise, and dissects his work and pulls in a variety of commentators to inform you of their interpretations.
Often presented in the media as an impolite and rough work-class lad, this book cuts through this with personal interactions amongst others that show Bugg to be a respectful, intelligent, shy, measured and professional person.
Although at times the author is bias in clear displays of proud adoration of Bugg and the Nottingham arts scene and the local community that contributed to his rise, this book doesn’t shy away from the drama and criticisms that feature in his life, as well as how fame has impacted his personal life and relationships.
An issue for me was that the book took a dip in the middle where it felt like it was revising previously mentioned topics. However, this was resurrected in the final 3rd of the book where my interest picked back up. I would also say this book is very heavily Nottingham focused, which is great for readers from the city but might feel alienating for those unfamiliar with it. Nevertheless, it’s a good way to be informed on the rich musical heritage and culture that Nottingham holds largely unknown outside the bounds of the city.
Ultimately, you finish with understanding him and Nottingham better than before and grow to like him more for his major successes and being able to remain level headed at the top. It highlights that he’s not one to forget his roots and, in true working-class spirit, he is gracious to everyone who supports him on the way up. It’s a wholesome read.

[Kaci Prevel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! It tells you all about him, his past and future.