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Juke Box Hero: My Five Decades in Rock 'N' Roll
The son of a sheet-metal worker who led a big band on weekends, Lou Gramm rose from humble, working-class roots in Rochester, New York, to become one of rock ’n’ roll’s most distinctive and popular voices. With the aid of best-selling author Scott Pitoniak, Gramm poignantly recounts how he realized his dream as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the iconic band Foreigner as well as his own band and overcame a drug and alcohol addiction—along with a life-threatening brain tumor—on his path to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
264 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
22 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Scott Pitoniak
35 books16 followersScott Pitoniak is considered the most decorated sports writer in Rochester media history. He has received over 100 national and regional journalism honors and has been inducted into the Frontier Field Walk of Fame (1999), the Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications Hall of Fame (200), and the Rome Sports Hall of Fame (2009). He served as a torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Pitoniak graduated from Syracuse University in 1977. He currently has a column in the Rochester Business Journal and does blogging and occasional on-air work for WROC-TV 8. He previously wrote for the Democrat and Chronicle.
Pitoniak graduated from Syracuse University in 1977. He currently has a column in the Rochester Business Journal and does blogging and occasional on-air work for WROC-TV 8. He previously wrote for the Democrat and Chronicle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 2, 2016
lead vocalist and co-songwriter of foreigner
I was familiar with Lou Gramm from some Foreigner vinyl that I played, played and played some more.
Indeed, there is much more to know of this member of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
You'll encounter your usual rock n roll demons (wealth, fame, drugs booze) interpreted in unique Grammatico style.
Redemption is an additional theme as he successfully confronted those demons.
You'll also find a death sentence, revolutionary brain surgery and battles through radiation and "several harrowing years of rehab."
You'll find a resiliency, as he continues with retrospectives from Foreigner and also achieves new creative successes.
An ending comment:
"...I couldn't be more grateful for our fans' loyal support through the decades..."
said often, I'm sure, but he truly means it.
A good read about a working class kid from Rochester, New York and a distinctive rock 'n' roll journey
4★
I was familiar with Lou Gramm from some Foreigner vinyl that I played, played and played some more.
Indeed, there is much more to know of this member of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
You'll encounter your usual rock n roll demons (wealth, fame, drugs booze) interpreted in unique Grammatico style.
Redemption is an additional theme as he successfully confronted those demons.
You'll also find a death sentence, revolutionary brain surgery and battles through radiation and "several harrowing years of rehab."
You'll find a resiliency, as he continues with retrospectives from Foreigner and also achieves new creative successes.
An ending comment:
"...I couldn't be more grateful for our fans' loyal support through the decades..."
said often, I'm sure, but he truly means it.
A good read about a working class kid from Rochester, New York and a distinctive rock 'n' roll journey
4★
May 25, 2020
When I saw that Lou Gramm's autobiography ran fewer than 250 pages, I wondered how such a prolific rock star could possibly do justice to his life in such a short book. Well, it turns out that Gramm says a lot in a few words. I never felt he shortchanged any of the topics I wanted him to discuss and he covered both his childhood and his career quite thoroughly. He doesn't dwell on his addictions like many celebrities do in their autobiographies. Instead, he treats them economically. Rather than spewing out numerous stories with sordid details, he gives you enough to get a sense of what he was like at the time and how he feels about that part of his past. I recommend this to anyone who grew up listening to Lou's work with Foreigner.
December 21, 2018
People will forever relate Lou Gramm to Foreigner but he was so much more. I grew up listening to them around my dad. He was a musician in his early days before I was born and "I want to know what love is" is my parents wedding song. I cry every time I hear it, I don't know why. Lou is bitterly honest about his days in Foreigner which unfortunately aren't at all peachy but he also sticks to his love for performing and creating music. Although Foreigner didn't quite work out, it didn't deter him from having a solo career and side projects which takes a lot of guts. I admire him for continuing to do what he felt in his heart even though surely, a lot of people like myself wish he was still with Foreigner. I never knew about his brain tumor, or anything else about him really so I am very glad I purchased this book. He will forever be a legend in rock n roll. Thank you Lou for your honesty even if it pisses some people off!
May 2, 2016
Wow! I admire Lou Gramm so much more. He’s a rock icon in my book, but after reading this memoir, I know he is more than just a rock legend; he’s also a good man. (I can’t say that about a few other legends in rock.) Gramm is a man that can love his family, make amends, be remorseful, and openly share his faith. I was intrigued by his brain surgery ordeal and its aftermath. He is truly a brave man and a strong one. He has lived the rock n’ roll lifestyle, survived his battles with Mick Jones, and survived life saving brain surgery. It all shows, but after watching his performance with Mick Jones at their well deserved induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The man still has it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnw_e...
December 14, 2017
Lou is very low-key in this memoir. Doesn't mention names of his ex-wives nor tells about his issues. Doesn't talk about heavy drug use and alcohol or sex romps although as a famous rock star one would assume all lead singers dealt with their share of groupies. I don't know what else to say. I really wanted to like the book but he talks alot about baseball and muscle cars. Not many pictures. I would have liked to see pics of when Foreigner was narrowed down to a quartet and when he had a solo career but you won't see any in this book. Just disappointed. He could have elaborated much more but...I don't want to re-read it again.
Read
July 3, 2013just couldn't get into it, though it did make me dust off my foreigner music...
November 19, 2016
It's never good to end a book wondering why you picked it up. So much rich possibilities but it went nowhere.
January 28, 2019
I thought Lou Gramm might have some interesting stories to tell, and he does. From the start, you can tell he has deep affection for his hometown: Rochester. I enjoyed reading about his love of the town. His attempts at putting a band together before Mick Jones was interesting. Maybe the most enjoyable parts is where he discusses the work on Foreigner's first four albums and working on his first solo releases.
There is a little whining. I stress a little because I think he does try to see the other side of things and he accepts responsibility for a number of things and then, he probably does have something of a legitimate complaint(s).
He complains about critics calling Foreigner music 'corporate arena rock.' That's a good description of Foreigner's catalog. It's okay that they sought to make money. Lou describes their songwriting process and how their songs frequently end up in the top 40. Their music was fairly inoffensive (which is probably a major reason their music was in the top 40).
Probably the least enjoyable is where he is discussing his Christian faith. It's Lou's book, he gets to write about whatever he wants. I have read other musical artists (like Lita Ford and Gregg Allman) describe their Christian faith in their respective books, but they just wrote like 2 sentences and they were done with that subject. He goes on about it for 2 or 3 pages and then brings it up in other parts of his book.
There is a little whining. I stress a little because I think he does try to see the other side of things and he accepts responsibility for a number of things and then, he probably does have something of a legitimate complaint(s).
He complains about critics calling Foreigner music 'corporate arena rock.' That's a good description of Foreigner's catalog. It's okay that they sought to make money. Lou describes their songwriting process and how their songs frequently end up in the top 40. Their music was fairly inoffensive (which is probably a major reason their music was in the top 40).
Probably the least enjoyable is where he is discussing his Christian faith. It's Lou's book, he gets to write about whatever he wants. I have read other musical artists (like Lita Ford and Gregg Allman) describe their Christian faith in their respective books, but they just wrote like 2 sentences and they were done with that subject. He goes on about it for 2 or 3 pages and then brings it up in other parts of his book.
May 24, 2020
Solid, if short, book on Lou Gramm’s take on his life and career
What I liked about this book was Lou Gramm’s attempt to be as honest as possible while looking back over his career and in explaining why he made the decisions he did. I think Foreigner fans would have liked Gramm to have been a part of Foreigner for a longer period of time, particularly in his younger years before his brain surgery, because it would most probably have produced even more excellent and memorable music for us to appreciate and listen to. Gramm’s journey through his life and music has been his own, however, and it is interesting to learn the whys and wherefores of his decisions and the path he chose to follow. Thanks to him for that. I would have liked more of an in-depth look than this small book gave into the window of his soul and his days l, and nights, including friendships with fellow musicians, but I get a sense that Gramm is perhaps too private of a person to share much more than he did. Now that I’ve read the digital version of Juke Box Hero, I think I’d like to buy a hardback version in order to peruse the photographs taken throughout the years of his career to get an even better sense of his life as he lived it, and those he lived it with.
What I liked about this book was Lou Gramm’s attempt to be as honest as possible while looking back over his career and in explaining why he made the decisions he did. I think Foreigner fans would have liked Gramm to have been a part of Foreigner for a longer period of time, particularly in his younger years before his brain surgery, because it would most probably have produced even more excellent and memorable music for us to appreciate and listen to. Gramm’s journey through his life and music has been his own, however, and it is interesting to learn the whys and wherefores of his decisions and the path he chose to follow. Thanks to him for that. I would have liked more of an in-depth look than this small book gave into the window of his soul and his days l, and nights, including friendships with fellow musicians, but I get a sense that Gramm is perhaps too private of a person to share much more than he did. Now that I’ve read the digital version of Juke Box Hero, I think I’d like to buy a hardback version in order to peruse the photographs taken throughout the years of his career to get an even better sense of his life as he lived it, and those he lived it with.
August 31, 2022
3.5 stars. Not a huge Foreigner fan but I have a deep appreciation for them. The dialog was pretty superficial and his feelings about the band, his life, his marriages, his kids, although commented on were almost just saying what was expected. For what he went through and survived, I expected more deeper insight than how it was written. That may be the blame of the writer for him. It seems like he sat down with Lou and a cup of coffee while Lou told him his life’s story as a timeline and that’s how it seemed to be written. Lou has an amazing story but I had to imagine the work and suffering and triumphs instead of feeling it through the words. I would love to sit and hour or so with Lou to feel the actual emotions that were his life.
October 23, 2020
A pretty good synopsis of Lou's life so far. Some detail but not to much. There is just enough to fill in the dots. It is funny how after reading many rock musicians bios or auto bios they are so alike once success is achieved. The smart ones hit bottom and realize if I don't change, the future will have a dark ending. So glad he made it, he seems like a honest and somewhat humble fellow with a great rock voice. A quick but relaxing read.
September 25, 2022
A solid memoir. Clearly all of the sex & drugs that goes with rock n roll is barely mentioned. Which is fine. Gramm talks about his addiction and recovery some. He’s found God and obviously has trouble reconciling his past in that light. Still, lots of the band drama between him and Mick is detailed throughout the book. Lou is a small town guy and that upbringing shaped him quite a bit. Seems like a really nice fellow. He’s regained his health and I’m happy for him.
November 5, 2021
Nostalgic and a good read
This was fun- took me back to my days working in rock n roll, here in Rochester and elsewhere. It was fun to hear stories of people I knew and worked with, decades ago.
It seems like an honest accounting, including both the highs and lows, fairly. Quite a career, and quite a talent! Keep rocking’ Lou!
This was fun- took me back to my days working in rock n roll, here in Rochester and elsewhere. It was fun to hear stories of people I knew and worked with, decades ago.
It seems like an honest accounting, including both the highs and lows, fairly. Quite a career, and quite a talent! Keep rocking’ Lou!
October 5, 2024
Sincere and Relatable
I enjoyed the book very much. I have tremendous respect and admiration for Lou Gramm. He is a phenomenally talented songwriter
and soulful singer. His life and accomplishments are powerfully motivating. I'm still listening to his songs and watching those videos.
I enjoyed the book very much. I have tremendous respect and admiration for Lou Gramm. He is a phenomenally talented songwriter
and soulful singer. His life and accomplishments are powerfully motivating. I'm still listening to his songs and watching those videos.
June 12, 2025
He's my hometown rockstar - what a cool guy. I enjoyed reading this, not only for the history of Foreigner, Black Sheep, and Lou Gramm's All Star Band, but for the childhood he talks about in the city I grew up. I also had the privilege to meet him (quite briefly), and got him to sign my copy of the book.
October 30, 2025
I totally love this book!
Lou Gramm is awesome, he makes you laugh and cry with his stories! A happy cry! He is the authentic, humble and loving guy I always knew he would be! It made me watch music videos and interviews of Lou with Foreigner and his solo work. Lou is a True Blue Rocker with a superior voice!
Lou Gramm is awesome, he makes you laugh and cry with his stories! A happy cry! He is the authentic, humble and loving guy I always knew he would be! It made me watch music videos and interviews of Lou with Foreigner and his solo work. Lou is a True Blue Rocker with a superior voice!
January 21, 2019
Jukebox Hero
For anyone that loves rock music this is a must. Still today Foreigner is on all my play lists and I have many CD’s. It shows the journey of dreams to reality some great, some devastating but all a part of Lou Gramms life.
For anyone that loves rock music this is a must. Still today Foreigner is on all my play lists and I have many CD’s. It shows the journey of dreams to reality some great, some devastating but all a part of Lou Gramms life.
January 27, 2023
Lou Gram
I really enjoyed this book. I watched several interviews on the Internet, but never heard the whole story. It answered a lot of my questions. To me, it shows Lou as a tender giving person. He is very intelligent about music and how it works.
I really enjoyed this book. I watched several interviews on the Internet, but never heard the whole story. It answered a lot of my questions. To me, it shows Lou as a tender giving person. He is very intelligent about music and how it works.
May 30, 2024
Great Rock an Roll Story!
Loved this book!! So enjoyed reading how Lou Gramm started out his career . Always loved his voice ! This book had so many layers of his life .Enjoyed reading well written! Thank you Lou Gramm for sharing your story!
Loved this book!! So enjoyed reading how Lou Gramm started out his career . Always loved his voice ! This book had so many layers of his life .Enjoyed reading well written! Thank you Lou Gramm for sharing your story!
June 9, 2025
I’ve been a Foreigner fan since I was a kid. My sister got me a Double Vision cassette that I wore out on a little tape recorder I had. Lou Gramm has an interesting history with Foreigner, his medical scare, his drug addiction and his spirituality. A fun read for any music fan.
June 30, 2018
This was a great book. I really enjoyed reading about Foreigner's lead vocalist and song writer!
July 2, 2018
Awesome read!
A great read and life story from one of my B.C. (before Christ) rock and roll heros! A great story of God's mercy and love.
A great read and life story from one of my B.C. (before Christ) rock and roll heros! A great story of God's mercy and love.
November 22, 2018
Saddened by his bitterness and disappointed to learn Gramm's true feelings about some of my favorite Foreigner songs.
October 7, 2019
Very good
November 8, 2019
Best book I've ever read, being a Rochesterian all 61 years of my life, I'm so proud of our Rochester rocker, Lou Gramm!
November 20, 2019
What a ride!
A life filled with fame fortune and excitement. Too many extremes for most people. It would be hard to keep same with so much craziness.
A life filled with fame fortune and excitement. Too many extremes for most people. It would be hard to keep same with so much craziness.
January 4, 2020
Great Book
I Enjoyed this book very much! It gave me a much better understanding of who Lou Gramm is, the person, the artist, the singer behind the band that he made famous.
I Enjoyed this book very much! It gave me a much better understanding of who Lou Gramm is, the person, the artist, the singer behind the band that he made famous.
June 9, 2024
One hell of an experience! I hope there’ll be an updated version that would span current time
May 6, 2024
A great memoir. A look inside the making of a great band. It’s honest without revealing dirty details you don’t really need to know. I love Lou Gramm
May 14, 2020
I don’t read many autobiographies, but I love Lou’s voice and wanted to know more. This is an easy read. He does get a little technical at times, but not too much. He talks very frankly about his musical journey and doesn’t go too much into his personal family life. Very interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews