Party Like a Rockstar: The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter

by J.T. Harding

This fun and fast-paced rock-and-roll memoir from hit singer-songwriter J.T. Harding shows what it takes to go from South Detroit to the top of the Nashville charts.

In PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR, J.T. Harding charts his life from a kid growing up in Michigan to a chart-topping songwriter living in Nashville and working with country music stars like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. As a kid playing rock n' roll in his parents' garage, Harding's was a world in which every taste of new music—from KISS to Prince and everyone in between—was a revelation. Inspired by his favorite artists, Harding abandons the classic "American Dream" and runs away to Los Angeles, where he forms a band and becomes part of the music scene there, all the while selling records to his favorite artists and producers at Tower Records.

A story of youth, rebellion, and determination, PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR is a memoir for music lovers and an invaluable how-to guide for anyone who wants to learn how to write a hit song. Fun and heartfelt, Harding's memoir is the story of one man's unshakable love for rock and roll, how it guided him through some of the greatest tragedies—and greatest triumphs—of his wild and unvarnished life.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

John Thomas Harding is an American country music songwriter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._T._H...

Reviews

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I really bought the book to hear the stories about the late Jay Thomas. I was such a big fan of Jay’s SiriusXM radio show. JT used to appear from time to time too so I knew about his story. So for me - I wanted to read this book to read about JT’s stories of Jay. And there were a few great stories about Jay.

What I didn’t expect is how interesting JT’s life story was. The book was an easy, interesting read. I loved hearing all about his beginnings and struggles in LA to make it in the music business. He’s also very funny as well. I liked how towards the end JT provided advice to aspiring songwriters.

I’d recommend this book - it’s a great read!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn't want it to end and thanks to social media, it doesn't have to. I loved all the musical references. The stories about how various songs originated were fascinating. JT is a gifted storyteller. It isn't any wonder that he's a successful songwriter.

[Hannah Hoelscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at a songwriter showcase in San Angelo, Texas, where I got to watch JT perform his hit songs to an intimate room of small town people. I got to shake his hand, let him know that I was a huge Kenny Chesney fan and have him sign my book. I got to thank him for writing songs that I grew up on. He’s hilarious and inspiring, and this book is nothing short of either one. If you enjoy country music, or music in general, you should definitely read this book. From KISS Halloween costumes, to battle of the bands, to trying to make it in LA… all the way to Nashville songwriter sessions. JT describes the amazing life he’s gotten to live thus far in this amazing book. I loved every second!!

[Julie Trapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR, J.T. Harding charts his life from a kid growing up in Michigan to a chart-topping songwriter living in Nashville and working with country music stars like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. As a kid playing rock n' roll in his parents' garage, Harding's was a world in which every taste of new music—from KISS to Prince and everyone in between—was a revelation. Inspired by his favorite artists, Harding abandons the classic "American Dream" and runs away to Los Angeles, where he forms a band and becomes part of the music scene there, all the while selling records to his favorite artists and producers at Tower Records. [amazon synopsis]

Enjoyable read and I loved the name dropping. The songwriter isn't always the well known name that the singer is.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that when I began reading this book I did not know of this person. What I did know or remember was Tower Records shopping in their stores and especially the one in L.A. the more I got involved in the book I found that I may not know who this person is but I do know of the songs he mentioned writing or co-writing like “Smile” from Uncle Kracker, just one song. I found his stories and the journey he speaks about all fascinating and I could also relate to his experience of being adopted his story is different but so is everyone. This is an excellent book and one that is worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Twelve Books, Twelve for the copy of this book. I really enjoyed the last part of the book with the stories of meeting and writing with country artists. I realized I knew of most of the songs and artists, and that was exciting. I always knew country music was full of songwriters for the ‘singers’ and it was fun hearing more about how that relationship works. I would have liked to read more about this period of his life instead of his childhood years. This was a solid three star read!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I was fortunate to see J. T. Harding at a song writer's show during a trip to Nashville and would recommend going to see him if possible. He is very entertaining and engaging with the audience...I didn't want the show to end! I purchased the book to read more about him and his drive to succeed. It just proves that if a person wants something bad enough then you will stop at nothing to reach that goal.

[Krysten Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about JT's climb to accomplish his dream. I smiled through most of it, cried a few times, and laughed out loud more than once. While reading, I had many questions and wanted more. This book helped me to figure out why I am not a country music fan. It has nothing to do with JT or songwriting. I am sad to be done reading and I think I will reread it in the future.

[Kimberly Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book a couple times & downloaded it on audible. Such a great book with great stories & clever ideas for anyone wanting to be a songwriter. Also great read for anyone wanting to be an artist. So many gold nuggets in this book. Plus JT is just a positive, super funny guy so either way you are in for a great read!!

[Kelly Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on audible. 3.5 stars. This was an easy listen. JT’s voice is personable and sincere. He has had a challenging uphill battle trying to make it into the music industry, but he clearly has fortitude. I found his description of the ups and downs of the music industry interesting.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very funny! It has a lot of nostalgia, if you grew up in the late 70’s through the 90.
The downside, if you aspire to write songs, then that part will be great for you. The rest of us not so much. I will say some of the advice can be applied to life. 😊
Well worth the read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable audiobook by songwriter JT Harding all about his life and his journey to become a big deal in Nashville. I’ve heard him perform twice and he’s a great performer and so funny - the book was fun!

[Brian Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried twice and laughed more times than I can count. JT is a talented storyteller both in song and now in a book, and he’s an awesome dude. What a story! Read this book!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somebody I used to know… :-) Interesting to hear where life has taken him.

[Grant Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the autobiographic parts of this book.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining memoir about JT Harding a country song writer. It was an interesting perspective it takes to be a song writer as well as the commitment you need to become successful at the craft.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! I can relate to being adopted, and being happy with my parents, but curious about the 2 that brought me to life. I loved hearing about his childhood, and his journey into music. Worth reading!