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TransElectric: My Life as a Cosmic Rock Star
From the depths of the '70s rock 'n' roll excesses through unimaginable personal losses to an inspiring late-life transformation, Cidny Bullens’s story is an utterly compelling journey about living and singing with your authentic voice.
An androgynous gender-bending musician from the get-go, Bullens toured extensively with Sir Elton John and performed with Bob Dylan, undergoing a complete immersion in the drug-fueled excesses of 1970s rock 'n' roll. Despite getting sober, climbing the charts with the Grammy-nominated Survivor , as well as a Grammy nomination for his lead vocals in the soundtrack for the movie Grease , Bullens was unable to break out as a solo star in a world that allowed its artists to cross the gender line, but had much more narrow expectations about how women could behave and perform.
Retreating into the conventional lifestyle of a suburban mom, Bullens felt like she was living in an alternate universe. Then whatever world she had was shattered by the tragic death of her younger daughter from cancer. Out of the ashes of despair, Bullens brought forth an award-winning album, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth , that relaunched the musician’s career.
Finally, nine years ago, Cidny claimed his own healing and transitioned from female to male—finding unexpected love, becoming a new stepfather and a grandfather.
What he found, too, was his true voice and true power as a performer.
An androgynous gender-bending musician from the get-go, Bullens toured extensively with Sir Elton John and performed with Bob Dylan, undergoing a complete immersion in the drug-fueled excesses of 1970s rock 'n' roll. Despite getting sober, climbing the charts with the Grammy-nominated Survivor , as well as a Grammy nomination for his lead vocals in the soundtrack for the movie Grease , Bullens was unable to break out as a solo star in a world that allowed its artists to cross the gender line, but had much more narrow expectations about how women could behave and perform.
Retreating into the conventional lifestyle of a suburban mom, Bullens felt like she was living in an alternate universe. Then whatever world she had was shattered by the tragic death of her younger daughter from cancer. Out of the ashes of despair, Bullens brought forth an award-winning album, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth , that relaunched the musician’s career.
Finally, nine years ago, Cidny claimed his own healing and transitioned from female to male—finding unexpected love, becoming a new stepfather and a grandfather.
What he found, too, was his true voice and true power as a performer.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2023
12 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 18, 2023
Better than Hollywood could make up - Way to go Comeback Cid!
Cid was sassy, ballsy, and independent from the start with the natural ebb and flow of personality shifts with the unknown and planned life changes, many of which made him vulnerable. Way to triumph inspire of societal norms! Bravo! What a life well-lived! Hope there is another book and album.
Cid was sassy, ballsy, and independent from the start with the natural ebb and flow of personality shifts with the unknown and planned life changes, many of which made him vulnerable. Way to triumph inspire of societal norms! Bravo! What a life well-lived! Hope there is another book and album.
August 18, 2024
I loved this memoir from cover to cover. The first three quarters of the memoir were about Cidny’s life before he transitioned from a woman to a man, and during that portion of the book, the gender issue was rarely mentioned. But Cidny’s life story is completely fascinating. And he told his story in an honest, engaging style. After I finished his book, I feel like he is my friend.
September 10, 2024
Wow! What a life. What an artist. His story is incredible and inspiring. Not many people choose to live their lives authentically at 61 years old. This is an inspiration to everyone, but especially for Trans folks. Often, we think that we are too old to change the way we are living. Whether it be changing careers, homes, spouses, etc, not many are brave enough to go for true happiness. His life is an example for us all and a challenge to not rest in the comfortable if it is not making you truly happy.
Oh, he is also an incredible musician and singer. As I read the book, I listened to the corresponding album and was really impressed. His album, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth, is a true masterpiece.
Not only did I find a source of inspiration, I found a new musical artist to add to my library.
Oh, he is also an incredible musician and singer. As I read the book, I listened to the corresponding album and was really impressed. His album, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth, is a true masterpiece.
Not only did I find a source of inspiration, I found a new musical artist to add to my library.
October 17, 2023
I was privileged to see the Refugees at a house concert in my town this month. What a lovely surprise to get to hear their music and learn q humble bit about their member, Cidny Bullens. I grabbed the book at intermission and could not put it down until I finished it. Thank you for sharing your incredible life story of courage, strength and hope in addition to your struggles and pain. You, dear one, have lived!
December 6, 2024
A compelling story of a brave and compassionate (and extremely talented) human being who fought the fear of honoring and becoming his true self and overcame heartbreaking obstacles. I was at the July 4, 1976 concert in Foxboro MA and to think I’d become friends with Cid almost 60 years later is crazy. Life has a way of bringing the right people into our lives. He’s one of them. Loved this book.
December 20, 2023
This is an amazing story for resilience and hope. To be able to write down a whole life that involves so much change is a gift.
May 24, 2024
Reading about a trans person over 35 is amazing.
March 30, 2024
Was not sure what I getting into when handed this book. I began reading, remarkable and outstanding, incredible fortitude. So amazed by what she went through drugs , alcohol, basically on her own. “Surviving” is all she knew how to do and is an accomplished performer and musician. Can’t imagine what she went through during the 70’s80 and into the 90’s. Not being able to be himself. The chance to be a mother & bonding to the girls changed her unexpectedly. The life is encouraging and inspirational story I am so glad he shared with us all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews