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Northern Soul: The Autobiography
Get acquainted with a northern soul ... Jimmy Nail has been a household name since Auf Wiedersehen, Pet hit our screens in the 1980s. since then, his career as an actor and a musician has put on him on the silver screen alongside Madonna and given him a No. 1 hit single. Success on this astonishing scale was beyond the wildest dreams of the working class lad whose harsh childhood and brutal schooling put him on a collision course with Strangeways. But a short spell in prison helped propel Nail onwards and upwards. With the support of his friends and family, it wasn't long before Jimmy's unique talents and single-minded determination brought him attention of a different kind - and changed his life for ever. In A Northern Soul, Jimmy Nail tells his own vivid story in this intriguing, inspiring and sometimes confounding account of how one man rose to fame and fortune by refusing to be anything but himself.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
17 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Nail
8 books5 followersJames Bradford "Jimmy" Nail (born 16 March 1954) is an English singer-songwriter, actor, musician, film producer, film score composer and television writer.
He has starred in numerous roles on television since 1983. He is most famous for his role as Leonard "Oz" Osborne in the hit television show Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, his title role in Spender, and his 1992 number one single "Ain't No Doubt".
He has starred in numerous roles on television since 1983. He is most famous for his role as Leonard "Oz" Osborne in the hit television show Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, his title role in Spender, and his 1992 number one single "Ain't No Doubt".
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2015
From BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Drama:
Two men settle old scores, 35 years after their involvement in the Northern Soul scene.
It's 1978 and the Northern Soul scene is at its peak. UK Manufacturing is thriving, Unions are strong, and blue-collar labourers have money in their pockets. Working class black Americans have moved from the Deep South to work in the car factories of Detroit and what has emerged from them is a new kind of soul music - upbeat, rhythmic and aspirational. British car factory workers have also found that the music's mood and rhythm speaks for them and Northern Soul has become an exclusive music and dance scene with its own code and culture, focussing on Friday all-nighters.
Mark, a 17-year-old, middle class lad, gets his first job - in a car factory in Wolverhampton. Super cool factory worker Jerry introduces him to Northern Soul and Mark is hooked. He wants to be a part of it - the music, clothes, and all-nighters. Winning Jerry's friendship, he asks to go to Wigan Casino, voted the best club in the world - but Jerry questions Mark's authenticity and is undecided whether to take him.
Thirty-five years later and Mark, now a married father and a journalist living in London, interviews Jerry about the end of the Northern Soul scene. For Jerry, the memories recall a tainted time of union power and working class freedoms confronted by the rise of the political right. For Mark, the memories hold emotional confusions. Buried hurts resurface between the two men and old scores are settled about class, music and identity.
Writer: Hattie Naylor
Director: Marc Jobst.
Two men settle old scores, 35 years after their involvement in the Northern Soul scene.
It's 1978 and the Northern Soul scene is at its peak. UK Manufacturing is thriving, Unions are strong, and blue-collar labourers have money in their pockets. Working class black Americans have moved from the Deep South to work in the car factories of Detroit and what has emerged from them is a new kind of soul music - upbeat, rhythmic and aspirational. British car factory workers have also found that the music's mood and rhythm speaks for them and Northern Soul has become an exclusive music and dance scene with its own code and culture, focussing on Friday all-nighters.
Mark, a 17-year-old, middle class lad, gets his first job - in a car factory in Wolverhampton. Super cool factory worker Jerry introduces him to Northern Soul and Mark is hooked. He wants to be a part of it - the music, clothes, and all-nighters. Winning Jerry's friendship, he asks to go to Wigan Casino, voted the best club in the world - but Jerry questions Mark's authenticity and is undecided whether to take him.
Thirty-five years later and Mark, now a married father and a journalist living in London, interviews Jerry about the end of the Northern Soul scene. For Jerry, the memories recall a tainted time of union power and working class freedoms confronted by the rise of the political right. For Mark, the memories hold emotional confusions. Buried hurts resurface between the two men and old scores are settled about class, music and identity.
Writer: Hattie Naylor
Director: Marc Jobst.
January 7, 2021
This was an interesting read.
I've always enjoyed Jimmy Nail as an actor and a singer and a writer - and the little I knew of him other than that was pretty positive as well.
And for the first half of this book, when he was a fairly ordinary working class young man trying to make ends meet, I liked him even more. Then he got a break into television, and his character changed completely - for someone who is so very aware of where he's come from, he comes across as someone who is totally and utterly aware of what he's become. In particular, I found his fawning to some of the well known creative types that he met stomach churning. In fact, it's almost as if he only wants to talk positively about well known people, and only negatively about those who he doesn't hold in such high esteem....in the second half of the book, I'd say he's nowhere near as likeable.
Some of the "factual claims" are also quite dubious - but I think he sort of makes a nod to that on the fly sheet where he says his memory of all events are not as good as they might have been - so a license to be artistic with the truth if ever there was one.
But for those fans of "Auf Wiedersehen Pet", "Spender" and "Crocodile Shoes", this is a lovely nostalgic romp if nothing else!
I've always enjoyed Jimmy Nail as an actor and a singer and a writer - and the little I knew of him other than that was pretty positive as well.
And for the first half of this book, when he was a fairly ordinary working class young man trying to make ends meet, I liked him even more. Then he got a break into television, and his character changed completely - for someone who is so very aware of where he's come from, he comes across as someone who is totally and utterly aware of what he's become. In particular, I found his fawning to some of the well known creative types that he met stomach churning. In fact, it's almost as if he only wants to talk positively about well known people, and only negatively about those who he doesn't hold in such high esteem....in the second half of the book, I'd say he's nowhere near as likeable.
Some of the "factual claims" are also quite dubious - but I think he sort of makes a nod to that on the fly sheet where he says his memory of all events are not as good as they might have been - so a license to be artistic with the truth if ever there was one.
But for those fans of "Auf Wiedersehen Pet", "Spender" and "Crocodile Shoes", this is a lovely nostalgic romp if nothing else!
July 30, 2019
Another one from the never-ending bookpile!
I like Jimmy Nail and this book tells his own story of being a proud Northerner, of finding fame quite by accident and of a life well-lived.
From reading the book I really did feel that I have got to know more about Nail rather than getting to know about Oz - his larger than life character made infamous in Auf Wiedersehen Pet in the 1980s.
What I didn’t have Nail down for is the life he had behind him being full of ups and downs including a spell in prison. Nail tells his tale in almost a series of life lessons. His heart and honesty are felt on the page and I feel he adds a ‘University of Life’ approach to the way he tells his story. Experience clearly counts and many experiences are counted! Nail seems to value friends, family and people who have a genuine approach. He does not come across as starry eyed and in this autobiography he has impressed me as a bit of a grafter who has not been content to settle on anything light or mediocre. Clearly, he has put the work into everything he has done and values a hardworking approach in others - that sits ok with me.
Unfortunately, I can’t give the book five stars because sometimes I feel the approach taken in the book is just too long and winding throughout. As a reader of autobiographies, I still think that writers have to prioritise their focus and cut their own journey times shorter in places to maintain reader interest. Editing can clearly make or break any book but particularly so with an autobiography. At points in the book I became a bit frustrated at the long-winded approach to storytelling that Nail employs. That said, this is just the approach that Nail takes. There is more than meets the eye with him and I feel he has liked to do a bit of everything. Like I said, a life well lived and from the heart by a proud and true Northern soul.
I like Jimmy Nail and this book tells his own story of being a proud Northerner, of finding fame quite by accident and of a life well-lived.
From reading the book I really did feel that I have got to know more about Nail rather than getting to know about Oz - his larger than life character made infamous in Auf Wiedersehen Pet in the 1980s.
What I didn’t have Nail down for is the life he had behind him being full of ups and downs including a spell in prison. Nail tells his tale in almost a series of life lessons. His heart and honesty are felt on the page and I feel he adds a ‘University of Life’ approach to the way he tells his story. Experience clearly counts and many experiences are counted! Nail seems to value friends, family and people who have a genuine approach. He does not come across as starry eyed and in this autobiography he has impressed me as a bit of a grafter who has not been content to settle on anything light or mediocre. Clearly, he has put the work into everything he has done and values a hardworking approach in others - that sits ok with me.
Unfortunately, I can’t give the book five stars because sometimes I feel the approach taken in the book is just too long and winding throughout. As a reader of autobiographies, I still think that writers have to prioritise their focus and cut their own journey times shorter in places to maintain reader interest. Editing can clearly make or break any book but particularly so with an autobiography. At points in the book I became a bit frustrated at the long-winded approach to storytelling that Nail employs. That said, this is just the approach that Nail takes. There is more than meets the eye with him and I feel he has liked to do a bit of everything. Like I said, a life well lived and from the heart by a proud and true Northern soul.
July 21, 2020
Another so called Geordie who always makes a lot of noise about being so proud of his roots and then sods off when he gets money and fame. I'm saying this and I'm also from Newcastle! Jimmy Nail or Jimmy Bradford? He doesn't seem to know who he is. A lot of juicy stuff had been left out of this. Those in the know will understand.
July 11, 2018
Always liked the Oz character in Auf Wiedersehn, Pet. I've followed Jimmy's career ever since.
An amazing life story. He never forgot where he came from and he made sure to take his people along for the ride.
A good read.
An amazing life story. He never forgot where he came from and he made sure to take his people along for the ride.
A good read.
October 8, 2012
I am currently reading this book, but not from the beginning where you should!
I have always been a massive fan of Jimmy's, and run a website all about Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, so reading it was something that I just had to do.
I think most people think we know him, but find out reading this, that he is not the kind of person we first thought he was. Most people think of him as a bit of a headcase, and his prison sentence for ABH might have something to do with it, but in real life, he is a very private a shy person, which is very surprising.
I thoroughly loved this book, and finding out where he came from, and how he became one of the North East's most successful people is just wonderful! It shows that hard work, and being in the right place at the right time can do wonders for a bloke from a what most people think as a rough part of the country.
It is honest, and he doesn't hold back, even mentioning how he didn't get on with this or that person, unlike many people who may swerve the awkward bits, in case they upset anyone.
I love it, and will re-read it in its proper order one day.
lee Barratt
I have always been a massive fan of Jimmy's, and run a website all about Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, so reading it was something that I just had to do.
I think most people think we know him, but find out reading this, that he is not the kind of person we first thought he was. Most people think of him as a bit of a headcase, and his prison sentence for ABH might have something to do with it, but in real life, he is a very private a shy person, which is very surprising.
I thoroughly loved this book, and finding out where he came from, and how he became one of the North East's most successful people is just wonderful! It shows that hard work, and being in the right place at the right time can do wonders for a bloke from a what most people think as a rough part of the country.
It is honest, and he doesn't hold back, even mentioning how he didn't get on with this or that person, unlike many people who may swerve the awkward bits, in case they upset anyone.
I love it, and will re-read it in its proper order one day.
lee Barratt
January 22, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. Yes, I am a Jimmy Nail fan and if you are not, don't bother reading this book as it is not for you. But if you are this is a must read. He did not use a ghost writer and wrote every word of this book. I really liked his writing style which I have to admit reminded me a bit of mine. He certainly had an interesting background and as expected is not shy to tell you about it. Besides the great background on series such Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Spender, and Crocodile Shoes, there are some very interesting encounters with other 'famous' people such as Madonna, George Harrison, Bill Nighy, Stevie Wonder and others. It is interesting to read how 'celebrities' still are fans of some people (such as Bob Dylan) and are just as awed by them as the average fan. I expected him to be a self-confident person but it seems that he just considers himself to be lucky throughout his career. Anyway, read it yourself.
December 3, 2019
I will split this review into two parts
Part one the content of the book, I have watch jimmy on TV for years and was a big fan of AWP, and spender. His story is great, it adds layers onto the guy. I didn’t know about his musical side and was amazed at some of the stories made me laugh out loud. His pun youth, his bands , his time at her inside. What an amazing book
Part two – the kindle edition of this book is a poor scan of the paper version that can never have been proof read as its full of errors , it ruined what could have been a great read
Part one the content of the book, I have watch jimmy on TV for years and was a big fan of AWP, and spender. His story is great, it adds layers onto the guy. I didn’t know about his musical side and was amazed at some of the stories made me laugh out loud. His pun youth, his bands , his time at her inside. What an amazing book
Part two – the kindle edition of this book is a poor scan of the paper version that can never have been proof read as its full of errors , it ruined what could have been a great read
July 19, 2012
Jimmy Nail is not Oz from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Well, only part of him.
A very rough upbringing, slippery slope, jail then, given a break by a very good person encouraged Nail to be the best Jimmy he could be and, boy, has he tried hard. A very talented individual who has had some luck but who has worked very hard to get where he is.
A very heartening tale of a boy from the wrong side of the tracks made good. Would actually make a great movie! Definitely not what you were expecting.
A very rough upbringing, slippery slope, jail then, given a break by a very good person encouraged Nail to be the best Jimmy he could be and, boy, has he tried hard. A very talented individual who has had some luck but who has worked very hard to get where he is.
A very heartening tale of a boy from the wrong side of the tracks made good. Would actually make a great movie! Definitely not what you were expecting.
July 27, 2011
Good to start with but I thought he skipped over quite a lot. Whether that's because he can't remember it is anyone's guess. Worth a read though.
August 21, 2011
A very interesting read. Enjoyed finding out about the man behind the Actor and singer.Enjoyed his journey through his life.
July 13, 2012
Pretty damn good autobiography although his life seem to lack any shocking revelations. Then again, his life has been so much more interesting than mine.
February 26, 2013
Great read. From the heart, life as he knew it .... Northern Soul
January 28, 2014
Good insight to his life up north as a young un, the telly and the music. Also good descriptions of his drinking habits and how he addressed them. Seems like a surprisingly decent chap.
August 25, 2018
This was a great book until Jimmy sobered up, really funny and in line with the auf wediersden stuff.............then he met Madonna and it just got boring.
January 28, 2020
Unbelievably Honest
I was totally struck by his uncompromising account of his life tender heartfelt funny a revelation a great personality awesome.
I was totally struck by his uncompromising account of his life tender heartfelt funny a revelation a great personality awesome.
July 18, 2020
Interesting read, shame about the spelling on download, however this was an honest read from the very talented Jimmy nail.
February 7, 2024
Found it in a charity shop. There are some profound parts of his life covered quite early on but I just could get traction it. Never quite finished it.
September 30, 2017
Very interesting
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews