Read a book!
I was reminded today that there was a five or six year period where I would read every biography or autobiography of a musician that I could get my hands on. That process helped me to understand the human side of these artists. The human side that we all have. I wanted to post the book that started it all for me, the great bio of Nat King Cole by Daniel Mark Epstein. If you have not read it I highly recommend checking it out.
I believe I’m going to re-read this one as part of this challenge…
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
Oh hell yeah I read all the time. Wonderful autobiographies by Philip Bailey, Herbie Hancock, George Clinton, George Benson, Andy Williams, and Paul Anka to name a few. Be sure to read Tommy James’ autobiography ME, THE MUSIC & THE MOB. THAT one’s an eye opener!