Eight Autobiographies for Every EntreMusician

Much R.E.S.P.E.C.T. for the Life & Legacy of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin in her Transition shortly before the posting of this blog.Her Autobiography "From These Roots" was not included among the Eight Below, but Is Equally As Important. 

 

 

In an Environment like ours where success seems to elude most of us, one of the best ways to remain inspired is watching, reading or listening to the stories of those who have achieved greatness in this field. 

We can often look at those who have reached such heights as either completely beyond us or lucky, neither of which are true. When we look deeper into their stories, we find the same threads of risk taking, perseverance and endurance through incredible obstacles and setbacks which aided them in becoming household names. 

As You Create Your Own Story, I want to share with you Eight Autobiographies which will Engage, Encourage and Empower You:

 

I Feel Good, James Brown 

Most Everyone has seen either the movie and/or several of the documentaries surrounding the Life (and death) of this American Icon who scrapped for every penny as an abandoned child and grew up to Create the blueprint for Funk, Soul & Hip Hop for generations to come. From his grave, he still is the hardest working man in showbiz which becomes immediately obvious the next time you cue up your favorite rapper. 

 

To Be Loved, Berry Gordy 

To sit in the corner of the basement at Hitsville Studios while James Jamerson and The Funk Brothers nailed down another Martha Reeves Groove or be under the table in the boardroom while Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and/or Norman Whitfield argued and voted over the next Motown release is exactly how you'll feel when you read Berry Gordy's story. It's difficult to put into words the depths of the reality of launching so many sustainable dreams, the results of which will last as long as music does. 

 

Shining Star, Phillip Bailey 

My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White 

I actually read both of those books one right after the other and sometimes side by side to gain the total perspective of this massive group. Maurice, of course, provides the founder's vision and Phillip, whose signature voice carries the band until this day weighs in on decisions he agreed and disagreed with. It's a thrilling, breathtaking journey from both the late Creator and the present Sustainer of arguably the world's most prominent bands. 

 

Through The Fire, Chaka Khan 

Chaka's transparency is not just settled in her singing. Her willingness to express her flaws, expectations, achievements and what she seeks to improve, not only within her incredible career, but in what was the record business is apparent on every page. She tells it as it is, without her memoir being a "tell all" and creates for us a unique look into the private life of one of the most enduring voices of our generation. 

 

Possibilities, Herbie Hancock 

A Jazz Icon who's career has continued to scale without any signs of waning, Herbie has crossed genres, created, bent and experimented with others reveals his heart, his faith and the secret powers inherent in his music which has motivated many musicians to explore far beyond boundaries previously set in stone. He also reveals a very, very little know secret season he walked through that you never would have suspected. 

 

Brothers Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard On You?, George Clinton 

Talking about Exploration! Currently George is on what he's calling a retirement tour. His book was released about four years ago and I am certain there are things happening on the road today which could've been great content. He shares the comical dramatic, sometimes tragic treasure that is the P Funk Earth Mob. This story is not a story about the music industry, drugs, partying or how many genius musicians enveloped Parliament-Funkadelic - albeit it touches all of those topics. This Autobiography is about making decisions, some which you don't even understand yourself, but having the faith and fortitude to see beyond what's in front of you and never accepting defeat, even when it's obvious, you're down for good - this time. Every EntreMusician needs to embrace this truth. 

 

Glow, Rick James 

I must say I am still reading this book. I have to keep putting it down, because while I don't think Rick and co-author David Ritz embellished anything, it's just hard to believe that One Man has been involved in so much, so many times and still rose to the absolute top of the industry and held on with both hands for as long as he did. Because we have history to lean on and his own admissions, it's also easy to see how he also lost his grip

 

An Honorable Mention: Divided Soul, Marvin Gaye

The Very First Autobiography I've Read on Anyone, Especially a Star of Marvin's Caliber. I've Only Read It Once, back in 1985. I've Never Forgotten It.

 

I would love to hear about the autobiographies which have most inspired you. Hook Me Up!

 

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