Reference

Jimmy Page - Magus, Musician, Man is a meticulously researched life story of Led Zeppelin's legendary guitarist and producer. From his childhood in war-torn Britain and his pivotal role in the recording studios that launched the British Invasion of the '60s to his milestone achievements, his dark, nefarious excesses with Led Zeppelin, and his emergence as a revered cultural icon and honored philanthropist, this biography - the first ever written about Jimmy Page - portrays all his spiritual, artistic, and personal dimensions. Swinging London, the Sunset Strip, Bron-yr-Aur, Kashmir, and Clarksdale: Magus, Musician, Man traverses through all of Page's hallowed stomping grounds and tells, at last, the complete story of one of rock 'n' roll's most enigmatic and influential talents.

John Henry Bonzo Bonham was the godfather of hard rock drumming - and he remains an idol to legions of Led Zeppelin and heavy metal fans worldwide. Although Bonham had to be courted away from more lucrative offers, he joined the newly formed band in 1968, helping guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant create such famous songs as Stairway to Heaven and Kashmir until his sudden death in 1980 at the age of 32. His unmistakable drum patterns are among the most emulated and sampled by today's rock drummers. This book is the first biography focusing on Bonham, providing a detailed track-by-track analysis of his greatest recordings, 45 color photos, and the most detailed and accurate inventory ever of Bonham's drum kits and percussion equipment.

Landmark book on live music's most high-profile and historic concerts. Forty years of rock 'n' roll and rebellion, it's all here: the music, the mud, and the memories. Join Together! Forty Years of the Rock Festival takes us behind the scenes of the major rock festivals such as Monterey Pop, Woodstock, Isle of Wight, Live Aid, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, Live8, the US Festivals, Vans Warped Tour, SARSstock, Woodstock '99, Coachella, Bonnaroo, and dozens of other international events. Over 90 artists contribute their unique memories and perspectives on the music festival and its impact on rock music and society. From the bad acid and mud of the first Woodstock to the fiasco of the later editions and beyond, this book is for everyone who was there, in body or spirit.

Neil Young's musical evolution has been as versatile as rock itself: pioneering country-rocker with Buffalo Springfield; seminal folk-rocker with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; gentle acoustic guitarist; crashing hard rock electric guitarist; grunge prototype; and good-times rock 'n' roller. This cerebral singer/songwriter has penned unforgettable melodies, harmonies and lyrics, portraying plaintive sadness, lilting warmth and ragged anguish with his unmistakable tenor voice. Offering detailed analyses of this idiosyncratic musician's songs and the stories behind them, this book examines all of Young's key albums from 1967 to 2000, including such milestones as After the Gold Rush, Harvest, Tonight's the Night, Rust Never Sleeps, Harvest Moon, Silver & Gold and many others. An essential companion to one of the most important of all rock repertoires.

Led Zeppelin may have disbanded in 1980, but their legacy lives on. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham always insisted that the music they made, onstage or in the studio, was the important thing. This meticulous book turns away from Zeppelin's well-chronicled antics on the road to explore what made them the biggest rock band of their day and an enduring influence on generations of musicians. With many rare and seldom-seen photographs, this is the definitive vindication of Led Zeppelin's place at the pinnacle of 20th century musical achievement.

Tony Bacon's definitive guide to Gibson's most famous guitar moves into its latest and most complete version yet with this new and thoroughly revised edition. Now with 16 more pages and 45 new pictures, this timely (and re-titled) update of 50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul (2002) tells the story of one of the greatest musical instruments of the 20th century - and one that is still holding center stage today. Since Gibson's Les Paul solid body electric guitar first appeared in the early 1950s, it has always been easier to list the famous guitarists who have not used one at some point or another in their careers. This improved edition of the book features a complete history of the guitar and its players - from the original Goldtop through the Fretless Wonder and the revered 1958-60 Burst, and on to the reissues of today. Richly illustrated with 250 archive and performance shots, ephemera, and specially commissioned studio photos, The Les Paul Guitar Book is the most complete guide ever to Gibson's best-known guitar, and a must-have for every player and collector.

The official record of the incredible down-home jam sessions held by Levon Helm, the charismatic drummer, singer, and sometimes mandolin player for The Band. Accompanying the spectacular photos are testimonials and remembrances from the notable blues entertainers and musicians who have joined the Ramble.

For over 170 years the C.F. Martin company has produced some of the finest flat-top acoustic guitars in the world. Martin's designs for the shape and construction of these instruments have influenced virtually every other manufacturer, and the flat-top guitar as we know it today is essentially the same as that established by Martin in the 1850s. At one time or another Martin's guitars have driven the sound of every kind of popular music, from country to pop, from bluegrass to rock 'n' roll, and with the current resurgence of acoustic music, Martin's premier guitars are once more finding a new generation of enthusiastic musicians. The Martin Book is a fresh view of this extraordinary guitar maker, pulling together many strands of musical and manufacturing lore into a fascinating whole that illuminates Martin's long and varied history. Dozens of specially commissioned full-color photographs show every kind of Martin model, some of which come from Martin's own unique collection. Meticulous listings for collectors and enthusiasts simplify the identification of Martin instruments and detail virtually every guitar that the company has produced since the early 1830s.

Marvin Gaye's life and brilliant career were cut tragically short on April 1, 1984 - one day before his 45th birthday - when he was shot and killed by his own father. Now, for the first time ever, Marvin Gaye's story is told in intimate detail by a member of his own family. Frankie and Marvin Gaye were close from childhood until Marvin's death. Frankie was at Marvin's side when he died, and only Frankie heard his deathbed confession. Full of never-before-told personal anecdotes, this book takes you behind the scenes from Marvin's childhood, through his spectacular success at Motown and then Columbia, his stormy relationships with women, and finally to his descent into drugs and despair. The true story of the man behind the beloved music is now available to fans old and new. Includes great photos throughout, a helpful index, and a timeline of important events in Marvin's life.

The jazz guitar and its master players have had vast influence in a genre of uniquely provocative 20th century music. Written by some of the world's foremost jazz authorities and illustrated with more than 200 gorgeous photographs, this book spotlights remarkable musicians whose artistry has made the guitar fundamental to jazz. From 1930s electric pioneer Charlie Christian, to 1960s fusion visionary Larry Coryell and beyond, Masters of Jazz Guitar celebrates the achievements of players who changed the sound of jazz. Features deluxe paper stock, full-color throughout the book, and a bonus CD with 14 classic tracks by Howard Alden, Tal Farlow, Danny Barker, Al Casey, George Barnes, Herb Ellis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Phil Upchurch and Jack Wilkins.