Five Books for Music Aficionados
1) Any books on Michael Jackson. I have read at least three since he died, and each had a different perspective on the musical genius that was Michael Jackson. Stories about his childhood, his musical prowess, his pitch, one of a kind, his work ethics, his deep knowledge of the music industry. For a man […]
1) Any books on Michael Jackson. I have read at least three since he died, and each had a different perspective on the musical genius that was Michael Jackson. Stories about his childhood, his musical prowess, his pitch, one of a kind, his work ethics, his deep knowledge of the music industry. For a man who was home taught, Michael’s knowledge of the industry in all of the books I’ve read were profound. Pretty much like a professor of music, dance, love, culture, law and accountancy, Michael understood them all with such depth that is difficult to believe. Everyone should read his book- Moonwalking- a book written with such innocence and beauty, you can see his very soul. If you love music get a copy of any book on Michael Jackson or by Michael Jackson. Educate yourself.
2) This Bitch of A Life by Carlos Moore. This is considered a top book on the life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music is something to get drunk on, his dance and wardrobe peculiar only to him. His marriages, peculiar only to him. His habits peculiar only to him. While I do not subscribe to his substance abuse habits, I find his music iconic. Is it ‘Yellow Fever’ about the people who want to change their skin colour, or ‘dead body get accident’? or is it the earlier one ‘Je un ka o ku’ Fela’s life and his music are intertwined. This book conquers his journey. Every one should get a copy.
3) Any book that traces the story of rap music in the United States of America to its explosion all over the world is a book to own. Today rap music is not a genre of music, it’s a culture. It’s a lifestyle. Again while I do not subscribe to the thug lifestyle of rap music, the drugs, the misogyny, I am a fan of the poetry, the elegance of words in music, the influence of rap music across the world. The power of words. I have listened to Ludacris, Eminem, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj and our own Nigerian rappers who are pushing it- Ikechukwu, Mode 9, Naeto C, Six foot plus and Terry the rap man. I’ve listened to MI, Jesse Jagz, Sasha P and all those keeping it locked in Nigeria. I love the special type of rap music, if the words are right and the rhymes are beautiful.
4) Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro. These are a collection of short stories written by the famous Novelist Kazuo Ishiguro. Taking music and love together, mixing them in a cauldron, he delivers some of the most amazing stories of music and love I have ever read. Sad tales of love, amazing tales of music. A collection to die for. In this book, you travel with the characters. You can touch them, feel them, believe them, live them. Highly recommended for music aficionados.
5) This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales. This book is about a girl Elise Dembowski, who doesn’t love much in her life but the way music plays into it is at the top of the list of things she does love about her life. Watch as Elise finds her strength and path in life through the one thing that has always been her passion-Music.