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Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines

The Life and Music of James Taylor
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( 85 ratings, 14 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines by Mark Ribowsky delves into the life and legacy of musician James Taylor. It explores his rise to fame and his influence on American music, while also detailing the challenges and personal struggles he faced throughout his career. The biography offers an intimate look at both his professional achievements and his personal journey.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the intricate stories behind legendary music figures, especially those who crafted the soundtracks of a generation. It offers a deep dive into the life and career of an iconic artist, exploring both his personal struggles and triumphs in a compelling narrative that combines historical context with engaging storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

In 1970 a scraggly, antiheroic man from North Carolina by way of Massachusetts began presenting a comforting yet biting new sound. Within a year, when young ears sought the latest in rock, there was Fire and Rain and You've Got a Friend, and a new Southern California-fed branch of pop music. James Taylor was its reluctant leader. Remarkably, Taylor

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1970, a scraggly, antiheroic man from North Carolina by way of Massachusetts began presenting a comforting yet biting new sound. Within a year, when young ears sought the latest in rock, there was "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend," and a new Southern California-fed branch of pop music. James Taylor was its reluctant leader.

Remarkably, Taylor has survived: his 2015 release, Before This World, edged out Taylor Swift and went to No. 1 on the charts. Today he is in better physical (and probably mental) condition than during the whirlwind era when he influenced music so heavily. This was the decade when magazines and newspapers printed feverish stories about his gawky hunkiness, his love affair with Joni Mitchell, his glittery marriage to Carly Simon, his endlessly carried-out heroin habit, and sometimes even his music.

Despite it all, Taylor has become the nearest thing to rock royalty in America. Based on fresh interviews with musicians, producers, record company people, and music journalists, as well as previously published interviews, reviews, and profiles, Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines is the definitive biography of an elusive superstar.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines by Mark Ribowsky is praised for its comprehensive exploration of James Taylor's storied career and personal life. Reviewers highlight Ribowsky's skill in interweaving Taylor's professional journey with the broader evolution of the music industry. The biography is noted for its captivating narrative regarding Taylor's battles with addiction, his relationships, and lasting success, offering a rich and detailed portrait of the music legend.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780912777689

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 April 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Chicago Review Press

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 467g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Mark Ribowsky has written thirteen books, including Whiskey Bottles and Brand-New Cars and widely praised biographies of Tom Landry, Howard Cosell, Otis Redding, Phil Spector, and Stachel Paige. He has also contributed extensively to magazines including Playboy, Penthouse, and High Times. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

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