Chas Newkey Burden Books

When the world heard the news on June 25, 2009, that Michael Jackson had died, it was both a shocking end to a cruelly curtailed and extraordinary life, and a not-quite-unexpected finale to a story full of tragedy and darkness since its beginning. From his early success in the Jackson 5 to becoming the self-styled "King of Pop," Jackson lived his whole life in the limelight. Yet he once described himself as "one of the loneliest people in the world," and his personal life was a constant source of controversy, culminating in his very public fall from grace with his trial for sexual abuse and astonishing debts of $300 million. Millions of fans were looking forward to the 50 planned comeback concerts which were to be the triumphant happy ending to his story, but he died just weeks before they were due to take place. In this fascinating and eye-opening biography, Chas Newkey-Burden separates the man from the myth, unflinchingly examining the more contentious areas of his life while also celebrating the undeniable achievements of this undisputed musical genius. Michael Legend will honor the memory of a man who gave so much joy to so many millions around the world.

The inspirational story of self-taught genius, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, a man who turned the world of cuisine on its head and who continues to push the boundaries of his work.

An up-close and personal look at the teen singing sensation who is rocking the music world  Fresh-faced, charismatic, and impossibly cute, Justin Bieber is a multi-talented young idol who has taken the music world by storm. The first full-scale biography of the singer tells his sensational story, providing fans with insights into his day-to-day world and the chance to see what really makes him tick. At just 16 years old, he has already achieved global recognition and number one hits worldwide with his debut single and album. Born in 1994, Justin grew up in the small city of Stratford in Canada, where his love of singing was apparent from an early age and he was an avid member of the local church choir. When his mom started posting videos on YouTube of her 13-year-old son singing cover versions, hits on the site started building almost immediately and it wasn't long before he had fans—of all ages, all over the world. In 2008, when music-industry professional Scooter Braun became his manager, this young star was firmly on the path to stardom. His debut single One Time was released in 2009 and went into the top 30 in 10 countries around the world, and his album My World 2.0 caused instant excitement. Bieber's gorgeous looks, incredible voice, and sweet personality are driving "Biebettes" everywhere wild, and his inspirational story is a must-have for his legions of fans the world over.

The updated story of Taylor Swift’s stratospheric rise to fame; all any dedicated Swifty needs to know about the pop superstar who’s taking over the world with her Eras tour

This light-hearted yet informative gift book explores the unwritten rules of everyday running. It is essential reading for anyone who marvels at marathons, sprints round the track, or simply plods round the park.

With original interviews and revealing anecdotes this remarkably well- researched biography traces the turbulent life of the tattooed wonder from her childhood pranks, through stage school and her early music to the global legend she will be always remembered as.

The compelling life story of the Grammy-winning soul singer Adele's soulful voice, catchy hits, and vulnerable personality have won her critical acclaim and huge popularity. She has topped the charts in 18 countries--but who is she? What is the truth of the tempestuous life that has so influenced her heartbreaking tracks? How did she overcome the challenges that threatened to derail her career? This compelling book traces her story from her childhood in London, where she began singing at the age of four. During her teenage years she wrote her own music and attended the BRIT school, alongside the likes of Leona Lewis. After posting demos on the MySpace website she earned a record deal and quickly captured hearts. Adele remains an unlikely icon. Her looks are unusual in a formulaic world of celebrity image, she suffers badly with pre-stage nerves, and she once canceled a crucial promotional trip to the U.S. because she felt too down to travel. This is a full, unflinching portrait of a genuine talent and inspiring, uncompromising woman--the curvy girl-next-door who conquered the world.

Famed for his unflinching honesty and shocking insults, Simon Cowell is no stranger to controversy. But what do we really know about the man himself? In this, the first biography of the entertainment mogul, Chas Newkey-Burden reveals the man behind the music.After an inauspicious start, leaving school at sixteen and getting a job in the mail room at EMI, Cowell worked his way up to become a top A&R executive and then experienced a meteoric rise to fame as a judge on the TV talent shows Pop Idol and American Idol. Having already made his mark on the music world by signing such huge acts as Westlife, he then went on to create The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, reaching audiences in their tens of millions. Love or hate him, Cowell's candour, charisma and charm, coupled with his extraordinary business acumen, have made him a household name. Featuring original interviews with those who know him, here we discover the black-and-white truth behind the trademark black clothing and the Hollywood-white smile.

John Blake Edition.