Steve Turner is an English music journalist, biographer, and poet whose work often delves into the intersection of popular music and the spiritual life. His writings explore the profound themes that have inspired generations of musicians, examining how music reflects and shapes our faith and search for redemption. Turner's poetry, appealing to both adults and children, is characterized by its playful language and insightful observations.
The book offers a richly illustrated exploration of the real-life inspirations behind the Beatles' songs, providing insights into the band's music and influences. Authored by esteemed Beatles expert Steve Turner, it presents a definitive analysis of their legacy, enhanced by a complete collection of printed lyrics to all their songs. This updated edition captures the essence of the world's most iconic rock-and-roll band, making it an essential read for fans and music historians alike.
This annotation offers a captivating exploration of a pivotal year in the lives and careers of a legendary group whose influence reshaped music and popular culture. Beginning as pop icons adored by screaming fans, they evolved into musical visionaries credited with initiating a new era. The transformative year was 1966, marked by their final concert and the release of "Revolver," an album designed for listening rather than performance. This year, the group took significant risks by retiring from live shows, delving into themes of consciousness, and expressing their views on politics, war, and religion. It was a tumultuous time, highlighted by John’s controversial remark about their popularity surpassing Jesus, record burnings in America, a scandal in the Philippines, John’s meeting with Yoko Ono, and Paul’s inspiration for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." On the fiftieth anniversary of this crucial year, music journalist Steve Turner meticulously examines the profound changes in the Beatles' lives and music during 1966. He delves into historical events that influenced the group and the cultural impact of their work, drawing insights from interviews with key figures and those close to the band. This account reveals how four young men from Liverpool became pioneers for future artists across genres.
During Steve Turner's work in schools and bringing up his own family he has been fascinated by children's curiosity and how sometimes quirky questions can be quite serious.
From early spirituals to urban gospel, this definitive guide to gospel music expounds in great detail upon the most highly praised but least well known of the influences to contemporary rock, soul, and rap Far beyond its immediate image of robed choirs, gospel—through its solo singers and quartets, its impresarios and recording companies—has helped to give voice to the history of black people in America as well as shaping more obviously secular musical forms such as blues and rock and roll. In this compelling and lively study, the story of gospel is told against the backdrop of over a century and a half of social and economic changes taking place in America. Its history is traced from its earliest expressions on the plantations of the south to initial influences in churches, its movement into the mainstream of popular music, and on to its major period of popularity and influence in the middle decades of the 20th century. Also featuring original interviews conducted by the author with many legendary figures of gospel and illustrated with gorgeous full-color photographs throughout, this authoritative guide to gospel music covers slavery and spirituals; the 1920s and Thomas Dorsey; the Golden age from 1945 to the 1960s and Mahalia Jackson; the 80s and Aretha Franklin; as well as the urban gospel of today—including dance, hip hop, R&B, and more.
In The Complete Beatles Songs, Steve Turner shatters many well-worn myths and
adds a new dimension to the Fab Four's rich legacy. The book covers the Fab
Four's entire output chapter by chapter and includes a complete set of printed
lyrics to accompany each song, used with exclusive permission from the band's
music publishers.
This title explores the myths surrounding The Beatles' music, delving into questions about figures like Eleanor Rigby and locations like Penny Lane, revealing the true stories behind their iconic songs.
Chronicles the life and career of American country music star Johnny Cash and examines his early childhood, military service, problems with drug addiction and the law, and how he turned his life around
