The book delves into the life and career of Randy Newman, showcasing his unique approach as a songwriter and musician. Through extensive interviews with Newman and those close to him, Robert Hilburn aims to create a comprehensive portrait of Newman as a storyteller and cultural critic. Highlighting his ability to capture the complexities of the American experience, the narrative explores how Newman’s work resonates with both admiration and critique, positioning him alongside iconic artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young.
This is an intimate, candid, and definitive biography written with Simon’s participation and encouragement by acclaimed biographer and music writer Robert Hilburn.
People don't just listen to Johnny Cash: they believe in him. Although part of his life has been told on film, there are many compelling layers to his story that have remained hidden - until now. Robert Hilburn tells the unvarnished truth about a musical icon whose personal life was far more troubled and his artistry much more profound than even his most devoted fans have realised.
A noted music critic who knew him tells the unvarnished truth about Cash, whose personal life was far more troubled and his artistry much more profound than even his most devoted fans have realized.
Robert Hilburn's storied career as a rock critic has allowed him a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of the most iconic figures of our time. He was the only music critic to visit Folsom Prison with Johnny Cash. He met John Lennon during his lost weekend period in Los Angeles and they became friends. Bob Dylan granted him his only interviews during his "born-again" period and the occasion of his 50th birthday. Michael Jackson invited Hilburn to watch cartoons with him in his bedroom. When Springsteen took to playing only old hits, Hilburn scolded him for turning his legendary concerts into oldies revues, and Springsteen changed his set list. In this totally unique account of the symbiotic relationship between critic and musical artist, Hilburn reflects on the ways in which he has changed and been changed by the subjects he's covered; Bono weighs in with an introduction about how Hilburn's criticism influenced and altered his own development as a musician. Corn Flakes with John Lennon is more than about one man's adventures in rock and It's the gripping and untold story of how popular music reshapes the way we think about the world and helps to define the modern American character.
