Lesley-Ann Jones is a British author renowned for her insightful biographies. With over two decades of experience as a Fleet Street journalist, her writing is characterized by depth and meticulous detail. Jones focuses on iconic figures in the music world, uncovering their personal stories with a keen sense of nuance. Her works offer readers a compelling glimpse into the lives of artists who have shaped popular culture.
The Definitive Biography
This biography aims to deconstruct the myths surrounding Queen's lead singer and provide an intimate portrayal of Freddie's life and death. From his birthplace in Zanzibar to his final home in London, the author interviews the key people in Mercury's life.
This is the definitive biography of Freddie Mercury. Written by an award-winning rock journalist, Lesley-Ann Jones toured widely with Queen forming lasting friendships with the band. Now, having secured access to the remaining band members and those who were closest to Freddie, from childhood to death, Lesley-Ann has written the most in depth account of one of music's best loved and most complex figures. Meticulously researched, sympathetic, unsensational, the book - like the forthcoming film - will focus on the period in the 1980s when Queen began to fragment, before their Live Aid performance put them back in the frame. In her journey to understand the man behind the legend, Lesley-Ann Jones has travelled from London to Zanzibar to India. Packed with exclusive interviews and told with the invaluable perspective that the twenty years since Mercury's death presents, Freddie Mercury is the most up to date portrait of a legendary man. Fully revised and updated edition.
A compelling new book that unravels the enigma of John Lennon from acclaimed music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones.
Pulling back the many hidden layers of John Lennon’s life, Lesley-Ann Jones closely tracks the events and personality traits that led to the rock star living in self-imposed exile in New York—where he was shot dead outside his apartment on that fateful autumn day forty years ago. Late on December 8th, 1980, the world abruptly stopped turning for millions, as news broke that the world's most beloved musician had been gunned down in cold blood in New York City. The most iconic Beatle left behind an unrivaled body of music and legions of faithful disciples—yet his profound legacy has brought with it as many questions and contradictions as his music has provided truths and certainties. In this compelling exploration, acclaimed music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones unravels the enigma that was John Lennon to present a complete portrait of the man, his life, his loves, his music, his untimely death, and, ultimately, his legacy. Using fresh first-hand research, unseen material and exclusive interviews with the people who knew Lennon best, Jones's search for answers offers a spellbinding, 360-degree view of one of the world's most iconic music legends. The Search for John Lennon delves deep into psyche of the world's most storied musician—the good, the bad and the genius—forty years on from his tragic death.
WHO - OR WHAT - WAS THE REAL LOVE OF FREDDIE MERCURY'S LIFE? This sensational new biography of Queen's frontman delves into the complexities of his romantic life, challenging the notion that Mary Austin was his one true love. Best-selling biographer Lesley-Ann Jones traces Mercury's relationships from his boarding school days in India to his final moments in London. She examines why none of his partners could fully embrace the role of his life partner. The author explores Mercury's intense connections with various figures, including Mary, German actress Barbara Valentin, and Irish barber Jim Hutton. She highlights his admiration for Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé and his close friendship with Elton John, while also investigating his deep ties with Queen bandmates. Jones scrutinizes Mercury's relationship with music, often described as his 'food of love,' and his insatiable appetite for sex, raising the question of whether any of these relationships truly represented the love of his life. Drawing on personal interviews and firsthand accounts, this moving narrative uncovers lesser-known aspects of Mercury's loves, creating a captivating portrait of a legendary rock star. Released during the 30th anniversary of his death and what would have been his 75th birthday, this biography serves as a heartfelt tribute from an author who has long admired his artistry.
His music thrilled the generation it was written for, and has entertained and inspired every generation since. Hero : David Bowie is an exploration of the man behind the myths and the makeup told from the very beginning
The Rolling Stones juggernaut appraised and dissected as never before - the good, the bad, the ugly.
Exploring the life of Christine McVie, this biography delves into her role as the emotional core of Fleetwood Mac, where she balanced the band's tumultuous dynamics while crafting iconic hits. Known as "the mother" of the group, she played a crucial role during their peak with the album Rumours, which mirrored the band's personal upheavals. The narrative, enriched by insights from friends and acquaintances, provides a unique perspective on her struggles with love, addiction, and creativity, painting a vivid portrait of a rock legend and national treasure.
The first definitive account of Paul McCartney's time in Wings, to be published on the 50th anniversary of the bestselling album Band on the Run[Bokinfo].
Nachdem seine Mutter ihm zuvor ein paar Akkorde auf dem Banjo beigebracht hatte, gründete John Lennon zusammen mit ein paar Kumpels aus der Schule 1956 die Band „The Quarrymen“. Wenige Jahre später benannten sie sich um in „The Silver Beatles“ – der Rest ist Musikgeschichte. Die Beatles wurden zur erfolgreichsten Band aller Zeiten und John Lennon zur Legende. Er schuf mit „Help!“ oder „Imagine“ Songs, die jedes Kind kennt, und war das Gesicht der Friedensbewegung. Die renommierte Rockjournalistin Lesley-Ann Jones beleuchtet Lennons Weg vom britischen Vorort in den internationalen Rockolymp ganz neu und legt dabei einen besonderen Fokus auf die Frauen, die ihn umgaben und prägten. Sie sprach mit zahlreichen Freunden und Weggefährten und liefert so eine faszinierende Charakterstudie und ganz neue Perspektiven auf Lennons Leben, Lieben und Sterben. Für alle, die wissen wollen, wer John Lennon wirklich war.
