This is a wonderful biography on Melissa Etheridge. I have followed Melissa's carreer for quite a number of years now and still found a ton of information in this book that I never knew. It is extremely well-written and obviously well-researched. And the pictures are just stupendous. A real MUST for even the most casual Melissa fan!

Melissa has always been a favorite artist of mine since my girlfriend and I found a tape of hers on the dollar rack in a Walgreens in CA. We discovered that she had more than one tape, and we immediately went to find the others. Everything us nosy fans wants to know is in this book. That and more! I would most definitly encourage and Melissa fan to read this book and to buy a copy to add to your personal library. It is a must have info book!!!

This is the most informative and entertaining book about Melissa Etheridge. The book is well written, well organized and has some detailed information on how each CD was made and what the stories were behind them. It's the only book about Melissa Etheridge you will ever need.

I hated for Once Upon A Secret to end because I had bonded with the characters, except Leona Farnsworth, of course. Although I never thought I would have much concern for a rock star, Catherine Andorka created a very endearing character in Brad Daniels. Chiropractor, Dr. Tori Glenn, was instantly captivating. I found it refreshing to read a 'Romance' novel
that had deep family values and a well written love scene allwrapped up together. Ms. Andorka has managed to write an exciting and caring book which she magically centered with a very serious and painfully difficult issue. I recommend this book to all who love romance but also desire to expand their understanding/empathy of the sometimes painful parts of life many keep hidden from others. Very well done, Catherine!!

For a long time now, publishing houses of category romance have stated vehemently they would not publish books whose heroes were musicians or rock stars.

Catherine Andorka has not only made a clean break of the unwritten rule, but has done so with excellence in her novel entitled, "Once Upon A Secret."

The hero, Brad Daniels, is "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy." He seems to have everything going for him, talent, success, money, good-looks and charm. But Brad has a secret.

The book does not dwell on a rock star's life, though it does give a glimpse into the hectic, fast-paced, lack-of-privacy lifestyle of the music industry.

The painful secret Brad Daniels has carried with him and how he has managed to keep it from others for years is an examination into the hero's character and intelligence. Insight is given into the way people compensate and mask-over flaws, defects, and imperfections, and the lengths they will go to camouflage or conceal them even if not necessary.

Brad discovers the effect he has on the heroine, Tori Glenn a strong-willed chiropractor, and the powerful influence he wields over her teenage brother Kevin. Drastic measures must be taken to free him of the restrictions his secret has imposed on his life, and that of the woman he loves. How he deals with the hidden information and the manner in which he frees himself of its restrictions is a credit to the creative talent of author Catherine Andorka.

The book is compelling, informative, touching, and eye opening. The depth of each character sets the stage as the true focus, Brad's secret, impressively unfolds through the pages of this novel.

For a superior read that will tug at your heartstrings---become spellbound by the tale of "Once Upon A Secret" by Catherine Andorka.

Published by Five Star, 2002 ISBN 0-7862-4601-4

After the death of her parents, Dr. Tori Glenn assumed the responsibility of caring for her younger brother Kevin. She instilled in him the high educational standards her parents would have expected if they had lived. She is very proud of his latest accomplishment of winning the statewide contest for young journalists. His prize included an interview with famous rock star Brad Daniels. Although a rock star with the reputation "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy" is not the type of ideal role model she would have picked to influence her brother, she still shows her support by accompanying him to the concert and interview. Upon meeting Brad, she is surprised that he is nothing like she had envisioned him, his kindness to her and her brother is very heart-warming.

Brad Daniels was on top of his career as one of rocks leading male vocalists. He felt that he had the world at his fingertips-but something was missing that would make his life complete. When eager fan injuries his hand, and endangers him canceling the concert in steps in Dr. Tori Glenn to the rescue. Tori is a Chiropractor who has come to his concert with her younger brother, who is schedule to do a backstage interview with him. Her kind and compassionate nature appeals to his baser senses. Could she be what his life is lacking? Will he be able to convince her that his lifestyle and image is nothing like the tabloids have fabricated

Catherine Andorka is the type of author you know you are going to enjoy within minutes of reading the first few pages of her latest novel. It is rare to find an author with talent and ambition to write "outside the box" themes that bring to light characters that are facing very real and emotional issues. From the moment I first read the blurb of ONCE UPON A SECRET, I knew this was a novel and author I must track down. I am pleased that I listened to my six sense, for it has led me to not only a book to treasure, but an author who I feel is one of the most talented in the industry. Her flawless writing style is to be admired and commended.

Lynn Goldsmith's Springsteen Access All Areas is a photodiary of his 1978 Darkness On The Edge Of Town tour. The photos are all in black and white and they perfectly capture the spirit of Bruce Springsteen. Ms. Goldsmith was Mr. Springsteen's girlfriend at the time and she uses that cache to give us glimpses of the man and his band that other photographers may never have been able to get. For those of you old enough to remember or even attend a show at the tour, this book will bring you back to that time and for those of us who were too young to know, it provides us with a look at an artist establishing himself as an icon.

There is no question that Lynn Goldsmith does what professional portrait photographers do: capture on film the essence of the person. A very difficult objective that only a few do well. Her book "Photodiaries" documents her portrait work with popular musical artists from the seventies to the nineties and places her work alongside that of Annie Liebowitz in creating the memorable images of our popular music culture. What wonderful fate that she also happened to be the girlfriend of Bruce Springsteen during the 1978 Darkness on the Edge of Town tour. This was an important time for those who beleive that Springsteen writes and performs music that describes a truth in our individual lives and our communities. In 1978, he had not yet "conquered the world". Unlike the years that followed, the audience was not expecting a phenomenal performance, so the concerts were a shock to most. Bruce and the E Street Band were hungry to prove it all night, every night. "All Areas Access" captures the incredible energy of the stage peformance and the reaction of the lucky audiences. My favorite image is of Clarence, Bruce, Gary and Little Steven all in the air and there is no doubt that they are bringing a rocker home one-tenth of a second later. Then the book goes farther. It captures the quiet moments of an artist creating, looking for inspiration, crafting a song, spending a moment with a friend, and of the artist completed exhausted from a peformance. If the music of Bruce Springsteen speaks to you, then this book will illuminate a special time in the life of the artist, the music, and quite possibly yourself.

This is a beautiful little book which captures perfectly a moment of music history.

Springsteen's 78 tour is widely regarded as one of the seminal moments of his career. Coming of the back of Born to Run, the settled courtcase with his ex-managers and the Darkness album, Springsteen undertook a triumphant tour accross America, playing 1,000 to 5,000 seater concert halls.

This tour was a pure celebration of rock n'roll and Lynn Goldsmith's unrivalled access (she was Bruce's girlfriend at the time) allowed her to record it for posterity.

The concert shots capture the excitement of the shows perfectly, the sweat pouring off the performers, Bruce's mock collapse, the interaction with the audience. I've seen bootleg videos and heard many tapes from the tour but I have to say that Lynn Goldsmith's book captures the excitment of being in the crowd at one of those concerts better than any medium I have seen.

But this is more than a collection of superb concert photos, it also captures the quieter moments backstage both pre and post show (including the infamous Bruce shower shot!) Shots of the band eating breakfast, Bruce writing etc.

This book is pricey but will definately appeal to all Bruce fans and admirers of outstanding photojournalism.

If you love B*Witched and to know everything about them this is the book for you. It tells you about there History OF there life and there hopes and dreams for the future. There are plenty of pitures which are great.There are facts on B*Witched and even a quiz to test your knowledge. If you wanna know more about B*Witched this is most certaintly the book for you. Adam

The official book is a must for the true B*Witched fan ,such as myself. The book provides a delightfully fun yet informative insight about the girls, by the girls. The book doesn't take on the form of a stuffy autobiography, but rather takes on a fun narration of the story of the best group around. Simply said, a great book.

I love this book SO much. B*Witched is my favourite band, and this book gave me SO much info on the girls and wicked pics...I REALLY suggest getting this book if you like B,

As a music fan, there are two things you want to add to your experience, a songlist compilation and a biography. Anything more is really too much, but in the case of groundbreaking album cover art, and knowing Pink Floyd's history of employing visual effects in their shows, a book like this is necessary, especially since albums are gone now, and the tiny graphics you get on a CD jewel case don't compare with the stuff promoters used to jam into album jackets. This book is a trip into Storm Thurgeson's head, not necessarily Floyd's. The difference is not much since Storm was a boyhood chum, and listened so well to his employer's ideas, instead of pushing his own. That's one reason the band was so successful musically as well, was Hypnosis' reliance on the members' themes. This book is not a graphic artist's design book, though I wish it were, but it would be tons bigger. It covers 30 years (and not even all the Floyd's covers (for instance, The Wall)). But you will appreciate the fact that Storm operated more under impluse as a designer than by today's modern design houses which try to render graphics in a production line style...can't be done. The author's bylines give us insight if not in technical process, then in the intellect process, and it's good fun knowing this guy was a friend to the Floyd for a LONG time, even having to uncomfortably stand in the middle of relationships for the 'Is There Anybody Out There?' live Wall issue. All in all, I'd give 5 stars for the artwork and presentation, but lose half of one for lack of technical explanation. Enjoy!

What do you get when you cross art and the greatest rock band in history? A materpiece! If I had the chance, I would give this book a million stars!

Storm Thorgerson, mastermind behind most of Pink Floyd's album artwork, has compiled almost all of the rare, unusual, interesting, and familiar pieces. It also includes stories on how they (the art) came to be (which, by the way, sheds a light on the innovative genius of the band). It goes from the early years of Syd Barrett to the post-Waters era. This book is a must for any Floyd fan, especially one who is interested in the history and progress of the band.

Few people have been more closely associated with Pink Floyd over the band's 30-year career than graphic designer Storm Thorgerson. And virtually no one (outside the band members themselves) has been more responsible for the mystique that shrouds the band and its music.

In "Mind Over Matter", Thorgerson explains in some detail the concepts and techniques behind the creation of some of the most evocative and memorable images in the history of Rock and Roll. With stories and recollections dating back to the band's foundations in the mid-sixties, Thorgerson goes piece-by-piece through most of the band's catalogue, recounting not only how he and his team created the images, but also detailing what they are meant to represent and how they relate to the music.

The book features beautiful color reproductions of the band's album covers, lyrics layouts, and CD booklets. (All but two Floyd albums-- "The Wall" and "The Final Cut"-- are included ; these are omitted because Thorgerson was, in his own words, "temporarily relieved of [his] duties" for these albums.) But the biggest treat to the serious fan are the reproductions and discussionsof lesser-known images, such as a tour promo and program from 1975, and artwork specially conceived for the 'deluxe' boxed set "Shine On". Also included are the designs for the remastered and repackaged CD releases of the Floyd's albums, as well as some art which was apparently created just for this book.

As a full-sized coffee table book, "Mind Over Matter" is gorgeous to look at. Thorgerson's text, which is witty and insightful, makes for a good read. All in all, no Pink Floyd fan should be disappointed.

This book is truly a joy to read. It is inspirational, full of wisdom and one that is bound to lift your spirit. Each story reaches deep down in your soul and inspires you to have a greater love for God and mankind. This book is definitely one that you would want to read again, and share with others. I strongly recommend it for our youths. This is the kind of food they need to be nurtured on.

May God continues to bless the author and I pray she continues to write more books of this nature, that is so spiritually uplifting.

A must read book!

THIS IS A SUPER BOOK AND I STRONGLY RECCOMEND IT BEING READ TO YOUNG AND OLD A LIKE. THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN WITH REAL PEOPLE IN MIND READING IT, I READ THIS BOOK WHILE VISITING IN THE AUTHORS HOMETOWN AND SITTING IN THE HOME OF THE MS CASONDRA PURFOY, WHOM THE AUTHOR DEDICATED A SHORT STORY TOO. I truly enjoyed this book and I am looking for my own personal copy to let other friends of mine read and give them chance to purchase this book for themselves. Again a super job and hats off to the Author and looking to the future of reading more from you own part 3 ,Mr Wise Willie and Raymond the son, May our God continue to bless you and your talents...

This is truely and inspirational book. In my opinion, God Bless The Child Who's Got His Own was the best. I could really picture the situation! It was like a movie in my head! Mrs. Jones was a character I will never forget. I fell in love with Ms. Jenavee Ledlow. She told it like it is! I learned a lot from her. For now on, I will give back freely what the good Lord gave to me. God bless you Carol! I encourage you to never give up your career.

Deanna Adams should be commended for "Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection." It's apparent she spent a herculean amount of time researching and writing this book. I think we all need to remember that even eyewitnesses to accidents have different accounts of what occurred, so how could those of us who witnessed Cleveland's rock scene in these four-plus decades (and many of you were probably smoking funny cigarettes too) remember everything the same. Sure, there are some mistakes, but on the whole, this is a well-researched amazing documentation of the music we grew up with.

I couldn't get enough of the info in this book!I was in many bands from the 60's and knew of many of the venues and musicians mentioned. Cleveland is not longer(unfortunately) like that,as is radio or TV anywhere.This book not only captures a great moment in rock and roll's birth,but also a glimpse of a time that Cleveland musicians should embrace!

As a history teacher, I found this book to be an amazing and very readable history of the music scene in Cleveland, and it answered for me the question as to why the Rock Hall is located in that city. At first I was wary of the book due to some of the reviews on this site, but then I saw that it is published by Kent State University Press. Having known a number of people who have dealt with this publisher, I know how particular they are in confirming facts and information. Glad I didn't pay attention to the "naysayers" as this really is an interesting book.

This is not only a great rock biography, but a great biography period. Though most "rock stars" seek the spotlight, Roy avoided it. Yet Carson has managed to get closer to who he was than most bio writers get to their subjects, who give the public a persona but hide themselves more cleverly than R. B. This book is of interest to Roy fans, rock or country guitar afficianados, anyone interested in the early history of white rock and roll and anyone interested in exploring the world of a conflicted genius. Carson spends important time describing the early days of Buchanan in small town California. This is much more than the usual cursory treatment, for the seeds of who he became were rooted there. Carson makes few judgements, and lets Roy's friends and fellow players provide much of the insight. In many ways a sad story, but not maudlin. Although you wish it could have turned out differently, maybe it could not have. Buchanan was a man who had a chance at what we call everything, and turned it down to play his own music his own way. Was he a tragic figure or a hero? Read this book and decide for yourself.

I'm a huge fan of Roy Buchanan, so no doubt I was excited when I heard about this full-length biography. Despite the fact that Roy was the most talented of the guitar virtuosos of our time, his music remained largely unknown for the general audience. And even for a hardcore fans, little was known about Roy's life and background.

The author Phil Carson concentrates on the musician Roy Buchanan. He has done a throughout research work on Roy's early influences, as well as interviewed and collected other musicians experiences with Roy. Despite being a fan, the author manages to give us an objective, and also a critical view of Roy's work. The numerous anecdotes given in the book lighten up the story.

This is essential book not only for those specifically interested in Roy Buchanan and his music, but also for guitar players in general as Roy's guitars and techniques are presented.

And while reading it be sure you have some of Roy's music in your stereo!

At long last comes a book that, for the first time, gives a detailed look into the life and music of this gifted (and largely unheralded) guitarist.

Even those unfamiliar with Roy's particular genius will find "American Axe" a fascinating chronicle. The book provides not only insight into Roy's early influences but gives an historical perspective to the very beginnings of rock and roll itself. You get a real feel for what life on the club circuit was like for the journeyman musician in the 50's and 60's.

Phil Carson has obviously taken great pains to garner first-hand accounts about Roy from family, friends and musical colleagues in order to piece together some understanding of what made Roy tick as accurately and fairly as possible. Roy was generally media-shy so there are many eye-opening revelations here.

I couldn't make a higher recommendation for this book. It is a much overdue and welcome addition to the Roy Buchanan fan's collection.

This has some dazzling reviews of untaped concerts from SRV and DT. Also it has lots of information on Stevie Ray's life with other bands, Jimmie Vaughan, girlfriends, parents etc. Keri Leigh was a friend of SRV's and his chosen biographer. Hower this book does have big problems. The quality of the literal material like the binding of the book has almost completely fallen apart since December of 2000. I only read it once! Also, there is no direct interviews of any of the 4 members that past through Dt. Not Tommy, Chris, Jackie Newhouse or Reese. And no interviews from Keri of Jimmie Vaughan either. Only quotes from other publications, no real stories. That seemed alot less personal and to add to it, Keri Leigh his ''friend'' really didn't have any anecdotes of her own of Stevie Ray to tell. I loved the book in general though, and actually shed tears a few times, however was surprised in many of the things I just mentioned. Also, there were a massive amount of typos through here that just don't show up in professional books usually. There were great sections on the Vaughan brother rivalry and Srv and Bonnie Rait and Buddy Guy though. There were definetely some mysterious happenings with Stevie and the last few months of his life. Many horrifying coincidences. There was plenty talk of Stevie's amps and strings and so forth that should be interesting to any electric guitar player. That was a redeeming quality not to be overlooked. There were some odd choices in pictures here, but 80 percent of them were worthy of making into posters, that's how good they are. Another good reason to get the book. You get a real sense of Stevie's feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability, as Keri quotes him talking about his idols and his manner towards them. I really did expect far more rhetoric about Albert King who really did have more respect than King Fans might be able to imagine. Albert didn't give much credit to more than a few bluesman, [particularly guitarists] but as he said on the In Session album and Tv show- something like this anyway- '' Lots a guitar players out here. They play loud and they play fast-don't concentrate on no soul... But you Got 'em both....You pretty good.'' And so on. But only a few lines of Albert show up here. That was surprising. All in all, if you're a fan you shouldn't be dissappointed with what is there, and should get lots of enjoyment out of it too. However if you only want one book about Stevie, remember that this one does have some faults though lots of good reading. Also There is quite a large portion of the pages devoted to keeping you up with the Jimmie Vaughan, The Thunderbirds, and many Austin players to grow up with SRV and their intertwining timelines.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved Stevie Ray's music, but never knew much about him or his dedication to the music he loved and shared so emotionally with anyone who would listen. "Soul to Soul" is the story of his short life by someone who cared about him and felt the need to tell others who loved him all about him. I was riveted from the first page to the last, and found myself turning back and forth to reread some detail or laugh again at something Stevie Ray did or said. The only problem with this book is that, tragically, the hero dies. But then again, You know that going in. If you think you're over it, that you've shed your last tear for him, think again and read this book. I love you Stevie, wherever you are, Thank you so much.

This book is an excellant read for anyone who is remotely interested in Stevie Ray. Unlike 'Caught in the Crossfire', this book told the story of Stevie Ray's love for music and later on, for life. There are lots of great photos and bits and pieces including set lists, lyrics on napkins, etc. Well done Keri for telling the story how it should be told. All Stevie is now is a memory, but a memory that will live forever in our hearts and soul. SOUL TO SOUL! Go get it!

Judy Valentine always hid from life behind her drums. It was always her dream to be part of a rock band, as well as her older brother's dying wish for her. Three years after her brother's suicide, Judy finds her band, Wedding Night. Opening for Nick Praetorious, the hottest act in the country, brings the band national attention and forces Judy at sixteen years old to deal with success, attention, and being idolized while still developing her own identity.

Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher tells the similar story of a teenage boy named Dillon who also loses his older brother to suicide. Dillon escapes his pain through triathalons, an extreme contrast to Judy's music writing and playing. Crutcher tends to write novels centered around sports because more young people can relate to sports analagies than they can to introspecitve song lyrics. For me, it was nice to read a young adult novel with a storyline that I could relate to rather than merely understand.

"You can give her all your money, till you're totally broke./ You can christen her with diamonds, You can sprinkle her with coke./ But you'll never have her and you'll never know her/ 'cause she's the girl, she's the girl inside the girl."(Pg. 36) Judy "wrote" this song,"The Girl Inside the Girl". Many other full song lyrics are included throughout the book so that one can truly hear the sounds of a Wedding Night concert as well as visualize it. One even begins to understand the rock and roll lifestlye through a teenager's eyes. Once seen from behind closed doors, a rock star's life loses it's luster and glamourous image. Yet, the passion never dies for the music, not for Judy Valentine.

This book was written for "young adults", so it might be a little below an older teen's reading level. However, the storyline is just so unique, I would still recommend it to any music lover.

A magnificient book, although tad childish and naive. The author weaves a beautiful tale of the protagonist Judy, a drummer who recovering fromt eh death ofher brother, is yearning to discover herself through her 'band'. SHe finds this band when she answers mysterious want ad. and meets Strobe, together they assemble this band...Irwin. Maddox and Mark the Music. The descirpitions that the author uses when describing music being made is painfully beautiful. His descriptions of Mark the Music playing the guitar are exceptionally beautiful....leads you to believe the author is a guitarist...The story is very tight and Judy's voyage of discovery, in the company of 'Wedding Night', the band, is told very well. The ending is beautiful...ANyone with music in their hearts will fall in love with this book.

This is one of the most wonderful books from my early adolescence I ever read...it can to me at just the time I needed it and that I will never forget. I felt just like the heroine of the book the whole time... her against the world in a desperate desire to simply make music and find out who she is. Read it...and give it to your teens...