One of my collecting passions other than collecting books specifically about the Beatles is to collecting books and other print material about musicians that were chosen to back the solo Beatles in their careers beyond Abbey Road.

This post will combine a few books about some of the musicians who backed the group in their solo years but also a few signed print items by some of those musicians as well. Hope you will enjoy this lengthy post!

MUCHO JESSE

“Mucho Jesse” was the term John Lennon used in the beginning/opening of an early demo take of John’s song Mucho Mungo for the Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats LP. To me, it helps to highlight the respect and admiration John held for Jesse Ed Davis. From the book by Douglas Miller presented below it seems that Jesse Ed Davis also admired and respected John Lennon and was emotionally crushed when John was assassinated. There are existing photos of John Lennon and Jesse Ed Davis taken at Disney World in front of a statue of a Native American.

The title below holds a particular fascination for me. It is a book about Native American lead guitarist, Jesse Ed Davis. Jesse died in his 40’s due to problems with addiction but despite his tragic loss, he left a rich legacy of beautiful guitar solos in the rock realm. His talents were not limited to rock as he loved both jazz and the blues as well. This superb biography by a history professor at Oklahoma State University details Jesse’s life in music and some of his personal demons that contributed to his short life. I loved this book.

Jesse’s personality and respect for John Lennon helped to crush his spirit once John was assassinated. Jesse not only played with George Harrison at the Concert for Bangla Desh but he also played on John’s Walls and Bridges and the Rock ‘n’ Roll LP sessions. He also played at the Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus backing Taj Mahal who he played with for quite a few years. He also performed on Harry Nilsson’s Pussy Cats album. I recommend you seek this book out.

You can find it at Amazon on Ebay and many other book search services:

Washita Love Child The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis

Published in 2024 and published by Liveright

Written by:

Douglas K. Miller, PhD

Associate Professor

History Department

Oklahoma State University

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WRITER OF THE FOREWORD

Douglas K. Miller is a professor of history at Oklahoma State University. Douglas Miller‘s academic specialty is twentieth-century Native American history. He is the author of Indians on the Move: Native American Mobility and Urbanization in the Twentieth Century.

Joy Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is the author of nine poetry collections and two memoirs, most recently Poet Warrior and has earned many significant literary accolades!

The back cover of the wonderful new book about Jesse Ed Davis:

The Jesse Ed Davis cover of George Harrison’s song “Sue Me Sue You Blues” from YouTube:

Sue Me, Sue You Blues – YouTube

Two excellent promo video pieces that appeared on YouTube by Professor Miller to inform viewers about his book about Jesse Ed Davis:

“Washita Love Child: The Life and Times of Jesse Ed Davis,” Douglas K. Miller – YouTube

“Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis” with Douglas K. Miller – YouTube

The YouTube pieces by Professor Miller inspired me to seek out Jesse’s first 45 ever with the group New Breed. This record was made either in Jesse’s late high school years or early into his college years. I was able to find a copy of the record on the search service of Discogs:

On Ebay, I was able to locate a copy of Jesse Ed’s high school yearbook from 1962. There are many photos of a young Jesse contained within. The high school was Northeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma!

Jesse’s photo in his graduation yearbook:

A picture of Jesse Ed Davis on the football team:

Jesse Ed Davis on the cross country team. His photo is on the extreme left of the bottom row:

The photo on the left is Jesse Ed Davis playing guitar at a school function:

This photo of Jesse in the middle in the top row was on the 45 ad on Discogs when I bought the 45:

A few musical treats featuring Jesse Ed Davis on lead guitar:

The great lead guitar by Jesse featured in this classic song:

Doctor My Eyes – YouTube

What a lovely guitar opening to John Lennon’s #9 Dream by Jesse Ed Davis

#9 DREAM. (Ultimate Mix 2020) John Lennon w The Plastic Ono Nuclear Band (official music video 4K) – YouTube

Though Jesse Ed Davis passed far too early in his life, his music will live on for a very long time…. A very talented musician!

I highly recommend the Jesse Ed Davis book. You will not only receive a musical education but a history education as well.

DAVE MASON–A BOOK OF MUSICAL MEMORIES

Was pleased to learn that Dave Mason has completed his memoir with the assistance of Chris Epting in this 2024 release published by DTM Entertainment Publication date-September 10, 2024

From his work with Traffic and Delaney and Bonnie, to recording with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Leon Russell, and Paul McCartney, Dave has had a truly legendary career. He is a distinguished guitar player and a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I highly recommend this book with so many great stories by Mr. Mason!

To order copies of this great book of a musician with a great and voluminous resume, you can go to this link:

Only You Know & I Know, by Dave Mason with Chris Epting — Dave Mason – The Official Site

Copies of the book are also available at Amazon, Ebay and many other book search services such as Abe Books.

The classic Dave Mason song that is the title of the book featured on YouTube:

Only You Know And I Know – YouTube

The back cover of the book:

The inscription that I asked Dave to write in my copy of the book. He was so kind to honor my request which I am very grateful for:

A troubled session drummer who passed away in prison after being convicted of the murder of a family member. It is suspected from much erratic behavior exhibited by him over the course of his career that he unfortunately suffered from mental illness. Not only known for his superb drumming talents, he also supposedly played the classic piano part on “Layla.” He has backed Eric Clapton, George Harrison and John Lennon and numerous other prominent musicians.

This revealing biography written by author Joel Selvin in 2024 and published by Diversion books was a must read for me as it highlights what are often the EXTREMES of the entertainment industry. The highs and the incredible lows for some entertainers makes for interesting reading. Unfortunately, the sad part is the tragedy that often lies lurking in some of these talented entertainers lives on as result of those highs and lows:

Warum spielst du Imagine nicht auf dem weißen Klavier, John ? Hardcover

I ordered this book from Klaus Voormann’s website and was glad that I did. He sent me a signed copy of the book. I have requested that he should get the book translated into English for the large market in the US. To date Klaus has not been happy to do that until he finds the right translator for the project. The title in German translates to English roughly as “Why don’t you play Imagine on the white piano, John?”

German Edition

Published by Heyne Verlag, Munich   October 31, 2003

Unfortunately the book now appears to be out of print at his website:

Books – KLAUS VOORMANN

One of the most difficult signatures for me to find for my collection was drummer, Jim Keltner. Was able to secure a couple of them on Ebay over the years. One of my favorites was the Imagine album cover signed by drummers Jim Keltner, drummer Alan White and bass player, Klaus Voormann. Here are the two items mentioned. That is followed by a very rare Nicky Hopkins signed LP.

Imagine LP signed by Klaus Voormann Alan White and Jim Keltner:

Nicky Hopkins signature. Nicky’s signature is very difficult to find!

Dream Weaver: A Memoir; Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison Hardcover – October 2, 2014

Publisher Tarcher Perigee – My signed copy of this book was purchased at the Fest for Beatles Fans. Gary unfortunately passed away in 2023. Gary played with the group Spooky Tooth and was also featured on several George Harrison LP’s. He also backed Ringo Starr and played in Ringo’s All Starr band as well. He also played with Splinter, the duo who recorded for Dark Horse Records. Gary was respected and loved by many of his musical peers and his musical contributions were significant. The book is available on Amazon and Ebay and numerous other sources.

Mark Rivera who was to back John Lennon at the Sir Lew Grade benefit show in NY, also has played with Ringo Starr on many of the All Starr lineups. He also has backed many other rock luminaries over the course of his illustrious career.

Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig: Hardcover – February 7, 2023

Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig Hardcover – February 7, 2023
by Mark Rivera (Author), Mike Poncy, Ringo Starr (Foreword)

Publisher: Matt Holt

I purchased my signed copy of this book from the Fest for Beatles Fans. Mark is a great guy and a versatile and excellent musician:

The signature page of the book:

Back Cover of the book:

A musician who has worked quite frequently with Ringo Starr. Was a member of the Roundheads and he has co-written a few numbers with Mr. Starkey. This is a work of Beatles fiction by Mr. Burr and was purchased from the Fest for Beatles Fans:

Back Cover of the book:

DAVE SPINOZZA – KEN ASCHER

The talents of excellent Beatles podcaster, Ken Michaels never cease to amaze me and make me smile. I had mentioned to Ken that I was missing both keyboardist Ken Ascher and guitarist David Spinozza’s signatures in my collection of autographs of musicians who had backed the solo Beatles over the years.

Ken knew how happy it would make me to acquire those signatures for the archive. Sent Ken a copy of a Mind Games picture sleeve and sure enough when Ken Michaels saw the both of them perform at a special Big Band does the Beatles show at the Cutting Room in NYC, he asked the 2 musicians to sign the sleeve for me which they graciously did. I sincerely thank Ken for doing this for me and also the 2 musicians who agreed to do so….much appreciated. I have seen very few items signed for fans by either Mr. Ascher or Mr. Spinozza over the years! So this is qute the rarity in my opinion!

At a recent Big Band tribute to the Beatles held at the Cutting Room in NY on November 17, 2024, Dave Spinozza was the musical conductor of the proceedings while Ken Ascher played piano in the entourage giving Beatles songs the Big Band treatment. Ken Michaels knew about my fascination for obtaining the signatures of musicians who have played on many of the former Beatles solo recordings. He was so kind in making an inquiry on my behalf to both David Spinozza and Ken Ascher if they would consent to sign this Mind Games picture sleeve for me for my signature archive. David and Ken both played on the Mind Games LP. Dave also played guitar on Paul McCartney’s Ram and also on Paul’s “Another Day.” Spinozza’s glowing resume is a large one having played with so many stellar acts over the years and he was one of the premiere New York session musicians.

He tells a great story about a lead guitar riff he developed virtually off the cuff for this Dr John’s classic song: Dr. John – Right Place Wrong Time (Official Audio) – YouTube. This discussion by Dave Spinozza is contained on the Talk More Talk program link provided on this blog post shown below. The link is identified as Episode 140: Mind Games and More with David Spinozza and Ken Ascher and is located below!

In addition to the Mind Games LP, Ken Ascher also played on John’s “Walls and Bridges,” John’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll LP as well as Harry Nilsson’s “Pussy Cats” LP! Both of these gentlemen were highly regarded session men for a list of wonderful recordings that is longer than both of your arms. John Lennon in several interviews credits the melody line in #9 Dream from the Walls and Bridges LP to be inspired by the string arrangement that Ken Ascher wrote for the Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats LP number written by Jimmy Cliff, the song is entitled “Many Rivers to Cross.” This is really evident if you are fortunate enough to be able to listen to the quad mix of the Pussy Cats LP where the strings are brought more to the forefront than the 2 channel mix.

On November 17th, 2024, Ken Michaels was able to be at the special show mentioned above at the Cutting Room in NYC. This is the set list that Ken Michaels provided to me of the numbers that the group of 17 or so musicians played at this Big Band tribute to the Beatles. Dave Spinozza conducted the band while Ken Ascher played the piano. Here is their set list. This must have been a wonderful event to have been at:

CUTTING ROOM SET LIST FOR BIG BAND DOES THE BEATLES CONCERT

1) I Want To Hold Your Hand

2) Day Tripper

3) For No One

4) Eleanor Rigby

5) Something

6) Lady Madonna

7) Julia

8) She’s A Woman

9) With A Little Help From My Friends

10) And I Love Her

11) Yesterday

12) Can’t Buy Me Love

13) Hey Jude (just refrain)

14) When I’m Sixty-Four

Please do yourself a great favor by checking out the following podcasts or YouTube shows: You will not be disappointed…

Two excellent session musicians (not enough adjectives to describe their stellar abilities) who have played with either John Lennon, Paul McCartney and/or Ringo Starr. Ken Ascher and Dave Spinozza are interviewed in this excellent “Talk More Talk” podcast on YouTube.

Episode 140: Mind Games and More with David Spinozza and Ken Ascher – YouTube

Talk More Talk, is hosted by a great panel. It is a predominantly solo Beatles-related show on YouTube featuring the excellent co-hosts of Ken Michaels, Kit O’Toole, Joe Mayo, and Tom Hunyady. The show frequently features many special guests with Beatles connections The link for one of those Talk More Talk programs is provided above:

Ken also hosts a syndicated radio show called Every Little Thing:

‘Every Little Thing’

Another great podcast is Things we Said Today, which is another superb panel show featuring the moderator talents of podcaster extraordinaire, Ken Michaels , Darren Devivo, noted radio personality, and Allan Kozinn one of the authors of the superb McCartney Legacy book series. Here is a special episode featuring Elliot Mintz discussing his new book about John and Yoko.

Things We Said Today #423 – Elliot Mintz and “We All Shine On” – YouTube

and his YouTube channel of Ken Michaels Radio. Here are a few episodes that I know you will find of interest:

VIDEOCAST #176 – AARON BADGLEY (DARK HORSE RECORDS) – YouTube

VIDEOCAST #165 – MADELINE BOCARO (Mind Games, You Are Here Exhibit) – YouTube

Ken has the unique ability of being able to report very interesting Beatles-related news and his immense Beatles knowledge allows him to be able to ask his guests pertinent questions of what the Beatle fan audience and in particular knowledgeable Beatles fans want to hear. His command of the material is superb and his presentations are always right on the mark.

Take it from me, I do not give that praise lightly. Ken is one of the best in the business!

The cover of the Mind Games LP which both Dave Spinozza and Ken Ascher played on. Recently there was several box sets released of this album including one super deluxe set of nearly 1500 dollars. There was also a special 3 LP set of Meditation mixes of the album put together by Sean Lennon and a more affordable cd box set for around $140.

My collecting obsession also motivated me to buy this book by David Plowden which features the photo that inspired John Lennon and Yoko to use it for the Mind Games LP. Collecting books that have a peripheral connection to the Beatles has caused me to greatly expand my bookshelves. Published in 1972 by LANDFORM

MIND GAMES LP MUSICIAN CREDIT LISTING

The credit listing available on the album inner sleeve , The source for this listing was from Wikipedia where it mentions Beatles historian, Bruce Spizer as an additional source of the more complete information provided here:

• John Lennon– lead, harmony and backing vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, clavinet, Mellotron, electric piano, conga, tambourine, maracas, güiro, handclaps
  • Ken Ascher – piano, organ, reed organ, electric piano, Mellotron
•  David Spinozza- electric guitar, acoustic guitar on “Out the Blue”
• Sneaky Pete Kleinow-pedal steel guitar
  • Gordon Edwards – bass guitar
• Jim Keltner – drums, cowbell
• Rick Marotta– drums on “Meat City” (with Keltner), bongos on “Bring on the Lucie”
•  Michael Brecker– saxophone
• Something Different (Christine Wiltshire, Jocelyn Brown, Kathy Mull, Angel Coakley) – backing vocals
• Roy Cicala, Dan Barbiero – engineers
• Tom Rabstanek – mastering

Dave Spinozza’s and Kenny Ascher’s contributions to popular music will long be remembered and treasured.

Ken Ascher and Jesse Ed Davis on the Walls and Bridges LP:

Ken Ascher not only played piano, electric piano, clavinet and Mellotron on the Walls and Bridges LP. Another musician mentioned on this post played lead guitar on the LP. Jesse Ed Davis played lead guitar on this LP.

The Pussy Cats LP featuring the musical input of both Jesse Ed Davis and Ken Ascher:

The back cover of the Pussy Cats LP featuring the album credits:

Which Session Musician?

In conclusion, I would like to pose a question that has no right or wrong answer, but I would like to solicit the reasons that you make the choices that you have. In your opinion what session musician made the greatest contributions to any or all of the solo Beatles recordings? Thank you for your input!!!

BUZZ

Other Autobiographies linked to The Beatles

In keeping with the original premise and intention of the JPGR Hodgepodge posts, these posts present a random collection of Beatles-related print items that I have added to my collection over the years. Some are books that are entirely about the group. Others may only feature a story about one of them. Some may feature cover configurations that were changed or withdrawn but not before a few copies were purchased by early adopters such as yours truly.

These posts are not limited to just books. They may feature magazines or other print-related items as well.

These posts are generally lengthier than the regular Buzz’s Beatles Book/Print posts. They are designed to deal with a number of subjects in the hope that you find something that you may have not seen or been aware of before. Hope that you find something that sparks some interest and curiosity!

The first book deals with the drumming style and the vastly underrated contributions of Mr. Starkey to the Beatles. Though the focus of the book is primarily from a musician’s perspective, it contributes an excellent framework of Ringo’s unique drumming style and why his abilities were so crucial to the band’s success.

Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat

Authored by Alex Cain and Terry McClusker-published in 2016 by Matador – this is the limited edition hardback.

Copies of the softcover are available at the Beatles Bookstore, on Amazon, Abe Books and Ebay and among many other book search services:

The back cover of the book;

Alex and Terry’s signature in my copy of the book:

Alex and Terry also combined their talents to write a book about Ringo’s contributions to the “White Album.” Remember- this was a time where Ringo felt disengaged from the band and left the group for a short while. For a short term, while Ringo was away, Paul did some of the drumming on a few White Album tracks. This book appeared in 2019 and was independently published by Luddypool Books:

The back cover of the book:

Alex and Terry also dealt with Ringo’s unique contributions to Abbey Road. You do not need to be either or a musician or a drummer to be able to enjoy both Alex and Terry’s insights and perspectives on Ringo’s unique contributions to the “sound” of the Beatles!

Andy White

Since we are in a drumming frame of mind:

I have a particular fascination for this signed drumhead that I purchased on Ebay. Signed by the session musician, the late Andy White, who played on one of the released versions of the song “Love Me Do.” Also has the signature of the drummer who preceded Ringo Starr in the Beatles, Pete Best. I know it is highly unlikely but I would love to be able to get Ringo’s signature on this as an historical document!

LIPA

The following book is a special one for me. It demonstrates Paul McCartney’s willingness to give back something from the city that helped spawn his genius and talent. Life is a temporary thing but Paul has helped to ensure that talent development will continue to venture forth and flourish in the city by the Mersey!

LAVENHAM PRESS; First Edition (January 23, 2006) Authored and signed by Mark Featherstone-WittyPublished by Schools for Performing Arts (SPA) Press, 2006

Sir Mark Featherstone-Witty OBE (born 2 June 1946 in London is an educator and entrepreneur. He is the founding principal and chief executive of the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts (LIPA) which he founded along with Paul McCartney in the mid-1990s! This wonderful book is filled with photographs and stories behind the development of this great institution for the performing arts in Liverpool, England. One of our dear friends and author of the book “It’s All Too Much” which is also available at the Beatles Bookstore, David Stark, is a yearly presenter of a special award given at the LIPA graduation ceremonies!

The back cover of my copy of the book:

Mark’s signature in the book:

Rolling Stone

For many Beatles fans, this gentleman is controversial as they claim he was extremely biased with a focus on John Lennon in the pages of Rolling Stone magazine rather than his counterpart Mr. McCartney. Paul himself has expressed those sentiments in a few interviews. Some have also accused Wenner of delaying Paul’s solo entrance into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I don’t know how many or if any of those accusations are true, but one thing I am sure of is that Mr. Wenner made a great journalistic contribution, especially in the early years of his magazine, which held a tight grip on the imagination of the youth culture that was coming of age in the sixties. It is sad to see in this digital age in which we live that magazines importance in shifting cultural opinions now lies in the realm of social media. Here is Jann Wenner’s memoir: Published in 2022 by Little Brown and Company part of The Hachette Book Group.

Back cover of the book:

I bought a signed copy on Ebay!

A coming-of-age Beatles novel by journalist Barbara Guardino: Published by Wordclay with a publication date of January 1, 2011

This coming-of-age novel set in the 60s deals with the issue of idol worship in the entertainment industry and how the reality of that situation can often lead to disappointment and disenchantment when coming face to face with one’s perceived idols. I enjoyed reading this unique fictional approach to dealing with hero worship in general. Good job, Barbara!

The back cover of the book:

Barbara’s signature in my copy of the book:

George Harrison Fan Club

Two special books in my collection written by Pat Kinzer Mancuso who was the founder of the only independent Fan Club that was sanctioned by a member of the Beatles. The stories that Pat has to tell in her two books are special and are unique to an individual who has run a Fan Club. Pat’s devotion to George Harrison is a wonderful story that also has some heartache and great disappointments associated with it. I don’t want to spoil it for you but I strongly suggest you seek out these two special books and add them to your Beatles library. Both of the titles can be found on Amazon at eBay and on special book search services like Abe Books!

Published in 2005 by Infinity Publishing

Back Cover of the book:

Published in 2021-Cover design by Pat Mancuso and Andrew Croft Publisher tredition Hamburg, Germany

Another wonderful book that gives the details to the end of Pat’s wonderful George Harrison Fan Club:

The back cover of Pat’s book:

The Beatles How Long Will They Last?

My copy of the Parade supplement to our old daily newspaper, The Hartford Courant from August 2, 1964. I was startled when I looked at this issue to see the mention of Marina Oswald, the former wife of Lee Harvey Oswald. It brought back so many memories of those years!

I have an extensive collection of the tribute issues of John that were printed following his murder. They are too difficult to look at anymore and I am on the verge of getting rid of all of them. They simply hurt too much to open and read! This is the UK magazine New Musical Express with their Dec 13th, 1980 issue:

A couple of fascinating books from noted photographer Ian Wright. Even though the primary focus of these books is not on the Beatles specifically, they do reveal photos and stories that are not too commonplace in Beatles lore. Written by Ian and Lauren Wright these two books provided an excellent backdrop to the photographer’s experience of amassing so many wonderful and professional photographs of artists in the 60’s. You will enjoy this book throroughly. Published in 2021 by Ian and Lauren Wright. I purchased the two following books on Amazon and eBay. I have also seen them advertised on Abe Books.

Back cover of the book – note the praise from Denny Laine:

A book about the Globe Venue in the UK

Amazon’s description of this title by Ian and Lauren Wright:

A illustrated history of the Globe Theater at Stockton on Tees, England from its beginning in 1935 as a grand art deco theater showcasing performers like opera stars including Beniamo Gigli through the 1950s with the emergence of rock and roll performers like Cliff Richard and into the 1960s revolution and the Beatles

Paperback-Published August 22, 2021

Back Cover of the book:

A book by an enginner that has worked with Paul McCartney among may other musical greats. There are many interesting stories are to be found in this entertaining paperback. Richard Digby is a great bloke in my book. Check this one out at Amazon if you get the opportunity: Published in the UK in 2020 by The Book Guild!

The back cover of the Digby book:

Mr. Digby’s signature in my copy of the book:

To Know John Lennon

Published in 2020 by Political Animal Press and written by author Aidan Prewett, this is one of my favorite explorations of people that knew John Lennon and what they had to say about him based on their individual perceptions. I highly recommend this volume to any Beatles/John Lennon fan and/or collector. Both informative and revealing. Put together by conducting exhausting interviews with about 20 people that knew John fairly well, it provides many pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of what people that dealt with John thought of him and his complicated personality! Have seen the book advertised on Amazon, Ebay and Abe Books!

Back cover of the Prewett book:

Aidan’s signature on my copy of the book:

Having Read The Book

Author Greg Sterlace has written a couple of books that have places secured on my bookshelves:

This is a first edition from 2016 published by Adequate Life Publishing

This is a book that has alternate covers. I was able to acquire copies of both of the covers to this title by Greg which was his brave attempt at writing a bibliography which fortunately or unfortunately for bibliography compilers continues to grow at a rate of between 50-100 new Beatles book titles per year. Acting quickly when purchasing new Beatles books has always seemed to work in my favor because if the book is withdrawn or they decide to change the cover for whatever reason, I have the advantage of having acquired both covers! Acting quickly and keeping that in mind would have allowed many people to have acquired the Butcher Cover in the mid-sixties!

This is the back cover of the book:

This is the alternate cover of the title and is more prevalent than the other cover so I can only assume that this is the officially sanctioned cover: Published by Lulu-Independent Publisher in 2016. This is the 2nd edition!

This is another Beatles volume by Greg Sterlace also published by Independent book publisher Lulu in July of 2016

The problem evident in writing both bibliographies and discographies is that they become dated as new releases continue to infiltrate the marketplace. However, that critique did not stop me from purchasing Greg’s books for my collection and i am happy that I did.

Paul McCartney

Not the most well-known McCartney biography but I did enjoy it. This one is by author Peter Ames. Published by Touchstone Publishers in 2009. For someone who remains so active in continuing to record, Paul’s workaholic habits prevent the full comprehensive biography that he merits to be written. Perhaps Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair will be able to accomplish that in their fantastic McCartney Legacy series…

Back Cover of the book:

Peter Ames signed this copy:

As stated so many times before on this blog, I am also interested in books that may even have a peripheral interest in the subject matter of a Beatle or a solo member. They produced this wonderful book about the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus which encourages kids to pursue both musical and video projects as a form of self expression. When musical education often lacks funding in the public school arena, this is a worthwhile contribution to the arts. This book was published with the authorization of Yoko Ono in 2007 by Thompson Course Technology Publishing. I found my copy to purchase on Ebay.

The back cover of the book:

Yoko Ono

Published in 2022 by Sutherland House and authored by Donald Brackett, this book represents yet another reassessment of the artistic contributions she has made to the culture and/or the art world. I enjoy and continue to collect the Yoko biographies and I am looking forward to the next one to appear in April of 2025 authored by David Sheff.

Back Cover of the Brackett title:

The signature of Mr. Brackett in the book:

The upcoming David Sheff Yoko bio scheduled for April of 2025:

A fantastic book issued in Japan-written in both Japanese and English and published in 2020. Authorized by Yoko Ono. I purchased my copy, the one you see here from Ebay. It contains many wonderful rare and obscure pictures. A truly wonderful addition to anyone’s John/Yoko library!

Back Cover of the book:

In my personal opinion, this is the best Yoko Ono biography in the marketplace. Author Madeline Bocaro has received endorsements from Sean Lennon, Lennon close friend, Elliot Mintz, Olivia Harrison, and Lennon associate, Dan Richter, for her book of nearly 600 pages! Books can be ordered at her website and at the Beatles Bookstore:

In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono -Madeline Bocaro

Fifty Fabulous Years

In closing this post would like to present this hardback book written by author Robert Rodriguez and the dvd documentary contained within is by Les Krantz. The book was published in 2010 by Wildwood Books a division of Facts That Matter, Inc. The book presents a beautiful compilation of fifty years worth of fascinating Beatles history featuring many excellent photos to highlight those events. The DVD hosted by Les Krantz is equally as engaging in helping to chronicle those 50 golden years. The book is available in multiple outlets including Amazon, eBay, and Abe Books.

The dvd to accompany the book:

Closing question:

Any suggestions of a particular item or items or Beatles-related subject matter that you would like to see more of, on the blog – please let us know your suggestions! Thanks…

Be healthy and be happy!

BUZZ

CHECK OUT MORE GREAT BOOKS AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE