Sanest Guy in the Room: A Life in Lyrics

Don Black is a songwriter and composer who has worked with many famous artists, such as Shirley Bassey, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, and Barbra Streisand. He has remained the sanest guy in the room, despite his remarkable musical career. His memoir, "The Sanest Guy in the Room," is a compelling collection of memories, insider information, and after-dinner anecdotes. It also reveals the essence of his craft and provides insight into a life behind the lyrics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating memoir, "The Sanest Guy in the Room" is a delightful compilation of memories, insider insights, and after-dinner anecdotes. The Times praises it as a brilliant collection of stories and wonderful behind-the-scenes glimpses of a life and career in show business, describing it as "bloody brilliant."

Don Black, the songwriter's songwriter, a composer's dream collaborator, and the man behind some of the greatest musical numbers of the twentieth century, is the subject of this remarkable memoir. Black began his journey into the glamorous world of showbiz as a stand-up comedian, but soon realized his mistake and redirected his focus toward his lifelong passion—music. Over the years, he has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Shirley Bassey, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, and Barbra Streisand. Notably, he has maintained a close working relationship with West End legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, creating a remarkable musical career.

Despite his success, Black has always remained what Mark Steyn coined as "the sanest guy in the room." Interwoven with the stories behind songs like "Diamonds are Forever" and "Born Free," "The Sanest Guy in the Room" offers vignettes of Black's life with his beloved wife, Shirley, who passed away in March 2018, after almost sixty years of marriage. Black writes movingly about the profound impact of his grief on his life and how the dark days are gradually giving way to moments of darkness.

"The Sanest Guy in the Room" is a rich and delightful paean to a life lived through song. It delves into the essence of Black's craft, explores the influences that have shaped him, and provides insight into what made those iconic artists tick. At the same time, it serves as a poignant tribute to Shirley, his greatest inspiration. Told with wit, warmth, and great humor, this memoir offers a captivating glimpse into the life and work of Don Black.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472132949