The Times Lives Behind the Music

The Times obituaries collection is a must-read for music fans, featuring obituaries of rocknroll pioneers, pop superstars, and lesser-known innovators. It includes Chuck Berry, Christine McVie, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, David Bowie, Dusty Springfield, and Shane MacGowan. Illustrated with behind-the-scenes photos from The Times archive, it offers authoritative, insightful, and engaging biographies of the music greats who have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A must-read collection for all music fans, "The Times" obituaries offer a captivating glimpse into the world of music stardom. From the rocknroll pioneers of the 1950s to the pop superstars of the 21st century, and lesser-known, boundary-pushing innovators with undeniable influence, this collection features music greats such as Chuck Berry, Christine McVie, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, David Bowie, and Dusty Springfield. These obituaries are accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos from "The Times" archives, providing a unique and intimate perspective on the lives and careers of these legendary musicians.

Chuck Berry, the founding father of rocknroll, lit the flame of teenage rebellion in 1950s America and was himself never far from trouble. His iconic songs, such as "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven," continue to inspire generations of musicians. Christine McVie, the reserved, intelligent singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, was a key member of the band's success, and her album "Rumours" was one of the biggest-selling of all time. Jimi Hendrix, an American singer and songwriter, expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured before. His innovative guitar solos and powerful vocals made him a rock legend. Amy Winehouse, a singer and songwriter with an astonishing voice and talent, was tragically cut short by drugs, alcohol, and scandal. Her music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist for the rock band Queen, was known for his incredible stage presence and powerful vocals. Elvis Presley, the singer known as "The King" and remembered as one of the earliest and greatest exponents of rockn roll music, left a lasting impact on popular culture. Nina Simone, a tempestuous soul singer, enjoyed a 50-year career, but left America because of racism. David Bowie, a rock superstar who had a profound impact on popular music and culture during 50 years of continuous artistic innovation, was known for his unique and daring style. Dusty Springfield, a shy, soulful, smoky-voiced singer whose songs and beehive hair became enduring symbols of Swinging London, was a trailblazer for female artists in the music industry. Shane MacGowan, the hard-drinking frontman of Celtic punk band the Pogues, was hailed for his raw talent and masterful songwriting.

These obituaries are more than just a list of names and dates. They provide a deeper understanding of the artists' lives, their struggles, and their contributions to the music world. They also offer a glimpse into the cultural and social context of the times in which they lived and performed. By reading these obituaries, music fans can gain a new appreciation for the music that has shaped their lives and the impact that these artists have had on the world.

In addition to the obituaries, "The Times" archives also contain a wealth of other music-related content, including reviews, interviews, and features. These resources can help music fans stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the music industry. Whether you are a fan of rock, pop, jazz, or any other genre, "The Times" obituaries and archives are a valuable resource for anyone who loves music.

So why not take a moment to explore the world of music stardom with "The Times" obituaries? Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the music scene, these obituaries will provide you with a unique and insightful perspective on the lives and careers of these legendary musicians.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 224 x 144 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008699642