King Curtis played with Buddy Holly. Jimi Hendrix joined King's band. He opened for the Beatles at Shea Stadium. One of his best friends was Duane Allman. There is a ton of rock n roll tales told in the new book Soul Serenade: King Curtis and his Immortal Saxophone. I am really glad I looked passed King Curtis's R&B and Jazz resume because there wa…

I already saw the Peter Jackson masterpiece “Get Back” why should I watch the film “Let It Be?” “Let It Be” the 1970 film has been remastered and is finally released in it’s original state, I look at it’s significance and give it a rating I have never given any documentary I have ever reviewed in the year in a half of the Rock Talk Studio podcast. …

Anita Pallenberg was a major influence on the Rolling Stones; so much so that it jeopardized her career, family and life. I explore the depth of her story in the new doc Catching Fire. Plus, big news on three new documentaries just announced featuring Led Zeppelin, Los Lobos, and Little Steven Van Zant. Support the Show.…

“Carlos” the documentary delivers a look at one of rock’s greatest guitarist. How personal does it get, is it deep enough? And yes, the Woodstock experience is explained. Plus! Details on a new Grateful Dead book -easily the most unique book I have ever read about the band. And news on upcoming projects from The Rock n Roll Nightmare series, John L…

Here’s the latest news about projects on Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Bob Marley and the sequel to a 1984 rock n roll movie classic. This is the bonus episode, a continuation of the conversation about all the latest news to get fired up about. If you’re looking for more news and recommendations on the latest rock n roll books and d…

20 female rockers tell their war stories about the music industry and what they used to overcome every possible roadblock. Plus all the book buzz and doc news including a review of the most disturbing rock n roll book I have ever read! Books and Doc reviewed, previewed, and recommended: Books- She's a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism by Kathe…

You might not know the players, but you have definitely rocked out to the records they played on. The Immediate Family documentary pulls the curtain back to expose who was responsible for a lot of that 70’s and 80’s sound. There was a huge (the biggest of the year so far) announcement of a new memoir that is coming out in October. Find out about th…

One of rock’s most endearing personalities Geddy Lee, tells the story of one of rocks best three-piece bands. But, will a non-Rush fan find value with this book? The review looks at all sides of what Geddy’s book has to offer and gives up a surprising recommendation. Also included in this episode is all the latest buzz about whats new and what has …

What was the best rock n roll book of 2023? How about the best rock n roll documentary? Found out what came in as the best of the best, in the first annual Rock Talk Studio awards show. Support the Show.Av Your Host: Big Rick

Springsteen chose to pursue the release of the Nebraska album over Born In The USA. How did he talk his record label into that? And why, after all these years, no one has told the story of this dark masterpiece. And, could this be one of the best books of the year? Also included in this episode, are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendation…

In this episode our guest is Lisa Whittington-Hill, author of ”The Go-Go's - Beauty And The Beat” from the 33 1/3 Series. We discuss the musical and greater cultural impact of the iconic debut album from The Go-Go's, whether it was an intentionally feminist touchstone, and why it still sounds so good 40+ years after it's release. ”The Go-Go's - Bea…

What happens when someone spends 20 years performing Led Zeppelin concerts note for note and then Jimmy Page walks in the door and sits down? This one-of-a-kind documentary about Mr. Jimmy, is this month’s spotlight review. Also included in this episode are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendations which include a look at an over 500 page …

U2 is in the Sphere, they released a new record, Bono’s memoir is out, what else is there left to do? How about a rock doc? This month’s spotlight review looks at the documentary Bono and The Edge Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman. Plus, rapid fire recommendations on six other don’t miss titles. Support the Show.…

Why did David Bowie's Moonage Daydream documentary take seven years to complete? Being the first authorized release from the Bowie estate, it has to be worth it right? I look at this documentary from all different angle and from all type of fans viewpoints to determine if it's recommended. This episode also preview and reviews six other titles and …

Spotlight on Lucinda Williams' raw memoir, “Don’t Tell Anyone The Secrets I Told You.” Plus RTS' latest rock n roll books and documentaries recommendations featuring titles from Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Black Sabbath, Carlos Santana, Hipgnosis, and Imagine Dragons. Support the Show.Av Your Host: Big Rick

New York times best-selling author, Alan Paul, joins me to discuss his new Allman Brothers book "Brothers and Sisters." We also touch on The Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Billy Graham, Cameron Crowe and a few other artists that play a part in this challenging chapter in Allman Brothers history. Support the Show.…

Mysteries in The Music: Case Closed uncovers the greatest mysteries in rock n roll. Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Nirvana, The Beach Boys, and The Traveling Willburys are a few names that get their case files opened, examined, solved, and closed by the rock 'n' roll detective, author Jim Berkenstadt. Check out the books cover artist Zina's breath takin…

Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan documentary, "Brothers in Blues," features guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jackson Browne, and Nile Rodgers. It's touted for featuring never-before-told stories behind their music. Does it live up to the hype? Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Who are the Secret Stars of rock 'n' roll? In this podcast, I look at how Author Matt Berenson makes a strong detailed case for 10 indie rock bands that, once dissected, might just leave you with a bunch of new favorite bands. Have a question or comment? E-Mail: info@rocktalkstudio.com Follow me on Instagram, Facebook @ Rock Talk Studio Thanks for …

The captivating story of how the greatest live album ever recorded (yeah I said it!) The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East, came about. Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Bono claims this book is one story; I totally disagree. This book if full of many stories, all well-written in a fashion unique to the rock 'n' roll memoir world. Support the Show.

The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Elton John, and more talk about the world-famous Abbey Road recording studio. What more could you want out of a rock doc? Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Guns and Roses, The Cult, Motorhead, Velvet Revolver- Matt Sorum not only drummed for these bands, but he also just barely survived partying with them. Support the Show.Av Big Rick

What’s all the hub bub about this long awaited and much talked about release of one of Creedence’s last and most heralded live shows? Support the Show.Av Big Rick

This is not a rock and roll book, this is not a rock and roll documentary, and this is not a rock and roll movie. But it’s so rock and roll I just had to do a show on it. Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Van Zandt really surprised me with this book. I dare to say, it’s a one of a kind. This guy is so much more than a Springsteen sidekick and a Sopranos consigliere. Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Super fans of Cheap Trick need to check this out. It’s a blow-by-blow of the early years leading up to the live Budokan breakthrough. But what about the casual fan? Is this 500-page book worth the time? Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Yes! Finally, some Randy Rhoads love. Not a lot out there on Rhoads, who raised the stakes for rock guitarists the world over, so it was great to see this career-spanning documentary. But did it do his legacy justice? Support the Show.Av Big Rick

Is this the holy grail of rock and roll memoirs? Is this even a rock and roll memoir? In this episode, we toss that, and so much more, around. I mean, come on! It’s Paul McCartney we’re talking about here- of course there’s more to talk about when we get into a deep conversation about this 900-page masterpiece. Support the Show.…

In this episode our guest is Christine Feldman-Barrett, author of "A Women's History of The Beatles". We discuss the very important but seldom-discussed influence the Fab Four had on women's culture and Sixties & Seventies Feminism, and the women (some well-known, some not) who were instrumental in The Beatles rise to international fame. "A Women's…

Seattle-based photographer Mike Hipple joins us this episode, as we discuss his fantastic book "Lived Through That, '90s Musicians Today", featuring members of Nirvana, No Doubt, Jesus Jones, Lush, Letters To Cleo, Throwing Muses, The Posies, and more. If you're a fan of 90's alt-rock and are curious what your fave artists of the era are up to, thi…

Journalist and author Caryn Rose (Pitchfork, Salon, Billboard, The Guardian, many more) joins us to discuss her fantastic new book, and she chats about being the first female author of a book about Patti Smith, Smith's incredible work ethic, interviewing Bruce Springsteen for the book, and why if you haven't yet seen a Patti Smith concert, you must…

SoCal punk rock historian and author Jim Ruland joins us to discuss his book "Corporate Rock Sucks - The Rise & Fall of SST Records", a deep-dive and even-handed history of the iconic label, which was/is home to records by Black Flag, Soundgarden, Husker Du, Screaming Trees, Sonic Youth, and Dinosaur Jr., among others. We discuss how the label came…

Rock author and essayist Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, NPR Music, Stereogum, many more) joins us in our first episode as a podcast, where she discusses her fantastic analysis of Duran Duran's iconic Rio album for the 33 1/3 series of books, and chats about the influential Birmingham scene, the band's initial failure to catch fire in the US market, …

We announce Rock Book Show's return as a podcast, and share a classic past episode with Mike Scott of The Waterboys discussing his memoir, Adventures of a Waterboy.Av Rock Book Show

RNRBC58 - Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius by Rakim by Rock And Roll Book ClubAv Rock And Roll Book Club

RNRBC57 - Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin by David Ritz by Rock And Roll Book ClubAv Rock And Roll Book Club

RNRBC56 - A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons by Ben Folds by Rock And Roll Book ClubAv Rock And Roll Book Club