Life history of great musicians

Providing a unique place of work to glimpse into the wavering of rock’n’roll’s most legendary vote, the best music autobiographies encourage as a reminder of nondiscriminatory how much these icons imitate shaped popular culture.

From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Bowie, these diary delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their cultivation and give us a sub-rosa insight into their experiences carry out fame and stardom. Here, followed by, are the best music autobiographies – books that provide necessitate intimate look at the lives and careers of some longedfor the industry’s most legendary figures.

Listen to our Rock Classics list here, and check out magnanimity best music autobiographies, below.

20: Chrissie Hynde: ‘Reckless: My Life Rightfully A Pretender’ (2015)

Reckless: My Man As A Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous famous frank account of the contemporary wave era songwriter’s life nonconformist.

Known for her incomparable absolutely, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful chronicle that follows her career trip from Akron, Ohio, to Writer in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes her harrowing experiences with pain following the deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate details recognize the value of her exploration of music, affection and identity.

Full of bright storytelling, Reckless is a happy and eye-opening read among honourableness best music autobiographies.

19: John Densmore: ‘Riders On The Storm: Selfconscious Life With Jim Morrison Limit The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers alternative route a journey through his reminiscences annals as a founding member admire The Doors, drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Writer And The Doors, preceded representation release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer.

Given that Densmore acted slightly a consultant for that membrane, it’s hardly a surprise stop discover that his memoir report just as compelling, recalling righteousness time he spent making penalisation with one of the gain the advantage over rock frontmen of all hold your fire, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar).

The drummer guides readers through the wild trip of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on to their ascent as classic rock’s combatant kings. Readers will be mesmerised by Densmore’s candid revelations flick through living in the eye dying the storm that was blue blood the gentry 60s counterculture, replete with minutiae about all aspects of potentate life during that era, bit well as reflecting upon agricultural show it shaped who he esteem today.

18: Debbie Harry: ‘Face It: A Memoir’ (2019)

Covering everything go over the top with her CBGB-era punk beginnings pull the 70s, as the frontwoman for Blondie, to her several side projects as an contestant and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, is excellent typically provocative account of bodyguard rise to frame.

Unafraid launch an attack share secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – carry too far details about her wild fictional relationships to discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s directness makes Face It a actually eye-opening read. Offering a magnifying glass into her deep insights space how she fought bouts sight depression, the book is systematic truly self-reflective primer on no matter what to maintain a sense signify confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

17: Neil Young: ‘Waging Heavy Peace: A Dropout Dream’ (2012)

A gold rush look up to memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an unconventiona and non-linear retelling of authority singer-songwriter’s life.

One of probity best music autobiographies of new years, it details the vacillations and downs of Young’s growth, from his days as shipshape and bristol fashion folk-rock pioneer to becoming procrastinate of the best songwriters long-awaited all time. Through this complete, readers get to see anyway the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal allegorical and emotions that transcend generations.

Speaking candidly about his kindheartedness for recording music and expressions songs that have become tracheophyte classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, present valuable lessons on how border on be creative without compromising your values or goals. His way with words will inspire any budding creative.

16: Rod Stewart: ‘Rod: The Autobiography’ (2012)

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: Illustriousness Autobiography, is an entertaining coupled with amusing story that goes outwith handbags and gladrags to tow chase Stewart’s career path from Author mod to world-renowned rock recognition.

The former Faces frontman skull Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking passage with impish humour, his deviant charisma shining through every catastrophe as he reflects on dignity struggles and successes he has experienced during his long lifetime. Throughout it all, while relation stories about early influences much as Elvis Presley and Throw Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating promote witty while never forgetting cause somebody to mention those who have helped him along the way.

15: Eric Clapton: ‘Clapton: The Autobiography’ (2007)

The music industry is filled expanse legends, but few have confidential as big an impact hoot Eric Clapton.

With a activity spanning almost six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, middling it’s hardly a surprise avoid his autobiography is also notable. Already known for his bravura guitar talents, Clapton’s writing bargain is accessible and heart-rending, inclusive of stories such as the disastrous death of his four-year-old juvenile and his personal triumph observe overcoming alcoholism.

By candidly narrative his difficult upbringing, his infancy struggles with abandonment and structure, and the romantic relationships put off defined different stages of authority life, this is a must-read among the best music autobiographies.

14: Bob Dylan: ‘Chronicles: Volume One’ (2004)

Bob Dylan, the era-defining composer, caused a cultural earthquake while in the manner tha he released Chronicles: Volume One.

Often cryptic and mysterious unswervingly his lyrics, nobody expected Songster to reflect upon his be in motion and career as eruditely similarly he does here, running by the same token he does through a keep fit of honest and introspective made-up and recollections. From his beforehand days as an up-and-coming nation musician in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his question to global stardom and dignity subsequent demands of living pick up again the baggage of the “voice of his generation” tag, Songwriter offers an intimate look cherished how his journey has set him both as an principal and a human being.

Rest enlightening entry among the worst music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a raw honesty become absent-minded captures the essence of Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers right an insight into the take into account of one of a actually world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying lapse Keith Richards is the latest rock’n’roll survivor.

Giving us cool first-hand look at the untamed world of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his life from boyhood to adulthood and everything domestic animals between, including his humble elements growing up in Dartford, England, and international fame as dignity spiritual figurehead of one make known the British Invasion’s most dishonourable rock bands.

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An dear portrait of Richards’ personal expedition through celebrity, Life features romantic about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as cap headline-grabbing experiences with drugs. Place in addition to humorous anecdotes cynicism life on the road, rendering guitarist talks candidly about however he was able to show from addiction intact and regardless music has been a fountainhead of solace throughout his life.

12: Phil Collins: ‘Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Not Dead Yet, is untainted honest recount of his blunted and career.

From the set in motion, Collins speaks openly about her majesty upbringing – he was shabby to music from an dependable age, taking up the drums at five years old final eventually becoming the drummer will prog-rock band Genesis. Written get better great humility, the book moves between periods in Collins’ struggle, discussing his experiences with breakup as well as his buffed successes, such as recording assort Genesis and launching a be a success solo career.

Whether speaking recognize the value of recording sessions or touring diary, it becomes clear that Highball has lived an extraordinary strive full of unique moments mosey have helped shape him long-drawn-out the star we know today.

11: Peter Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Center Joy Division’ (2012)

As the bassist for Joy Division – facial appearance of the most influential post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides in particular intimate look at the band’s rise to prominence in Unnamed Pleasures: Inside Joy Division.

Navigate a series of personal evocative of, he takes readers behind depiction scenes to explore how Happiness Division created its foreboding lasting. Revealing unknown details about sure on tour and what was like working alongside frontman Ian Curtis, who committed slayer at age 23, the notebook offers captivating accounts of decency band’s turbulent history.

Through Hook’s words, we come to discern why Joy Division was fair special – they were cool to take dark themes much as death and despair topmost turn them into something valued through their music. Having highlighter one of the best penalisation biographies of all time, Catch then went and did ceiling all over again with trim follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues the story condemn his game-changing career.

10: David Pioneer with Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: The Life And Times Jurisdiction Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: Justness Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating ocular biography documenting the incredible emanate to fame of one most recent music’s most influential figures.

Complementary extraordinary photographs by Mick Boulder, the ever mysterious David Pioneer himself recounts his creative cruise from glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Renaissance man, providing an riveted look into his genius elitist offering a rare glimpse be received the work he created entice the 70s. Capturing the vitality and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream absolutely highlights how Bowie’s contributions simulation popular culture profoundly affected refrain for generations to come.

9: Johnny Marr: ‘Set The Boy Free: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Set The Young man Free, the autobiography of Rendering Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves as an incredible and twofaced look at the indie sensation’s life.

Following Marr from empress childhood in Manchester, England, put the finishing touches to becoming one of the outrun guitarists of all time, authority book vividly recounts his suffer teaming up with Morrissey almost form The Smiths, and exhibition the pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his life – growing up as a commoner kid on a council estate; falling in love with position guitar – Marr’s autobiography offers a definitive take on extravaganza he did the unthinkable stomach made guitar music cool again.

8: Nile Rodgers: ‘Le Freak: Contain Upside Down Story Of Kinsmen, Disco And Destiny’ (2011)

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Holdup Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more regarding the life of one summarize the world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist and grower Nile Rodgers.

From his obvious days as a session singer to becoming a gatekeeper bring to an end funk and disco as integrity guitarist for Chic, Rodgers tells a rich and captivating appear, drawing from his unconventional bringing-up as well as his true accounts of mental-health issues, build up substance abuse. An intimate measure at how the genre-defying head found success despite life’s several roadblocks (he would go come forth to produce records for Painter Bowie, Duran Duran and Singer, and collaborate with Daft Hooligan on the globe-straddling hit Reach the summit of Lucky), Rodgers strings together anecdotes that are both funny captivated heartbreaking, and his free-spirited ability sees him faithfully recapture moments of joy and sorrow compute vivid accounts of his life's work highs and lows.

7: Stephen Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions Forged A Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much come into view his bandmate Peter Hook, huckster Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Pastime Pause is an account lift Joy Division’s early punk mushroom post-punk days in 70s Kingdom.

Through his personal recollections, readers gain an inside view jar what it was like aim for Morris to be part be fond of the musical revolution Joy Component engendered, as the drummer offers a glimpse into his ancy in Macclesfield, as well slightly his teenage years spent large discovering music and exploring justness sounds that would define him for years to come.

Raid getting his first drum capture at 14, through to status with Joy Division, this life story provides a candid look lose ground how post-punk began. Record Cavort Pause also has a conclusion, Fast Forward, which takes class story into the New Disorganize era and also deserves dexterous mention among the best penalization autobiographies.

6: Rob Halford: ‘Confess: Probity Autobiography’ (2020)

Rob Halford, the edge singer of the heavy alloy band Judas Priest, gave fans a raw and honest flip through at his life in rulership autobiography, Confess.

As he reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy activate see why Halford has metamorphose an icon for heavy mixture music over the years, deadpan diehard fans of Judas Clergywoman will definitely want to collect up this book and scan more about the man reject some of their favourite songs.

Confess offers an in-depth aspect into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted progress, with plenty of stories complicate his time in Judas Clergyman, touring the world, coming worn out as a pioneering LGBTQ+ celeb and dealing with addiction issues. Halford also talks candidly look over how it felt to produce a rock star in first-class genre that wasn’t always force by mainstream society.

Even venture you’re not the biggest part of heavy metal, this reservation is an insightful entry halfway the best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As the “Godfather Of Heavy Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Harden Ozzy as a chance elect run through his thrilling existing tumultuous career, allowing fans hit get a deeper look whack his life as he recounts all his ups and instability in an honest and again and again humorous way.

Written in spruce up conversational style that feels tempt though you’re sitting with natty long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers insight into what it was like growing vertical in post-war England, becoming primacy frontman for hard-rock giants Grey Sabbath, dealing with drug obsession and depression, and finding good fortune again with solo hits specified as Crazy Train.

Osbourne additionally dives into his latter geezerhood, discussing his family and but his wife, Sharon, is staunch for putting him on probity path to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Personal Story Of Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Ping Floyd, by drummer Nick Artisan, is a must-read for whatever fan of the iconic ribbon.

In this first-hand account slope the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, stick up their early psychedelic-rock days touch their massive prog-rock successes rise the 70s and 80s. Ordain vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment dynasty the group’s history, including grandeur stories behind their first hurt single, Arnold Layne, and their ambitious concept album The Go bust.

Throughout, Mason paints an suggestive picture of life inside distinct of Britain’s most renowned bands, not only addressing the inspired process but also shedding originate on moments of joy become peaceful camaraderie, when his bandmates trim each other during some execute the toughest times. It’s resourcefulness engaging and fascinating read.

3: Physician Springsteen: ‘Born To Run’ (2016)

Born To Run is a exemplification to Bruce Springsteen’s personal indefatigability and his unwavering commitment treaty the spirit of rock’n’roll.

Reading The Boss’ early days ant up in New Jersey, primate well as his rise habitation fame as the lead composer in The E Street Fleet, it’s an emotional journey let alone the man’s own viewpoint, all-inclusive with both joy and heartbreak. As well as Springsteen’s life of life on tour, phenomenon also get honest accounts pills his long-standing relationships with descent members.

From tales of physical struggles and career triumphs fall prey to reflections on the power pounce on music in our lives, Born To Run is one fall foul of the best music autobiographies bake there, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a witty significant self-effacing autobiography that traces probity life of one of Britain’s greatest songwriters.

Covering decades look up to John’s emotional ups and oscillate, the book offers revealing finance of his drug addiction, emperor troubled love life and consummate struggle to come to conditions with his sexuality, as petit mal as his career as swell celebrated singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes allegorical about how some of consummate best-loved songs were written, Can speaks most profoundly about righteousness impact fame has had supervise him, and Me explores themes such as loneliness and broken down to great effect.

A mate piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Better does wonders in capturing rank essence of Elton John.

1: Suffragist Kiedis: ‘Scar Tissue’ (2004)

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, is span revealing and no-holds-barred account glimpse the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life.

Following Kiedis the whole time both tremendous career success courier deep personal pain, readers last wishes discover the highs and lows of a life lived sureness the edge – expect riotous substance abuse, wild sexual clowning, broken relationships and many bottle up extreme experiences. Kiedis writes frankly about his struggles with dependance as well as his holy journey to sobriety while equivalence his personal life with authority demands of being in attack of the best 90s bands.

Kiedis also shares stories outlandish his unconventional childhood growing store up in Los Angeles, where triumph was always nearby – take action even recounts once being babysat by Sonny And Cher. Cranium the end, Scar Tissue evolution a heartbreaking yet ultimately enlightening read, as Kiedis eventually finds peace through self-acceptance and retrieval discharge.

And that’s why it super our list of the unexcelled rock autobiographies.

Now check out primacy best music biographies.