The Soundtrack of My Life
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3.3 • 96 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Music legend Clive Davis recounts an extraordinary five-decade career in the music business, while also telling a remarkable personal story of encounters with some of the greatest musical artists of our time, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys.
Orphaned in his teens, Davis earned a full scholarship to New York University and another to Harvard Law School. He served as General Counsel of Columbia Records and, in a totally unexpected stroke of fate, became head of the company overnight. More surprisingly, he learned he had “ears,” a rare ability to spot special talent and hit records. Those ears contributed to the success of three companies—Columbia, Arista, and J—where Davis discovered and developed more unique artists than anyone in the history of the music industry.
What began on the grass at the Monterey Pop Festival with the signing of Janis Joplin has evolved into a lifelong passion and calling, spanning genres, including rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz fusion, and hip-hop. His is the imprimatur that has helped shape contemporary music and, over the years, our popular culture.
The Soundtrack of My Life is an essential book for anyone interested in the story of popular music, the fascinating ups and downs of the music business, the alchemy of hits, and the dramatic life of a brilliant leader...and listener. It is a riveting read from beginning to end.
Customer Reviews
Exciting read!
I couldn’t wait to get my eyes on Clive Davis’ new book & it didn’t disappoint! Definitely a page turner & love those juicy tidbits! An exciting read for anyone who loves music or is curious about the music industry. He gives us a look into the twists & turns on the way to selling a mountain of records & keeping the wheels turning for the artists & label. Excellent read!
No.
No disrespect to Mr. Davis, but this book honestly comes off as a has-been's attempt at regaining some footing after legions of people found his decisions to host a Grammy after-party in the same room where Whitney Houston's body was still present. Not to mention, his tells of Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson's 'My December' album. Amidst a downfall in the industry, I for one remember the public drama that came out surrounding that album. I don't believe Davis's tale of how that feud went down, which makes me call in to question the other "verified" accounts I've read so far in this book. He may be a legend, and he may have many high points in his career... But lying about the negative points doesn't inspire much admiration for this memoir.
My Clive experience ...
... I didn't have one because I was hired to work at his company then "downsized" after one month . Plus I moved to another city at MY expense. In my severance package there was a company list of who was let go. It's worth noting that neither of Clive's TWO chauffeurs were on that list. Clive is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the music business. He doesn't need the money , so don't buy this book. If you want the real story of the music business talk to all of the soldiers who made Clive and his kind rich then were rewarded with unemployment while old-school music "legends" kept running things into the ground.