This thoughtful reflection on Memphis's music history is complemented by narrator Chris Abernathy's soft Southern accent and relaxed timing. Abernathy uses a conversational tone when reporting on the cultural roots of the blues and rock and roll and employs a storytelling mode when recounting music memories. While Memphis had its racist incidents, including lynchings and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., it also pioneered interracial songwriting, integrated bands, and racial diversity in recording sessions. The combination of local school music programs, interracial venues, and innovative studios and labels produced hits for artists including Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, Al Green, and Isaac Hayes. The audiobook also tracks current phenomena such as Black Lives Matter activities and the city's $3.6 billion music tourism industry.
Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705257944
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.
Orzabal relates his history as a rock star with a conscience. Orzabal is a member of Tears for Fears, the 1980s pop duo that continues to record and perform. Their early ubiquitous hits remain staples on streaming services and movie soundtracks. Orzabal relates his unique path to stardom and shares the difficult story of his life of artistry and tragedy in a weathered British lilt. While his artistic compatriots may have enjoyed the usual spoils of pop stardom, Orzabal sought primal scream therapy. Orzabal's performance here is engaging and therapeutic.
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063455153
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2026
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.
Joseph offers a completely original look at Stephen Sondheim’s life—as a game and puzzle aficionado. A master of musical theater, Sondheim believed lyrics were “an elegant form of puzzle.” He hosted game nights at his home with celebrities Leonard Bernstein, Meryl Streep, Tony Kushner, and many others. Joseph describes games such as Hostilities, The Murder Game, and cutthroat Anagrams. Quotes from other Sondheim biographies and numerous personal anecdotes reveal that some critics felt Sondheim’s game nights were self-indulgent, held only to prove he was the smartest person in the room, while others agreed that the nights were occasionally mean-spirited and frequently naughty but always fun.
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798216552475
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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