Paul Bellantoni's resonant, empathetic performance leaves nothing to be desired in this revealing, often touching biography of pop music giant George Michael. The vocal tone Bellantoni adopts is restrained and sometimes somber, an approach that sounds right, considering the outsized pathos generated by Michael's charismatic, erotic, tortured life. There's no need to add more drama to this story! Michael didn't handle his celebrity status well. In this thoughtful, meticulously researched biography, award-winning music author James Gavin offers compelling insights into Michael's conflicts about being gay and his all-too-public descent into the typical excesses of stardom--sexual acting out, substance abuse, and self-imposed legal and health problems. The audiobook includes analysis of Michael's artistic output and revealing interviews with many who knew him.
Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798765039120
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
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