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SONIC BOOM

THE IMPOSSIBLE RISE OF WARNER BROS. RECORDS, FROM HENDRIX TO FLEETWOOD MAC TO MADONNA TO PRINCE

Narrator David de Vries's fluid and authoritative but pompous style closely matches this inside look at the evolution of Warner Bros. Records. Sadly, the fascinating early history of the label, which began in 1958, is all but entirely ignored. Instead, the business of the music industry and the creativity of artists such as Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper, and Paul Simon as a solo act, among others, are explored in an eclectic, complete, and gossip-free style. Briefly addressed is Warner's 1963 purchase of the label Frank Sinatra created when he left Capitol Records, thereby creating Warner/ Reprise Records. While there is too much of the old-fashioned network anchorman to de Vries's delivery, this audiobook offers much enlightening history for fans and students of recently popular rock music.

Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2021

Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins

DD ISBN: 9781705269268

Publisher: Tantor Media

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    LOOKING FOR TERRY

    A MEMOIR

    An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.

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    Bradshaw's football career ended in the 1980s, and these days he's probably most widely known for his ubiquitous cultural presence in movies, commercials, and reality television. Bradshaw takes a long and detailed look back at his consequential life decisions. He's a gifted narrator and storyteller, the kind of guy who can instantly build rapport with his audience. It's no surprise this audiobook is entertaining and occasionally moving. As Bradshaw reflects on the characters he's played over the years, essentially simple variations of himself, his voice reflects a self-effacing humility. Bradshaw has been able to build his extended second career with this warm approachability.

    An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.

    Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2026

    Duration: 7 hrs, 51 mins

    DD ISBN: 9781400260294

    Publisher: Harper Audio

    Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026

    Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026

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      ONE HELLUVA RIDE

      A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.

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      Listeners will find a subtle combination of candor and discretion in this career-spanning memoir. Actor and producer Douglas faces the shadow of his father, Kirk Douglas, head-on. His narration is intimate and charming, and he warmly exhibits his skills as a fine actor, first entertaining, then informing. Parts of the performance sound like Douglas’ speech has been affected by his mouth cancer, which is now in remission. However, most sections are articulated clearly. Behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights abound, and it’s all here, including his partnership with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ultimately, we find a family man who had both abundant luck and talent. 

      A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.

      Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026

      Duration: 19 hrs, 16 mins

      DD ISBN: 9781668658505

      Publisher: Hachette Audio

      Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2026

      Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026

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