Songwriters on Songwriting - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306807777 ISBN 13: 9780306807770

Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc, 1997

In these 52 interviews the greatest songwriters of our time go straight to the source of the magic of songwriting by offering their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on their art. Representing almost every genre of popular music, from folk to Tin Pan Alley to jazz, from blues to pop to rock, these are the figures who have shaped American music as we know it. Here they share their secrets and personal methods for converting inspiration into song: both Robbie Robertson of The Band and Tom Petty talk about working with Bob Dylan; Dylan himself, in his only in-depth interview in more than ten years, says that the world doesn't need any new songs; R.E.M. name their favorite R.E.M. songs; Madonna describes collaborating with Prince; Sammy Cahn talks about writing standards for Sinatra; Pete Seeger recounts hitting the road with Woody Guthrie; Frank Zappa admits to loving "Louie Louie"; Todd Rundgren explains how he dreams his songs; and, in the book's most extensive interview, Paul Simon delves into his entire opus from "The Sound of Silence" to Graceland. And almost all of them express delight at being able to talk about the mechanics of music itself, something that they have been rarely asked to discuss.

Review:

"If your bookshelf or wallet can only accommodate one book at this moment, it should be this one."

From the Author:

Quick description of book
This book is a must for all songwriters and fans of great music -- 52 interviews with the greatest songwriters of our time -- from Sammy Cahn through Bob Dylan through Paul Simon up to and beyond R.E.M. These discussions allow these songwriters to talk seriously and in-depth about their great songs and about the creative process. Many great songwriters who have already passed away are included, such as Frank Zappa, Laura Nyro, Harry Nilsson and others. This book is entertaining, informative and archival. And on the subject of songwriting, I don't think there is any other that is better.

Paul Zollo

• Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0306807777
• ISBN 13: 9780306807770
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 656
• Editor: Zollo Paul