From the Publisher:
Every so often someone like Tom Petty comes along and proves Leo Durocher wrong: nice guys don't always finish last. One of rock's most consistent songwriters and performers of the past 30 years, Petty sat for interviews with author and songwriter Zollo between 2004 and 2005, chronicling his career from his youth in Gainesville, FL, through success with his backing group the Heartbreakers, side trips as a solo artist, and as one-fifth of the ultimate supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys, right up to the present day. The Q&A format is ideal for showcasing Petty's likable personality, and his passion for the music he creates is palpable. Zollo, a longtime fan, comes well prepared with knowledgeable and insightful questions that spur Petty's detailed recollections. Especially good is the book's second part: a discussion of nearly every song that Petty has written, recounted simply enough to engage lay readers but with enough on the nuts and bolts of songwriting to serve as an excellent primer for budding tunesmiths. Fans will be in Petty heaven; casual listeners will have a new appreciation for the artist and his music. This first comprehensive biography is recommended for medium and large pop music collections. —Lloyd Jansen, Stockton-San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA Library Journal — September 15, 2005
About the Author:
Paul Zollo is a singer-songwriter, author, and music journalist. Since 1987, he's dedicated himself to interviewing the world’s greatest songwriters. From 1987 to 1997, he was the editor of SongTalk, the journal of the National Academy of Songwriters. He’s currently the senior editor for American Songwriter. Born in Chicago, he studied English and Music at Boston University and is the author of The Beginning Songwriter’s Answer Book, Songwriters on Songwriting, and Hollywood Remembered. He has written about music for many magazines, including Performing Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar, Sing Out!, Billboard, Variety, and Musician, and has contributed CD liner notes for artists including Paul Simon, Laura Nyro, Dan Fogelberg, Townes Van Zandt, and Thom Bishop. As a singer-songwriter, he has performed with his own band and solo, and has co-written songs with many artists, including Severin Browne, Darryl Purpose, and Steve Allen.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.