Liberty

Step behind the drum kit with Liberty: Life, Billy, and the Pursuit of Happiness by Liberty DeVitto, longtime drummer for Billy Joel. For three decades, DeVitto created the powerful grooves behind 13 platinum albums, more than 22 Top 40 hits, and six Grammy Award-winning recordings. His story is a rare insider’s look at one of the most successful pop music careers in history. * * This compelling memoir traces Liberty’s journey from his Italian-American roots to his rise through the New York club scene and his breakthrough as Joel’s drummer. With raw honesty, he shares stories of international tours, recording sessions for every album from Turnstiles through Storm Front, and the personal challenges that came with fame. From broken relationships to substance abuse and the loss of loved ones, Liberty recounts how he rebuilt his life while never losing his passion for music. * * More than a drummer’s tale, this is a love story between a musician and his instrument, offering vivid detail about the craft of percussion, the life of a touring artist, and the enduring power of following a dream. Readers who love music biographies, percussion enthusiasts, and fans of Billy Joel will find unforgettable stories from the best seat in the house — the drum throne.