Ebook Testimony Robbie Robertson 9780307889799 Books
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The New York Times Bestseller
On the 40th anniversary of The Band’s legendary The Last Waltz concert, Robbie Robertson finally tells his own spellbinding story of the band that changed music history, his extraordinary personal journey, and his creative friendships with some of the greatest artists of the last half-century.
Robbie Robertson's singular contributions to popular music have made him one of the most beloved songwriters and guitarists of his time. With songs like "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "Up on Cripple Creek," he and his partners in The Band fashioned a music that has endured for decades, influencing countless musicians.
In this captivating memoir, written over five years of reflection, Robbie Robertson employs his unique storyteller’s voice to weave together the journey that led him to some of the most pivotal events in music history. He recounts the adventures of his half-Jewish, half-Mohawk upbringing on the Six Nations Indian Reserve and on the gritty streets of Toronto; his odyssey at sixteen to the Mississippi Delta, the fountainhead of American music; the wild early years on the road with rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks; his unexpected ties to the Cosa Nostra underworld; the gripping trial-by-fire “going electric” with Bob Dylan on his 1966 world tour, and their ensuing celebrated collaborations; the formation of the Band and the forging of their unique sound, culminating with history's most famous farewell concert, brought to life for all time in Martin Scorsese's great movie The Last Waltz.
This is the story of a time and place--the moment when rock 'n' roll became life, when legends like Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley criss-crossed the circuit of clubs and roadhouses from Texas to Toronto, when The Beatles, Hendrix, The Stones, and Warhol moved through the same streets and hotel rooms. It's the story of exciting change as the world tumbled through the '60s and early 70’s, and a generation came of age, built on music, love and freedom. Above all, it's the moving story of the profound friendship between five young men who together created a new kind of popular music.
Testimony is Robbie Robertson’s story, lyrical and true, as only he could tell it.
Ebook Testimony Robbie Robertson 9780307889799 Books
"Robbie is a great songwriter, no doubt about that, and I love his music with a passion. But he is not telling us everything in this Bio. With claims that he is such a great storyteller, a lot in this book was a bit boring and non-specific. I just couldn't help feeling while reading that we were not getting the whole story and I was continually yearning for more detail. I am not in that camp that feels that Robbie ripped off his fellow band members. Because I do believe he was the primary songwriter in the group. But I do feel Robbie embellishes much of his story and recalls things a bit differently than some others in many places in the book. Just for one example, he recalls at the "Last Waltz" that when Joni Mitchell came out to perform, that he was quite surprised that she came up to him and kissed him. Well... if you watch the film, you'll see that he steps forward and kisses Joni? How do you get something so simple and that is on film incorrect? So this makes me question what important details he may have changed to pad his ego and shine a more positive light on himself. I also disliked that he totally dismissed the Band's last record, "Islands" as nothing but b-sides and a contractual obligation. I loved that record and he barely covered it. But the biggest disappointment was that the book ends when the Last Waltz is over. Like I said, we are not getting the whole story. What about him not attending Richard Manuel's funeral? And how about when Levon got cancer and it was said that he wouldn't give him a nickel to help? Many of us bought this book to hear his side of these issues and it was non-existent. So, you feel kind of cheated at the end. Maybe just like the rest of the Band felt? And those feelings may have not been all about money."
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Testimony Robbie Robertson 9780307889799 Books Reviews :
Testimony Robbie Robertson 9780307889799 Books Reviews
- Robbie is a great songwriter, no doubt about that, and I love his music with a passion. But he is not telling us everything in this Bio. With claims that he is such a great storyteller, a lot in this book was a bit boring and non-specific. I just couldn't help feeling while reading that we were not getting the whole story and I was continually yearning for more detail. I am not in that camp that feels that Robbie ripped off his fellow band members. Because I do believe he was the primary songwriter in the group. But I do feel Robbie embellishes much of his story and recalls things a bit differently than some others in many places in the book. Just for one example, he recalls at the "Last Waltz" that when Joni Mitchell came out to perform, that he was quite surprised that she came up to him and kissed him. Well... if you watch the film, you'll see that he steps forward and kisses Joni? How do you get something so simple and that is on film incorrect? So this makes me question what important details he may have changed to pad his ego and shine a more positive light on himself. I also disliked that he totally dismissed the Band's last record, "Islands" as nothing but b-sides and a contractual obligation. I loved that record and he barely covered it. But the biggest disappointment was that the book ends when the Last Waltz is over. Like I said, we are not getting the whole story. What about him not attending Richard Manuel's funeral? And how about when Levon got cancer and it was said that he wouldn't give him a nickel to help? Many of us bought this book to hear his side of these issues and it was non-existent. So, you feel kind of cheated at the end. Maybe just like the rest of the Band felt? And those feelings may have not been all about money.
- As much as I enjoyed Robertson’s poetic prose...this version of the Band’s history feels very “Robbie-centric.†I read it right after finishing Levon’s book, “This wheel’s on fire,†and sensed that both had valid memories...but Levon’s ring more true when it comes to publishing rights, the reasons for the Band dissolving, and the differences in describing the contributions of the rest of the band to the creative process.
Robertson’s version of how the other members sold off their publishing rights to him is simply laughable...and horribly sad.
The fact that Robertson was a “no show†at Richard’s memorial service speaks volumes... - This thick tome (495 pages) is a testament to Robertson's recall of the many parts of his life, while covering only the first 33 years of his life. From childhood to learning guitar, to hearing the various styles of music that would influence him, to his early days backing Ronnie Hawkins in his backing band the Hawks playing the rough roadhouses and joints, to his crossing paths and playing with Dylan (and not wanting to leave his fellow band members in the Hawks), and then to his time in The Band, to the drugs and money that helped tear the band apart, and finally winding up his story at the legendary Last Waltz concert in '76, Robertson's sharp memory brings to light his life, the people, and the music he helped make. There's two sections of photos in both color and b&w. There's no Forward or Index.
Of most importance to many people who will read this book is Robertson's time with Dylan--both on and off stage. His penchant for details paints a fairly vivid picture of the people and those times when so much was happening all around him. Robertson's writing style is straightforward but captivating as he describes the events and people from his viewpoint. He writes about his time with his band mates--both good and bad--and his time with Dylan and others (like the doomed Edie Sedgwick who introduced Robertson to using "special" shots, or the "almost" bank robbery), along with others from that era.
Robertson also writes about his long time feud with fellow band member Levon Helm over songwriting credits/royalties, but for whatever reason never fully delves into the matter. This bitter feud lasted up through Helm's death (read "The Last Waltz" for another look at the feud), but since this is Robertson's story he chose not to go to deeply into their disagreements. But his feelings for Helm and his fellow band members apparently still runs deep.
No matter your feelings on the feud this book is well worth your time reading from Robertson's viewpoint. For just about anyone interested in late '60s/'70s rock music or (especially) if you're a fan of The Band and Dylan and their slog around the world playing Dylan's "new" game-changing music, this book is worth your time. Robertson's way with words and phrases really brings out the flavor of both Robertson himself and that whole era. A good addition to most anyone's music shelf of good books.
And for those who may wonder how I can review a book that's just been released, I'm lucky to have access to books before the sale date. - If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would! I literally could not stop reading. I have loved The Band since MFBP and am a rabid Robbie fan, so I knew I would like Testimony. However, I felt that I had read and collected so much over the years that I already knew everything. I was not prepared for what I would encounter. I started reading the first page and was immediately immersed in another world. Robbie has always been known as an outstanding songwriter/story-teller, but he outdid himself on this book. His words grabbed me by the hand and I walked his journey with him. His writing is so clear, concise, and descriptive, I saw his story through his eyes. I was there! Very few books have that effect on the reader so when you are lucky enough to find one, cherish it. I reluctantly emerged a few hours later and was sorry to come back. As the old saying goes.....I laughed, I cried, mostly I smiled. As I write this, I'm woefully aware that I do not have Robbie's talent for words. I am struggling to convey to you how great Testimony is. I can only tell you that I give it my highest recommendation, will definitely read it again and again, and pray there is a volume 2! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
