Spencer Leigh – författare

This is the definitive, fully illustrated account ofthe Beatles' concerts and controversies, and of how the United States dominated theirlives in so many ways. Written by one of the acknowledged experts on the Fab Four, Liverpool’s own Spencer Leigh, The Beatles in America covers their North American tours in 1964, 1965, and 1966, highlights their transformation into global superstars, and recount the story to the band's breakup, covering significant events like John and Yoko's "Bed-In" in Montreal and the release of their single "Give Peace a Chance," providing a comprehensive overview of "the Beatles in America." Included are interviews with fellow musicians, promoters, and audience members, together with rare photographs and memorabilia. Early in 1964, with Beatlemania raging in the UK, the Beatles topped the US charts with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and became a sensation on American TV with The Ed Sullivan Show—on which they appeared no fewer than three occasions, on consecutive Sundays in February 1964. In April of that year, they held all Top Five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and were playing such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Shea Stadium. As predicted, they had become bigger than Elvis. After their first appearances of 1964 (at Carnegie Hall and in Washington, DC), The Beatles went on to do a full North American tour in 1964, a shorter tour in 1965, and a final, 13-date tour in 1966 (each of which is covered in detail in this book), transforming them into global superstars. But when John Lennon commented that the band was “bigger than Jesus,” things turned sour, and there were public burnings of their records. The final chapter and epilogue of the book take the story of “the Beatles in America” up to the band’s breakup and beyond, including John and Yoko’s June 1, 1969, “Bed-In” in Montreal and the release of the couple’s single “Give Peace a Chance.”

This is the story of the Cavern Club - the most famous club in the world. The Cavern saw the birth of the Beatles and Merseybeat, and more. Respected author, music journalist and Merseybeat historian Spencer Leigh - with a little help from Sir Paul McCartney, who provides the Foreword - tells the Cavern's history by talking to the owners, hundreds of musicians who played at the club, the backroom staff and fans. Spencer paints a vivid picture of the Cavern, from its days as a jazz club, through the Beatles years to the present.

This intriguing book examines the greatest Beatles mystery, which has caused endless speculation over the years - why was Pete Best sacked just as the Beatles stood on the threshold of stardom? Everyone has their own theory and Pete Best himself has written his own story more than once. However, this book is the ultimate response to the question which has interested fans for so long. Interest in the Beatles never seems to diminish and Spencer Leigh has written some great books about the band and the Merseybeat era. In this book he looks at why Pete was sacked, which members of the band wanted him out and Ringo in and what part Brian Epstein played in the decision?

SIMON & GARFUNKEL is a definitive account of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's career together. With unique material and exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, promoters and friends, acclaimed author Spencer Leigh has written a compelling biography of some of the world's biggest musical stars. With remarkable stories about the duo on every page, the book not only charts their rise to success and the years of their fame, but analyses the personalities of the two men and the ups and downs of their often fraught relationship.

Elvis Presley: Caught in a Trap is one of the most comprehensive accounts of Elvis Presley and his career. With unique material and exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, promoters and friends, acclaimed author Spencer Leigh has written a compelling biography of one of the world's biggest musical stars. With remarkable stories on every page, the book not only charts his rise to success and the years of his fame, but also looks at his legacy today.

Buddy Holly died in 1959. He was just 22 years old. He was 22 years old. Don McLean called that fatal day `The Day the Music Died'. But, his music hasn't died, as he has left us a wonderful legacy. Spencer Leigh's biography Buddy Holly: Learning the Game is the most definitive account of Buddy Holly and his career. When it comes to anniversaries, it is inevitable that we remember the giants: Elvis, the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, but Buddy Holly's death enables us to also acknowledge the less well-known musicians who died with him, 17-year-old Ritchie Valens and the outlandish Big Bopper. Spencer Leigh has spoken to musicians, songwriters, friends, fans and many people who have worked with Buddy, and he examines the evidence with the scrutiny of a forensic scientist.

Bob Dylan: Outlaw Blues by Spencer Leigh is a fresh take on this famous yet elusive personality, a one-man hall of mirrors who continues to intrigue his followers worldwide. It is an in-depth account with new information and fascinating opinions, both from the author and his interviewees. Whether you are a Dylan fan or not, you will be gripped by this remarkable tale.Most performers create their work for public approval, but at the centre of this book is a mercurial man who doesn't trust his own audience. If he feels he is getting too much acclaim, he tends to veer off in another direction.Despite his age, Bob Dylan still tours extensively. Famously known for not looking happy, the author looks at what motivates him. `Journalists are very fond of saying Bob Dylan is an enigma,' says Spencer Leigh, `but that word is flawed. It's as good as saying you don't know... I have not called Bob Dylan an enigma at any point in the book as I have tried to find answers.' Spencer Leigh has spoken to over 300 musicians, friends and acquaintances of Bob Dylan in his research for this book.

FRANK SINATRA: AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE is a compelling biography of Frank Sinatra's life and career - warts and all, spanning the years from 1915 to Sinatra's death in 1998. This fast-paced comprehensive chronicle details the superstar's music, films, romances, personality traits and questionable exploits! This book will be a wonderful addition to the library of any Frank Sinatra fan, or in fact, any fan of the big band era or of popular music in general. With unique material and exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, promoters, friends and those who knew him, this revised and updated biography is the definitive account of Frank Sinatra and his career. A new comprehensive discography, film listing, index, songs about Frank, tribute albums and more.