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Top 20 Best Music Books, According To Bibliophiles
No matter what your favorite genre of music is, there’s a book out there for you.
There’s just something about flipping through the pages of a well-worn music book that gets the creative juices flowing. Maybe it’s the photos of iconic performers or the stories of how each song was written.
No matter what it is, there’s no doubt that music books are a must-have for any bibliophile who loves to explore all things musical.
From biographies to essays, these books will give you a fresh perspective on your favorite musicians and help you dig deeper into the music scene. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced music buff, these titles are sure to educate and entertain.
So put on some tunes, curl up with a good music book, and prepare to be inspired!
Here are some of our favorite titles, based on input from avid book lovers around the web. Enjoy!
Kill Your Friends
by John Niven
We start with a novel. Kill Your Friends is the fictional story of an A&R man at the close of the last century drowning in the death of Britpop.
There’s only one way to save Steven’s career and it’s not going to be pretty. But it is quite brilliant.
You can grab a copy online here.
Waiting For The Sun
by Barney Hoskyns
This one’s not a novel but it does kind of read like one.
Barney Hoskyns takes us under the surface of the LA scene in its heyday and everyone’s here from The Eagles to The Beach Boys to The Doors.
This is rock n roll.
You can grab a copy online here.
This Is Your Brain On Music
by Daniel Levitin
Ever wanted to know how music soothes the savage beast?
If so, Daniel Levitin’s look into the world of musical neuroscience is the book for you.
We love it!
You can grab a copy online here.
Hammer Of The Gods
by Stephen Davis
Stephen goes way behind the scenes in this unauthorized biography of Led Zeppelin.
The drugs, sex, satanism and more that he discovers makes for an unputdownable read.
You can grab a copy online here.
The Music Of Black Americans
by Eileen Southern
Eileen was the first black woman to become a tenured professor at Harvard.
Her book is an incredible tour-de-force of the music of black Americans from the day they arrived in America to the dawn of hip-hop.
You can grab a copy online here.
The True Adventures Of The Rolling Stones
by Stanley Booth
Stanley Booth was part of the band’s inner circle as they grew from nobodies to arguably the biggest rock act the world has ever seen.
This story is both compelling and entertaining.
You can grab a copy online here.
Tunesmith
by Jimmy Webb
If you’ve ever wondered what it is that allows a musician to write a song, this is the book for you.
Jimmy Webb illuminates the creative process from start to finish.
You can grab a copy online here.
Murder In The Front Row
by Brian Lew & Harald Oimoen
Metallica is now the world’s highest grossing touring band.
But when Brian and Harald discovered them, they were barely a blip on the musical radar.
This book charts the rise of thrash and Metallica’s part in it, beautifully.
You can grab a copy online here.
One Nation Under A Groove
by Gerald Lyn Early
The impact of Motown Records on the global music scene cannot be underestimated.
This excellent book examines the rise and fall of Motown and its impact on American culture.
You can grab a copy online here.
Choosing Death
by Albert Mudrian
As you might expect, this isn’t a story of executions but rather of Death Metal and Albert Mudrian’s tour of the scene is both nuanced and very funny.
You can grab a copy online here.
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
100 years of DJing is wonderfully presented in a single volume by two guys that really understand the impact of dance music on our culture and souls.
You can grab a copy online here.
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
by Crystal Zevon
When your ex-wife writes your biography, then it’s bound to be hardcore.
Crystal’s tale of Warren Zevon’s life is a tragicomic masterpiece that pulls absolutely no punches.
You can grab a copy online here.
Last Train to Memphis
by Peter Guralnick
This and it’s follow up volume, Careless Love, is the ultimate story of the life of Elvis Presley.
It’s funny to think that Elvis’ name is no longer a household name as the King dominated music for a generation.
You can grab a copy online here.
1971
by David Hepworth
Hepworth’s case is simple: 1971 is the best year for music in history.
He offers 100 albums and endless interviews and analysis to support his case and it’s a good one.
You can grab a copy online here.
I Want My MTV
by Rob Tannenbaum and Craig Marks
This history of the first decade at MTV is a wonderful exploration as to how the music video changed the, quite literal, face of music as we know it.
You can grab a copy online here.
No One Gets Out Of Here Alive
by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman
As the most notorious member of the 27 club, Jim Morrison’s biography is undeniably brilliant and always leading to a sad end.
You can grab a copy online here.
Frank The Voice
by James Kaplan
This and the second companion volume, Sinatra: The Chairman, is the definitive biography of the life and times of Frank Sinatra, the most enduring jazz musician of all time.
It’s brilliant and, well, long – 1,600 pages between both books.
You can grab a copy online here.
All You Need To Know About The Music Business
by Donald S Passman
It’s easy to think music is about romance but really, it’s a business. If you’ve ever dreamed of making it big, then Donald Passman will be happy to explain the nuts and bolts of how to get there.
You can grab a copy online here.
Divided Soul: The Life Of Marvin Gaye
by David Ritz
There’s no doubt that What’s Going On is one of the most influential records of all time.
David Ritz takes you on a tour of the life and times of its creator Marvin Gaye with very much a ringside view of the events as they unfold.
You can grab a copy online here.
Appetite For Self-Destruction
by Steve Knopper
If there’s one industry that’s been completely upended by the internet, it’s the record business.
Steve Knopper shows how the business has been its own worst enemy over and over again in the digital age.
You can grab a copy online here.
There you have our picks for the essential books about nearly every aspect of music and not an autobiography in sight (because we’re working on a separate list for those).
We guarantee that there’s something in here for everyone. Get one of these awesome books today and get reading!
For another awesome musical read check out Kim Gordon’s Girl In A Band. It’s great!
