wonderful insight of a Legend
580256
All Theatre gypsies should read and learn this biography. I've been in Theatre all of my life as actor, director, and designer- over seventy years... And this is a wonderful example of phrase, "... Never too old to learn something new,"
Fredrick Lee Olson, UNLV, retired
1464729
This book provides a lot of insight to the President's life before fame. I loved the read and the apparent humility that resides in the man.
773963
A beautiful biography of a great man. It's refreshing to read a well written, incredibly researched biography of a community leader and teacher. He touched more lives directly than an celebrity. We need more books like this in the world.
3742449
David King Dunaway has done a wonderful job in updating his classic biography of Pete Seeger.  Dunaway, with excellent narrative skill, tells not only Seeger's life story, but also gives us a mini-history of the progressive movement in this country for the last eighty years or so.  Seeger's involvement in the labor movement, the civil rights movement, the peace movement, and the environmental movement are all covered in depth.  Also the struggle to be able to sing his songs in a supposedly free America is explored in the tales related to the riots at Peekskill, the McCarthy era, the blacklist, and right-wing bigots picketing his concerts.

The best part of all of this is that Pete Seeger, at age 89, is still actively writing and singing.  I had the pleasure to see him in concert, along with his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and Guy Davis two nights ago at the Sellersville Theater.  He can still get a crowd to sing along with him.  While his voice is perhaps not what it used to be (but as Arlo Guthrie told him "neither is our hearing"), the magic is still there.

This book captures as much of that magic as the printed page can hold, and is a great book for people of all ages to read.  I highly recommend it if you are interested in reading about a real, authentic, inspiring American hero.
2672399
This book made the Legend more of a Man. It brought him to everyone's level and showed the human side of Dale. I never knew about some of the things he went through in his life until I read this book. Leigh Montville did an awesome job covering Dale's life and death.
1609428
It was so refreshing to read a biography on one of America's greatest musicians from the perspective of an African American historian who had access to Pres' former colleagues and family members relative to what Pres was really like and what made him tick.  What intimate family and peer relationships during his childhood, teenage years and adult years contributed to how he expressed himself through his music can only be told by a family member or a very, very close friend.  Only African American colleagues of Pres can give us some insight as to how he really felt about America's Jim Crow practices which were actually sanctioned by the US Governmentprior to the Civil Rights Acts of 1954 & 1964) and how these Jim Crow practices may have influenced his mindset.
The Life and Times of Lester "Pres" Young is not for the faint hearted.  It is a scholarly work!  It is not "Lester Young Goes To Disneyland."  Art forms depict what the artist sees as reality.  Despite Jim Crow - the Pres was able to deliver.  This book tells us about the character of the Man by the people that really knew him. Daniels has provided society with something we didn't have before  - a look at Pres through the eyes of the people closest to him who "opened up" to an African American historian over a period of twenty years because they trusted him and believed that he understood the cultural nuances that exist in African American families that are different from many non African American families.
747585
This book is a must-read for those who seek a well-written insight on a man  whose untimely passing left the martial arts world without ample opportunity to witness this extraordinarily gifted master. Each contributor to this book was informative, articulate and spoke from the heart.

In reading this book, one will learn about a man who sacrificed everything, in conventional terms, for his art. For Master Umpad, however, it was never a sacrifice, it was more about passion. Author George Yore did a fine job in piecing together the story of a man, his art and legacy.
3171784
Amazing read of an amazing legend! Sir Auther Conan Doyle was truly one of the great authors of his time!
3249378
I've always enjoyed seeing Paul Lynde on TV and in movies, but I never felt that I really knew what the man was like until I read this book. The information in it is excellent, and it makes us realize how human - and brilliant - he was. I like the fact that it's not gushy fan talk, but, rather, both positive and negative aspects of Mr. Lynde's life, from beginning to end. It's nice to know that his fans were so devoted to him, and he just loved them, too. Good job, author Cathy Rudolph!
2816795
Love it!  I greatly admire his Intelligence and ability to openly share his story!  A must read for anyone who wants to know the game!
576973
Beautifully done! A great tribute to a very special person who lived a life we can only imagine. I'm not a star-struck person but rather someone who choses to admire only those deserving of it. I research everything about The Beatles I can find and sift through the ever-present misconcpetions. I know of their hypocracy (e.g., While not as hypocritical as Paul or John, George writes of living in the material world and tells us we should limit our possessions lest they possess us... writing such things while sitting in one of the rooms of his castle). I'm realistic enough to accept these things, look past them, and listen to George, the man. I have always admired him for his honesty, his humor, and for his wonderful ability to truly not care what anyone else thinks of him. You'll see a lot of that in the video, along with some great historical photos and films which are very factual. You'll definitely learn something about him. I'm not a fan of his later music, and the video contains a lot of that. However, it does show his devotion to his beliefs. Of course, his greatest music is also included as are interviews with his close friends such as Eric Clapton.
345201
A view into the life that made him exactly who he is and where he chose to be. I've been a huge fan for years and am grateful to him for sharing his story with us, both in this well - written book and through music.
3303649
Wonderful to see the man,and story behind the festival
2544299
I loved all the personal insight to the real man behind the baseball player. Roberto was one of my personal most admired players . I saw him play many times at Forbes Field & this book helped me to revisit those memories. I also enjoyed all the photos. I could recognize many of the other plays shown with Roberto. My only criticism would be that many of the other players in the photos could have been identified. Over all, a wonderful book. Congratulations to the entire Clemente family !
4520115
A great look into a sometimes very overlooked character in history..A very quick read,and a great Introduction into the fasinating world of this man.. strongly suggest this...
3102976
A fantastic view into the life of a troubled man who gave so much of his life to entertaining his fans. I really felt like a fly on the wall through most of this book and he even gives terrific insight to those who aspire to be musicians showing a glimpse of his process. This book has special meaning sine Gregg's passing and you really feel a new appreciation for his talent. A thoroughly good read from start to finish.
3839261
Since I was a child my family has headed up to Live Oak every year for the Florida Folk Festival.  From a tender age, I was enamored with the life and practices of "olden times".  I loved listening to the music, hearing the tall tales, watching the re-enactments, learning about the history and eating the food.  I even took up the banjo a few years back in an effort to get even more connected to folk music.  Doc Watson has always been one of my favorite folk musicians and this biography exceeded my expectations.  It was well-written and told a fascinating tale of Doc's life.  I was most interested in his early life as a boy and young man as I had heard a lot about his life in later years at the folk festivals around the campfires over the years.  I loved the stories that the author told and I thought the illustrations scattered throughout the book were very well done.  If you are looking to learn about a folk legend or are already a fan of Doc Watson, you will love this book.