Beatles Books

Ken Mcnab - ’Shake It Up Baby’

I am delighted to welcome Ken Mcnab back to the pod - this time to discuss 'Shake It Up Baby' - his thrilling and detailed story of The Beatles in 1963.

How did they go from the cold nights of a small Scottish tour in January to the cusp of world domination in Decemeber?

Richard Driver - ’That Was Me’

I'm joined for this episode by Richard Driver to discuss his book 'That Was Me - Paul McCartney's career and the legacy of The Beatles'

That Was Me is an engaging and insightful journey through the prolific and awe-inspiring career of Paul McCartney. With focus on Sir Paul’s post-Beatles years, Richard Driver explores the vast output of McCartney, from his homespun solo albums to his more elaborate compositions and productions, and from his videos and tours to his collaborations with his former Beatles and a multitude of other pop stars.

Steve Matteo - ’Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film’

I'm delighted to welcome back to the pod Steve Matteo who is here this time to discuss his new book 'Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film'.

Steve's book tells the stories behind all The Beatles cinematic adventures, how they reflected the wider cinematic trends of the 60s and why we all keep going back to watch them time and time again.

Leslie Cavendish - ’The Cutting Edge’

I'm joined today by Leslie Cavendish to discuss his book 'The Cutting Edge'.

Starting work at Vidal Sassoon's salon at the start of the 60's, Leslie soon finds himself cutting The Beatles hair - and forming a friendship in particular with Paul McCartney.

He tells us stories from the Magical Mystery Tour bus, what it was like running a salon for Apple and meeting Paul again in 2012.

Bob Kealing - ’Good Day Sunshine State’

My guest for this episode is Bob Kealing, who tells the story of The Beatles in Florida, a state they spent more time in than most during 1964.

Meeting Muhammad Ali, playing to 70 million on Ed Sullivan, taking part in iconic photoshoots, as usual The Beatles packed in so much into their time - and Bob's book focuses on first hand accounts to tell this fascinating story.

David Jacks - ’Peter Asher A Life in Music’

My guest today is David Jacks who joins me to discuss his biography of Peter Asher - 'A Life in Music'.

Peter came into The Beatles world via his sister Jane's relationship with Paul McCartney, and soon Peter was a pop star himself as he and his musical partner Gordon Waller took one of Paul's songs to the top of the charts.

Peter then went on to a hugely successful career in music production and promotion, including a famous stint at Apple Records.

Bill Janovitz - ’Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History’

I'm joined for this bonus episode by founding member of the band Buffalo Tom, Bill Janowitz to discuss his biography of Leon Russell.

Perhaps best known in Beatles circles for his involvement in the Concert for Bangladesh - Leon was an incredible talent who had played on most of Phil Spector's biggest songs before starting a stellar solo career and formed a close friendship with George Harrison. 

Colin Hall - ’The Songs The Beatles Gave Away’

My guest for this episode is Colin Hall, who joins me to discuss his book 'The Songs The Beatles Gave Away'.

Colin is the custodian of Mendips, John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool, and his book covers John and Paul's early years, and how their songwriting partnership developed into donating songs to other artists. 

 

Tony King ’ ’The Tastemaker’

I'm joined for this episode by Tony King to discuss his brilliant memoir 'The Tastemaker'.

Tony joined Decca Records at 16, and as London started to swing, was one of it's most vital promotion men.

Tony got to know The Beatles during the mid 60's, and by the start of the 70s was employed by Apple, and worked on promoting both John and Ringo's solo albums.

His friendship with Elton John led him to introduce him to John Lennon - and Tony was directly involved in John's famous Thanksgiving appearance with Elton at Madison Square Garden in 1974.

 

Allan Kozinn & Adrian Sinclair - ’McCartney Legacy Vol 1’

I'm joined for this episode by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair to discuss volume 1 of 'McCaartney Legacy, the first in a multi volume set, beginning with covering the years 1969 -1973.

This is such a heroic and exciting period for Paul, as he recreates himself in the immediate aftermath of the Beatles breakup – a period when, newly married and with a growing family, he conquered depression and self-doubt, formed a new band, Wings, and recorded five epochal albums culminating in the triumphant smash, Band on the Run.