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It's Not Only Rock 'N' Roll
In this exciting, original and inspiring book, 75 of the world's most iconic musicians reveal - many for the first time - their thoughts on creating music.
Psychologist Jenny Boyd has probed the minds and souls of these artists and has delved into the drive to create, the importance of nurturing creativity, the role of unconscious influences and the effects of chemicals and drugs on the creative process.
Music legend who contributed exclusive interviews include: Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Julian Lennon, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Don Henley, Hank Marvin, Keith Richards, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell.
The sister of Patti Boyd, married to Mick Fleetwood and the inspiration behind Jennifer Juniper by Donovan, Jenny Boyd is a psychologist well connected to the legends of the music industry.
Psychologist Jenny Boyd has probed the minds and souls of these artists and has delved into the drive to create, the importance of nurturing creativity, the role of unconscious influences and the effects of chemicals and drugs on the creative process.
Music legend who contributed exclusive interviews include: Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Julian Lennon, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Don Henley, Hank Marvin, Keith Richards, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell.
The sister of Patti Boyd, married to Mick Fleetwood and the inspiration behind Jennifer Juniper by Donovan, Jenny Boyd is a psychologist well connected to the legends of the music industry.
- GenresMusicNonfictionBiography
322 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2013
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174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 5, 2021
A compendium of quotes from musicians about their creadive pracess, by Jenny Boyd, Ph.D. (I love it when people insist on brandishing their dodgy doctorates at you). Jenny Boyd, Ph.D., is the sister of Patty Boyd, former spouse of George Harrison and then of Eric Clapton, so she has good access to celebs of those times and a few from later (Sinead O'Connor is hugely over-represented here).
As you might expect, it's mostly vague and anodyne stuff, with large helpings of mystical twaddle, but like anything else - such is the mystery of creation - something in it might inspire you if you happen to read it at the right moment.
Considering it's related to her Ph.D. research, it's methodologically disappointing (I don't think the awarding university is identified, as indeed it isn't on her personal web page): none of the key terms, such as creativity, are defined, even slightly, and there's no attempt to reconcile or evaluate contradictory propositions. And if you were hoping for any usable tips, forget about it.
There were a few quotes I liked, though, such as this from Ringo: "The two reasons I stayed up mostly all night was, one, because I convinced myself I was an insomniac and [, two,] because I was frightened of the dark! Very shortly after I stopped drinking and taking drugs, I realised I wasn't frightened of the dark and I wasn't an insomniac." I can relate, man. Peace and love. In general, the chapter on drugs and creativity is probably the most interesting - insofar as it takes a position, it seems to be: can work, but probably best avoided and don't be surprised if you end up doing nothing and/or just die. Keith Richards is another notable interviewee here and elsewhere.
It's not only rock'n'roll, and I kind of like it, a bit.
As you might expect, it's mostly vague and anodyne stuff, with large helpings of mystical twaddle, but like anything else - such is the mystery of creation - something in it might inspire you if you happen to read it at the right moment.
Considering it's related to her Ph.D. research, it's methodologically disappointing (I don't think the awarding university is identified, as indeed it isn't on her personal web page): none of the key terms, such as creativity, are defined, even slightly, and there's no attempt to reconcile or evaluate contradictory propositions. And if you were hoping for any usable tips, forget about it.
There were a few quotes I liked, though, such as this from Ringo: "The two reasons I stayed up mostly all night was, one, because I convinced myself I was an insomniac and [, two,] because I was frightened of the dark! Very shortly after I stopped drinking and taking drugs, I realised I wasn't frightened of the dark and I wasn't an insomniac." I can relate, man. Peace and love. In general, the chapter on drugs and creativity is probably the most interesting - insofar as it takes a position, it seems to be: can work, but probably best avoided and don't be surprised if you end up doing nothing and/or just die. Keith Richards is another notable interviewee here and elsewhere.
It's not only rock'n'roll, and I kind of like it, a bit.
November 25, 2014
As someone who has spent half his career as a musician and half as research psychologist, I was excited to read this book. The book was quite satisfying, but more so for the musician in me than the psychologist.
The author has impressive access to a diverse array of musicians from many different styles. The interviews with the artists do a great job tackling a very difficult task - putting the creative process into words. The insights and self-reflective analysis of the creative process will be interesting to both creative types and people who think they are not creative (but really, everyone is!).
The author's weaves the interviews into a broader analysis of the psychology of creativity based on early 20th century psychologists such as Maslow, Jung, and James. While interesting, I would have preferred some insight from more recent theories in creative psychology, which has advanced considerably over the years.
But really, the heart of this book is in the words of the artists, and I would recommend it strictly for these insights alone. With or without the psychoanalysis, it's an entertaining and insightful tour of the creative mind.
The author has impressive access to a diverse array of musicians from many different styles. The interviews with the artists do a great job tackling a very difficult task - putting the creative process into words. The insights and self-reflective analysis of the creative process will be interesting to both creative types and people who think they are not creative (but really, everyone is!).
The author's weaves the interviews into a broader analysis of the psychology of creativity based on early 20th century psychologists such as Maslow, Jung, and James. While interesting, I would have preferred some insight from more recent theories in creative psychology, which has advanced considerably over the years.
But really, the heart of this book is in the words of the artists, and I would recommend it strictly for these insights alone. With or without the psychoanalysis, it's an entertaining and insightful tour of the creative mind.
July 29, 2020
When I first saw this book mentioned, I knew I had to read it. I am glad that I did. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the editing made parts of the book a little sloggy. There were also times when I wanted to just read the interviews and answers and forget about the connecting commentary. (I did appreciate that she included the questions she asked.) There was also a bit of frustration because I had no control over who she quoted about any given topic. At times I was thinking, "What did Phil Collins say about this?", or "Surely Clapton had something to add here," etc.. I know it's a book for commercial acceptance and distribution, but parts of me would love to just see the original data!
That said, this is an interesting book and does a good job at explaining that creativity is a process that we all tap into. It is very visible in these musicians and song writers, but we all have it in relation to some aspect of our lives. I dabbled in music performance and song writing, mostly in my college days. Certainly, I am not putting myself on the same level as the musicians in this book, but the creative experience is universal, and I recognized similarities from my own life. I appreciated the interviewees that likened the creative urge to connecting with deity. For me, God is the ultimate Creator. Any time we create anything, we are acting as He does. Creating makes us like Him. So even putting a piece of bread in the toaster to make toast can become an act of communion with Him.
I enjoyed the articulateness of the interviewees, and for some, it increased my appreciation for them as individuals. For others, unfortunately, it lessened it a bit. I would be interested in knowing how and why she selected her research pool. (One of my sons who has a PhD in a similar field, noted that given the connections she has, this was certainly a much easier topic for her to pursue, just because she had access to these people on personal basis.) I wondered, why George and Ringo and not Paul. Or Keith and Ron but not Charlie or Mick. And maybe she tried and they said, "No". I'll never know, but I would have liked a bit more on the process she went through to get her data.
In the end though, it is a great book--interesting and insightful. And I guess the best indicator of it's goodness, is that it left me wanting more. And it left me recognizing my own creativity and having a desire to nurture it and utilize it on a much greater level in my everyday activities. So it's interesting, insightful, and inspiring. Not bad for Rock 'n' Roll!
That said, this is an interesting book and does a good job at explaining that creativity is a process that we all tap into. It is very visible in these musicians and song writers, but we all have it in relation to some aspect of our lives. I dabbled in music performance and song writing, mostly in my college days. Certainly, I am not putting myself on the same level as the musicians in this book, but the creative experience is universal, and I recognized similarities from my own life. I appreciated the interviewees that likened the creative urge to connecting with deity. For me, God is the ultimate Creator. Any time we create anything, we are acting as He does. Creating makes us like Him. So even putting a piece of bread in the toaster to make toast can become an act of communion with Him.
I enjoyed the articulateness of the interviewees, and for some, it increased my appreciation for them as individuals. For others, unfortunately, it lessened it a bit. I would be interested in knowing how and why she selected her research pool. (One of my sons who has a PhD in a similar field, noted that given the connections she has, this was certainly a much easier topic for her to pursue, just because she had access to these people on personal basis.) I wondered, why George and Ringo and not Paul. Or Keith and Ron but not Charlie or Mick. And maybe she tried and they said, "No". I'll never know, but I would have liked a bit more on the process she went through to get her data.
In the end though, it is a great book--interesting and insightful. And I guess the best indicator of it's goodness, is that it left me wanting more. And it left me recognizing my own creativity and having a desire to nurture it and utilize it on a much greater level in my everyday activities. So it's interesting, insightful, and inspiring. Not bad for Rock 'n' Roll!
July 7, 2024
Yaaaawn
For most rock musicians, their music seems to come from a mysterious place :the soul, or the unconcious; or the universal creative vibration...or...maybe they have no idea how they create it. Frampton wrote the entire iconic "Comes Alive" album in a hot streak of eight days. Hmh! Big deal. Happens all the time.
So Dr. Jenny Boyd ( big sister of Patti Boyd/ Harrison/Clapton ) worked up a PhD thesis out of this atonal collection of vapid celebrity quotes. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?? And
So WHAT! Every page of this book is composed from the same template wherein rock stars get all spacey and mystical about songwriting.
I speed-read normally. Usually I can finish an average length book in a few hours. I tore thru " It's Not Only Rock n Roll" in 45 minutes.
This is the most empty, repetitive book I've ever encountered.
Can I get a refund, please?
For most rock musicians, their music seems to come from a mysterious place :the soul, or the unconcious; or the universal creative vibration...or...maybe they have no idea how they create it. Frampton wrote the entire iconic "Comes Alive" album in a hot streak of eight days. Hmh! Big deal. Happens all the time.
So Dr. Jenny Boyd ( big sister of Patti Boyd/ Harrison/Clapton ) worked up a PhD thesis out of this atonal collection of vapid celebrity quotes. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?? And
So WHAT! Every page of this book is composed from the same template wherein rock stars get all spacey and mystical about songwriting.
I speed-read normally. Usually I can finish an average length book in a few hours. I tore thru " It's Not Only Rock n Roll" in 45 minutes.
This is the most empty, repetitive book I've ever encountered.
Can I get a refund, please?
August 12, 2019
Insiders pov! I remember her sister Patti's story from way back and enjoyed this book! It's fun reading about what inspires song writers and musicians, especially the icons from my youth! Who better to write about them then Jenny Boyd?! Fun book will be interest to many music lovers! Quick, entertaining read.
October 21, 2023
I left the book in my shelf for more than a year. The title didn’t catch me but for a certain reason I bought it. This is a great book for every musican that is constantly looking for inspiration and creativity. It helped me feel better and concentrate more while composing, rehearsing or recording. Definitely a book I recommend to anyone looking for creativity within them selfs.
November 18, 2023
Some interesting insights into musical creativity, although it does read like a dissertation at times; understandable, I suppose. The author was lucky to have known many of the people interviewed so she had great access to the musicians quoted. I skimmed the psycho-analysis but the artists' awareness & insights into their own creative processes are engaging: drugs, alcohol & spirituality.
July 25, 2023
I should read more nonfiction. Nice read.
April 23, 2024
Super interesting and wide-ranging selection of interviews with musicians about their backgrounds, where they think creativity comes from, and how it works for all of them.
August 5, 2014
Jenny Boyd knows a thing or two about musicians. As the sister of Patti Boyd, the '60s model who had relationships with both George Harrison and Eric Clapton, Jenny Boyd moved in rock and jazz music circles for many years before she diverted into academia to study psychology. Now she's applied her studies to her old chums in the music business, asking a fascinating question: where does their creativity come from and how is it effected by things like drugs, etc. The resultant book is a mine of information on how a wide variety of musicians tackle their art, how they cope with problems and what ways they have found to keep their creativity flowing. Well worth a read for any music fan, or for anyone working in other creative fields.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews