Rock 'n Roll Heaven

by Shawn Inmon

Jimmy ‘Guitar’ Velvet isn't even a has-been; he’s a never-was. After a short trip to the bottom of a river, Jimmy is about to undertake the adventure of a lifetime. The celestial bureaucracy ships him to Rock ‘n Roll Heaven, where he meets the true icons of rock ‘n roll—and learns that even ‘heaven’ is relative. But, what impact can a small-timer like Jimmy make on the biggest stage in the universe?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Music

149 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2014

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rock n Roll Heaven: 3 stars 🌟

A fun story .. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this world and hope he comes back to it again:)
(Slowly working my way through the stuff of his I haven't read yet)

Pertime is awesome btw, just saying:)

Bonus story, Lucky Man:

2 stars 🌟.. the ending was creepy and I did like the concept but thought it needed fleshing out a bit more I wish he had kept it Paranormal, that would have been more interesting to me but again the length I think did this a disservice. . The characters just felt not fully realized and so I was intrigued enough to go to the end but felt detached from it all.

It's not badly written but not his best either.


Would recommend 👌 :) Read the author's note at the end

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun "what if" trip in to imagination land. I think fans of rock and roll will dig it.

The bonus short story at the end was excellent. I'd like to see Inmon flexing his horror/thriller muscles more often.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story. Actually, it's a fantasy of mine. Wouldn't it be great to go to "Rock and Roll Heaven" when you die?
Because you know they would have a hell of a band!
Do you love rock and roll? Give it a read and meet the greatest, latest of r&r. Too many greats to list.


Standing on a stage close to heaven
My heart on my sleeve
My guitar in my hand
Cheers ring so loud
From the colossal crowd
But when the curtain goes up Will they hear what I play? When the curtain goes up
Will I hear what I say
Through this storm of emotion All the thunder and lightning Make those broken down bus rides
Through the long dark night seem
Like a time that has finally passed
Though many times I was wrong
Now it’s all right, at last
I’ve struggled to the end of the fight
Always keeping my sight Firmly fixed on the one true light
Sometimes I stumbled from the path and went astray Some of those choices I made Well, they turned out the wrong way
And happiness just vanished like smoke
Leaving the pain of trying to fix What I so easily broke
That happy union that brought life to a girl
I made a mess out of that
And now they’re back in their world
A world without me
I came here with regrets
That there wasn’t enough time

I've started a Shawn Inmon group. If you are interested, please stop by.

https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock’n Roll Heaven Written by Shawn Inmon Reviewed 2/8/18
Death can be very enlightening!

Jimmy ‘Guitar’ Velvet isn't even a has-been; he’s a never-was. After a short trip to the bottom of a river, Jimmy is about to undertake the adventure of a lifetime. The celestial bureaucracy ships him to Rock ‘n Roll Heaven, where he meets the true icons of rock ‘n roll—and learns that even ‘heaven’ is relative. But, what impact can a small-timer like Jimmy make on the biggest stage in the universe?

*** Special Bonus*** The full text of the short story "Lucky Man" is included as a free bonus. Lucky Man is the story of a Big Man on Campus returning for his 20th class reunion and about revenge served very cold.

What did I like? I loved Jimmy he reminded me of someone that I met when I was young, wild and free. My friend would have benefited from Jimmy's death sight. Life can be hard on musicians and it can lead to many problems in life that are hard to overcome. This story tells that story in a very frank way with a hint of fantasy.

What will you like? A step back in time to when Rock and Roll were the best of life. This is a well written and developed story with amazing characters that come to life on the pages as the music takes over your heart. An easy read that will have you turning the pages quickly to the very last one. An enjoyable read that will resonate with the 50’s generation for sure. I received this from the Author for an honest review with no other compensation.

[Don Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that's packed surprisingly full

Unique book. When you see how it starts to really unfold, you wonder, 'Is he gonna be able to pull this off?'. Mr. Inmon does a nice job of it and delivers a short book that I'll probably be thinking about for a long time.
After cruising through a few of the author's stories over the past few days I find myself intrigued with the liberties or license he takes with the possibilities of the hereafter and how the strings are pulled. A true storyteller.
If you like Rock 'n Roll and think about the great musicians that created it, this is a book for you.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This would have gotten 4 stars if I didn't feel like I had to wade through all the preliminary 'have to know the background' stuff before things picked up and turned interesting instead of sad.

I think the idea of this book was neat (at least I haven't read anything like it before) & incorporating so many famous musicians made me realize how many amazing ones we have lost prematurely & how many would probably love to be in Jimmy's shoes at the end.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. I liked the fact that the author incorporated music legends into the story. This was a fast read and kept me entertained. I would highly recommend this story if you like rock and roll music and can relate to the story.

[Kianne Werrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Shawn Inmon.
I sat there right beside Jimmy (as I do with every character in every book Shawn has written) whilst he made his mistakes and then carrying regrets went on to meet some huge legends.

[Greg Kolles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining read!

I loved the way that the characters in the book intertwined with the real life rock and roll icons of past eras whom of which were lost too soon. A great message too.. realize what you have and don't take it for granted.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, short book. I would say another 50 pages would have made it better. I read the author's notes and he said it is purposefully short-- there is just sooooo much more one could do with this idea.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this story. Every musician should read and enjoy.

[Cora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jimmy Velvet is a musician. His band bus crashes and he dies for a little bit. He meets several deceased rock legends in Rock 'n Roll Heaven. Not my favorite, but still a fan of Shawn Inmon.

[Shahbaz Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this thinking this was a Middle Falls Time Travel Book, but it was not.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice walk in the pearly gates of rock and roll heaven. Love the characters!

[Sterling Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but very good redemption story.

[Megan Diiorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept…not as well written as the Middle Falls series.

[Beruthiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much of a story - but a lot of Rock 'n Roll

It made me think of Rolling Schorsch, who introduced so many (including me) to Rock 'n Roll -and I am certain that he is there!

[ANGELA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just awesome! Just read it!

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

not for me

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another of those books that caught me totally by surprise. While it started out a little slowly but moved along nicely enough to keep me reading further. The characters are interesting though not as fleshed out as I would have liked, but this was a bit of a short. The language works for all those involved and the music is a language in itself for me. This was a walk down memory lane for me as far as the musicians who were mentioned since I knew every one of them and took a walk through there music in my head as they were mentioned.

Jimmy Velvet has been playing the circuit for years with the hopes of making it big one day. The problem is that he is now 44 years old and life on the road is not getting any easier for him or those he has left behind. He has sacrificed a lot and he has caused others to sacrifice a great deal more in order to be with him.

One night after a gig he and his band end up driving into a river when their brakes fail. He wakes up after saving one of his band-mates and finds himself in front of St. Peter being judged for his life and choices. He is given a choice on where he goes and of course chooses the place closes to his own heart, rock n' roll heaven.

I may not have wanted to be a rock star but I sure wanted to be a singer and this was great as far as I was concerned. It mentioned people who's music I have loved since I was kid like Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly,Janis Joplin, Jimmi Hendrix, and Elvis, to name a few. That is my idea of heaven to be in the company of some the best performers who ever lived. Just a nice story all around.

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rock 'n Roll Heaven Awesomeness!"
Three words to describe 'Rock 'n Roll Heaven' Perfection, Entertaining, and AWESOME. This book, in my opinion is how it's done. It was true to its title and storyline. It held my interest, not one boring moment. This book was so well written I don't know where to start. The whole book was my favorite part. From beginning to end. I was moved when he caught up with his Uncle Bill. I love when he wrote his song with Buddy Holly; 'Edge of Heaven'. The words were so moving. And the concert, opening with a Hank Williams song was great! No spoilers. This is a must read. Jimmy Guitar Velvet was most definitely my favorite character. Also, I have to say Janis. The description of her and and her persona were spot on. Buddy Holly was Jimmy's hero so him also. And Jim Morrison. If this were made into a film and I had to make a tag line, it would be either 'Long Live Rock 'n Roll' or 'Edge of Heaven' because that was the song Jimmy wrote with Buddy. This was a well rounded story. Complete. True to itself. I also happen to be a fan of all the older rock 'n rollers. I listened to Shawn Inmon's author's note as well. I am now a fan. He is a terrific author. And Corey Snow is one of my favorite narrators. His narration flows so naturally and his voice is amazing. Just WOW!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawn Inmon’s first two full length books, while written to read just like novels, were actually autobiographical, telling the same true story, but from two different points of view. Rock ‘n Roll Heaven is Inmon’s first full length story where he didn’t know the basics of the story’s plot and all about the major characters going in.

I was happy to discover that he can still tell a good story, even when he has to make the whole thing up. The idea of a “Rock and Roll Heaven” isn’t new. (You, like I, probably have heard that they “have a hell of a band.”) But integrating that germ of an idea into a story with more meat than a three or four minute song is, well, another story. One that I thoroughly enjoyed. Part fantasy, part rock and roll adventure, Rock ‘n Roll Heaven also has some important lessons about life and priorities.

I often say that for many (most?) readers, hearing about the writing process is like a visit to the sausage factory, the route to finding out things you’re better off not knowing. However, the much longer than normal author’s note at the end of the book, telling the history of how this book came to be, was one I found to be an interesting and entertaining read in its own right.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, I will tell you that I received an eBook copy of this title from the author.

"Rock and Roll Heaven" is the story of Jimmy Velvet, a bar band singer who is, in his own words, a "never was." He's a party and groupie kind of guy who never quite makes it out of the local venue scene, despite having been in the business for years.

After yet another miserable gig, he and the rest of the band get on the tour bus to hit the road ... and are in a car accident.

Jimmy wakes up in Heaven. Or, at least some version thereof. And he meets some very interesting people along the way.

Shawn Inmon's prose keeps you engaged, and his musical knowledge is outstanding. His author's note tells readers how he filled in the gaps in his knowledge via research and friends who knew about things like specific guitar models, etc. This story is also a labor of love; the same note explains how the first draft was written 20 years before it was ever published.

My one complaint is that the final chapter felt a little bit tacked on. Otherwise, it's a delightful read.

[RachelvlehcaR · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a neat book! As a music buff this is a great treat. It starts off with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley talking to each other. There are a lot of mentions of good bands Rolling Stones, Ramones, Joplin, ACDC, and a bunch more. To make it even better it takes place in Washington State. I had no idea but then Inmon started to name of Yakima, Moses Lake, Walla Walla and some other cities in Eastern Washington. That was a fun to find out. When Jimmy gets in a bus accident and is plummeting deeper into lake, he starts to walk and it’s like he’s out of the water and in heaven. He gets to Rock ‘n Roll Heaven and it’s such an interesting place. I love the situation with Elvis, the 60’s, and Jim Morrison. This is a really neat book. If you are a fan of rock, classic rock, you must read this book.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Can music save your mortal soul?" That's the essential question Jimmy "Guitar" Velvet is asked on arriving in heaven. Instead of being allowed in to the main part of heaven, he is given the choice to go to Rock 'n' Roll Heaven, a part of heaven were the greatest musicians go as well as other who have music in their souls.

Jimmy Velvet is an aging rocker playing the bar circuit in the Pacific Northwest. His life has been filled with good and bad, never quite hitting the big time in rock 'n' roll, but never giving up on his dreams. One fateful night finds his aging tour bus without brakes heading down a steep grade with a sharp turn at the end.

A good read for those who like rock, and who like the history of music. Jimmy is an interesting characters, and he is written him well. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave 3 stars because I am not a huge music history fan, however, I think that this would be an excellent, excellent read for someone that fits that description. This was an extremely well developed and imaginative story. If there were a Rock and Roll Heaven this is exactly how I would picture it. If I could choose just one book from all that I have read to make into a movie, this would be the one. I, in most cases, would rather read the book but in this situation I would rather see the movie. That is a huge compliment. This is a story that would better be told verbally or shown visually. If you read it, you will understand. Bravo Mr. Inmon, you gave me a different reading experience.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock 'n Roll Heaven by Shawn Inmon
Starts out talking about the Black Velvet band on the road and the mixture of players, their ages varied and spread far along with their instruments and love of music.
Lot of details of what the musicians go through before and after going on stage.
Abuse of alcohol is discussed as it played a big part with Jimmy and Debbie. He ends up in a crash with the tour bus and goes into rock and roll heaven where he meets up with legends in the music industry and they write a new song, Edge of Heaven.
He recalls that he should've treated others better in his past life-he knows now...then he wakes up, he's not dead at all... now how will he live the rest of his life.
Many other works are highlighted at the end of this book among another short story.

[Janejellyroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was torn on this book. Inmon is clearly a talented writer. The pacing of the story and the dialogue are great. I just hate the worldbuilding. Jimmy is a never-made-it touring rocker who finds himself in Heaven following an accident. But it's not regular Heaven, it's a heaven specifically for rock and rollers, laid out in chronological order. Jimmy, as a new arrival, gets a bespoke VIP tour despite his relatively low status in the musical pecking order in life. This is where it doesn't work for me, it all feels so contrived (especially given developments towards the end of the story). I would check out other books by this author though because he really does have good storytelling skills.

[Melissa Bowersock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's actually difficult to describe, but for a music-lover, this is like the best fantasy ever. When small-town guitarist Jimmy Velvet dies, he can't believe his luck that he gets to go to a place where all his music idols reside in the Great Beyond. Saying more would ruin the surprise, but this book is full of heart and homage to early, foundation rock music. It's a book I couldn't put down, but I didn't want it to end, either. And now that I have finished it, I don't even want to start a new book for a while. I don't want to lose the afterglow of this wonderful story. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won't regret it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Testing, one...two...FIVE stars.

Testing, one...two...FIVE stars.

Great story. A fantasy for rock 'n rollerrs. What if....

The author has a good knowledge of rock history, the songs, the artists and the quirky personalities only a fan would know. But it's not trying to be an encyclopedia, lol...it's a fun tale told with a whimsical imagination and an obvious passion.