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Written in My Soul: Conversations with Rock's Great Songwriters
Written in My Soul, first published in 1986, is a snapshot of some of rock & roll's most iconic artists at the same moment. Bill Flanagan, who would go on to create VH1 Storytellers and CMT Crossroads, spoke about songwriting and creativity with Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Joni Mitchell, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Bono and nineteen more music legends.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 13, 2016
First, a disclaimer... I am not the author of this book. The author is in fact the "other" Bill Flanagan, he who dominates Google search results of my name. I'm not bitter. In fact I think all of the Bill Flanagan's of the world should be proud that this Bill Flanagan upholds our name so well. Good job, Bill!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author demonstrates extraordinary knowledge of his subjects and is able to engage them in deep conversation primarily focused on the art of songwriting. Many of the interviews are both fascinating and insightful. I also really enjoyed the expert exposition at the beginning of each section and at the beginning of each interview.
I do think the book ends rather abruptly and could have benefited from some sort of postlude, but regardless, the insights contained on this book are priceless for any current or aspiring songwriter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author demonstrates extraordinary knowledge of his subjects and is able to engage them in deep conversation primarily focused on the art of songwriting. Many of the interviews are both fascinating and insightful. I also really enjoyed the expert exposition at the beginning of each section and at the beginning of each interview.
I do think the book ends rather abruptly and could have benefited from some sort of postlude, but regardless, the insights contained on this book are priceless for any current or aspiring songwriter.
November 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Great insight as to what was going on with the music in this time and some good background on the artists prior to reading the actual interview. Well done!
September 11, 2020
Best of its kind I’ve read. Smart, unfanboy questions elicit thoughtful answers even from notoriously elusive subjects like Bob Dylan. Flanagan definitely knows his stuff.
June 7, 2023
Read this when I was young and more creative than I am now. It was inspiring -- especially Petty and Dylan.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews