Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48054 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

Synopsis
The marvellously witty memoir by Britain's most popular pianist and bandleader. Jools Holland has had a fascinating life. From playing on bomb sites as a boy in South East London, to skiving off school and then rocketing to international success with Squeeze, the first twenty years of his life were eventful, chaotic and colourful. Then came The Tube, the seminal live music programme of the Eighties. Along with fellow icon, Paula Yates, Jools Holland's provocative and irreverent style of presenting broke the mould of music shows on British television. It was an exhilarating and exciting time. He made further shows in America and England, and in 1992, began broadcasting Later with Jools Holland, one of the BBC's most successful music shows of all time, which has given countless television debuts to now world famous bands. From playing pubs as a teenager greaser in the East End docks, to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra and selling millions of records in this century, it is his passion for music that has made Jools Holland into a doyen of the music scene and which suffuses the pages of this fascinating and delightful autobiography.

This memoir is packed with hilarious anecdotes and unusual memories. It provides an inside look into the world of music as well a wonderful insight into the debonair gentleman and national institution that is Jools Holland.

Customer Reviews

Most excellent
A wonderfully easy to read biography covering all of Jools' life up to 2005/6. The chapters are small so they are easy to read if you don't have time and the style is very conversational, with the occassional small ramble.

Overall a great insight into the man and his music (it will never be the same to me now). Also a nice synopsis on how London life has changed over the last 5 decades.

The boasts are worth it and I couldn't spot the lies.

More boogie woogie please
I really enjoyed this book, a very humourous and honest book, telling the tale of the ups and downs of a very talented man. If you like Jools Holland then I recommend you read it.

Top autobiography
I have read a lot of autobiographies in recent years, and have a particularly partiality to those of the music world. I have liked Jools Holland since The Tube days because of his dry wit, warmth and slightly 'whacky' personality. More recently because of his obvious complete passion about music in general. I was not disappointed with his autobiography, and completely felt Jools personable and distinct style came across as I read - you definitely know its him. The anecdotes and memories of this interesting man were funny, warm and generous to ALL the people involved (even the dodgy pirates!). He has a very positive and philosophical way of looking at his journey, even in tougher times, which was actually quite inspiring. The love of 'the music' so obvious throughout. Other autobiographies I have read can be frankly depressing, self-absorbent and somewhat monotonous - definitely not here. This rates as one of the best, if not the best of all autobios I have read. A great read, if you are a fan of this man or just music in general, interesting until the end. Highly recommended. Thanks Jools.