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Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. GaarElton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar

Thanks to Steve Roth of The Quarto Group, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Elton John at 75’.

Description Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age. Sir Elton Hercules John is an exception who proves the rule. In Elton John at 75, veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar examines the rock icon through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Key studio albums are featured, of course, as are a curated selection of his earworm singles. But Gaar delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Elton’s career:

  • Key performances such as his breakthrough performance at LA’s Troubadour, and the historic Soviet Union and Dodger Stadium concerts
  • Legendary collaborations with the likes of George Michael, Billy Joel, and Kate Bush
  • His many film and television roles, including Tommy and The Muppet Show
  • Tireless work on behalf of AIDS research
  • Notable awards and honors, including knighthood
  • And of course, his collaboration with long-time cowriter Bernie Taupin

Beginning with his 1969 debut LP, Elton John is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades. In examining 75 touchstones, Gaar provides a unique presentation of Elton’s career arc, from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to his flamboyant stage presence, and beyond.

Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more. This incredible package also includes a gatefold Elton John timeline, a previously unpublished gatefold artwork, an 8×10-inch glossy print, and a pullout poster. The result is a stunning tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock—in a milestone year.

My Thoughts Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


I had always wanted to see Elton John live however, for many reasons, I didn’t get to see him until his Farewell concert in 2019.  Yes, he is still touring with his farewell concert but that is because he had to postpone while we were all in social isolation for covid.  If you get the chance, do not hesitate!  I have been to a lot of concerts but his is in my top 5!

Then Steve Roth of The Quarto Group sent me an email asking if I wanted to review this new book coming out about him by Gillian G. Gaar.  She just happens to be my favorite Rock and Roll biographer so, of course I wanted it.  I was so excited to be asked.  Not only that, Steve agreed that I could offer a giveaway of one print copy to my readers! This is a $75 book, even more in Canada! 

As usual, Gaar has done an exceptional job in not only writing but curating some of the best photos, memorabilia, etc.  Due to my older sister being an earlier fan, I thought I had seen it all.  I hadn’t!  This book is packed full of amazing photos and includes an 8X10 poster! 

When this book came in the mail, I absolutely geeked out.  I couldn’t put it down until the last page!  I have had it for about three and a half weeks now and have gone through it several times.  It has a prominent spot on our coffee table with many other spectacular musicians! This would be the absolute perfect gift for Elton John lovers, I only wish my big sister was still around so I could get it for her!

Despite the price tag, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!  I give it 5 plus stars!

About Gillian G. GaarElton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


Gillian G. Gaar has written for numerous publications, including MojoRolling Stone, and Goldmine. Previous books include She’s a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & RollEntertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana; Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great ComebackThe Doors: The Complete Illustrated History; and Boss: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band—The Illustrated History. She lives in Seattle.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillianGaar

Buy Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


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Giveaway Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on November 18, 2022 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
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Diary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-StenmanDiary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


Thanks to Holly Monteith of Cynren Press , I am giving away one print copy of ‘Diary Of  Beatlemaniac’ by Patricia Gallo-Stenman.

Description Diary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


Driven by the frenzy of fan clubs, Beatles concerts, and endless dreams and meeting schemes, Diary of a Beatlemaniac: A Fab Insider’s Look at the Beatles Era romps through the heady, roller-coaster days of Beatlemania as seen through the eyes of one Philadelphia schoolgirl and her band of “Beatle Buddies.”

Compiled from the author’s own diary and extensive scrapbooking, and featuring a wealth of original photographs and exclusive interviews with Victor Spinetti and Hy Lit, this extraordinary slice of life peeks into the heart of an inner-city teen at the forefront of Beatlemania.

For Beatlemaniacs of any age, this memoir offers a unique glimpse into the groovy days of the Swingin’ Sixties and the chance to relive the magic of the pop-culture phenomenon called the Beatles.

My ThoughtsDiary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


I was born in 1963.  I have loved the Beatles for as long as I can remember.  As a young girl I hung on to the dream that one day I would get to see them live.  Of course, I was still too young when they stopped touring and when they eventually broke up.  Now as an adult, I wonder how all those girls at their concerts could stand being there.  All you could here was screaming and only the lucky ones were close enough to actually see them clearly.  It’s not like they had screens like they do now a days.

I still held out hope that I would see them individually.  My favorite was John but I was in 11th grade when he made his comeback and then was promptly killed. I remember driving to a memorial with a friend that was held in a park in our home town.  Eventually I got to see Paul. I also own their entire collection of music, including some rare.  Much individually collected over the years and a large boxed set.  Luckily my husband, Bill loves the Beatles too.

‘Diary Of  Beatlemaniac ‘ is taken from the diary of 13 year old Patricia Gallo-Stenman.  It is about her up bring including catholic school and her friends who were Beatlemaniacs as well.  It follows her and her friends over the course of 4 years.  Being a Beatlemaniac also started her on her path to a writing career which she started as a teen with a column for teens.

‘Diary Of  Beatlemaniac’ is a fun book for all Beatles fans.  It is certainly not ground breaking however, it takes those old enough to remember down memory lane. However, younger fans will enjoy it as well.

About Patricia Gallo-StenmanDiary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


While attempting to wrangle a press pass from a Philadelphia newspaper to meet the Beatles, Patricia Gallo-Stenman, then a teenager in blue-collar Southwest Philly of the 1960’s, was invited to write a weekly column for teenagers. Teen to Teen launched her writing career, and Patricia went on to work as a staff writer for the Philadelphia Evening and Sunday Bulletin.

A graduate of Temple University and the University of Stockholm (Sweden) International Graduate School, and an award-winning copywriter, she practiced journalism in northern Europe for nearly twenty-five years. She has also written about the Beatles for Discover, The Sunday Bulletin Magazine. Patricia lives near Dallas, Texas, with her identical twin daughters Jane and Margaretha.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTGalloStenman

Buy Diary Of Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


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Giveaway Diary Of  Beatlemaniac by Patricia Gallo-Stenman


This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on April 24, 2020 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Hendrix: Illustrated Story by Gillian G. Gaar Hendrix: Illustrated Story by Gillian G. Gaar 

Description Hendrix: Illustrated Story Gillian G. Gaar 


JIMI HENDRIX would have been 75-years old this November 27th

This (incredibly) is the first full-blown illustrated gift book exploring the life and career of the man most consider the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

Hendrix enjoyed the international limelight for less than four years, but his innovative and imaginative interpretations of blues and rock continue to inspire guitarists and music lovers across ages and genre.

Inside, Seattle-based music journalist Gillian Gaar examines the guitarist’s upbringing, his service as an Army paratrooper, his role as a sideman on the chitlin’ circuit, his exile in the UK, and his eventual reemergence in the US and the fame that followed until his untimely death in 1970.

Featuring design as lavish as Hendrix’s music and carefully curated photography, posters, picture sleeves, and other assorted memorabilia, this is the ultimate Hendrix book experience.

My Thoughts Hendrix: Illustrated Story Gillian G. Gaar 


Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing Gillian G. Gaar’s, Boss:Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  I saw then that she has a wonderful way of capturing her subjects, this book is no exception!

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and have always been especially drawn to the music of those two decades.  Gaar is a great addition to my music, documentary, and book collections from the period.

I was only 7 when Jimi Hendrix died.  My siblings are 9, 8, and 6 years older than me and I always liked the music they listed to more than what my friends listed to. I had a steady diet of Beatles, Monkeys, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and many more. That included Jimi Hendrix.

 I don’t think I realized who he was at the time but I know I heard his music before he passed. I later learned about him and have seen many of his performance on TV, VHS, and DVD. There is a outdoor shrine, here in Vancouver for Hendrix and I have visited it many times.

 Many have said he was a genius with a guitar and I have to agree.  He was left handed (like me) and played upside-down.  He played behind his back, and even with his teeth!  All thought while sounding amazing!

Gillian Gaar has done an excellent job illustrating Hendrix legacy in words and photos.  I love the velvet cover!  It is a perfect touch for the period.

I highly recommend this book for music lovers of the period and Hendrix fans.  It would make an incredible gift; in fact, we already know what were buying my dear brother in-law for Christmas.  Hendrix: The Illustrated Story has earned a place on our coffee table.  I know I will pick it up many times over the years.

5/5

I received a hard copy for my honest review.

About Gillian G. Gaar Hendrix: Illustrated Story Gillian G. Gaar


Gillian G. Gaar has written for numerous publications, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. Her previous books include She’s A Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll, Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana,Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback, and The Doors: The Complete Illustrated History, and Boss: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — The Illustrated History. She lives in Seattle.

Giveaway Hendrix: Illustrated Story Gillian G. Gaar 


Thanks to Steve Roth of The Quarto Group, I am giving away one print copy of Jimi Hendrix: Illustrated Story Gillian G. Gaar.   This giveaway is open to Canada & the U.S. only and ends on November 17, 2017 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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