Throughout the life of America Roots Radio, Taupin would recommend books that he believed allowed the listener to delve more deeply into subject matter discussed on the show. Here are those recommendations, posted latest entry to earliest.
WILLIAM CLARKE QUANTRILL: HIS LIFE AND TIMES BY ALBERT CASTEL
BUY ON AMAZON
American History: The Quantrill legend is rooted in acts of savage violence throughout Kansas and Missouri during the civil war – deeds both romanticized and vilified. In Castel’s biography (the best of only several) the author traces Quantrill’s rise to power, from border ruffian and Confederate Army captain to lawless leader of “the most formidable band of revolver fighters the West ever knew.”
SATAN IS REAL: THE BALLAD OF THE LOUVIN BROTHERS BY CHARLIE LOUVIN WITH BENJAMIN WHITMER
BUY ON AMAZON
Country: I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book half my life and now it’s here in Charlie’s own words. Completed before he passed away in 2011 this is “a real-life Cain & Abel story from the American heartland.” Undoubtedly one of the most influential and mesmerizing acts to ever emerge from country music their harmonizing and songs have influenced everybody from The Everly Brother to The Beatles and The Byrds and even to those who don’t even know it. Tragic, terrifying and moving it proves one thing, out of darkness comes light. Even the demons couldn’t prevent The Louvin Brothers from making a Heavenly sound.
FEVER: LITTLE WILLIE JOHN: A FAST LIFE, MYSTERIOUS DEATH & THE BIRTH OF SOUL BY SUSAN WHITALL WITH KEVIN JOHN
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Soul: Finally justice is served and Little Willie John gets his story told. Arguably one of the genres greatest voices this no frills account of his fast and fantastic life will enlighten those who are not familiar and thrill those who are.
I FEEL SO GOOD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BIG BILL BROONZY
BY BOB RIESMAN
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Blues: Bob Riesman takes a stab at filling in the blanks on Broonzy’s hazy upbringing and early life. While he has some success much is still speculation, which makes for a frustrating ride at times. However the fact that his dedication and perseverance is sincere makes this the first Broonzy biography to matter.
ALAN LOMAX: THE MAN WHO RECORDED THE WORLD BY JOHN SZWED
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Multi Genre: If not for Lomax and his father John the preservation of American roots music would not be what it is. In fact it is unthinkable what we might be devoid of had this man not dragged his primitive equipment around this country and the world. While Lomax himself comes across (depending on your point of view) as slightly unappealing there is no denying his undeniable contribution to the preservation of our musical heritage
MOANIN’ AT MIDNIGHT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HOWLIN WOLF BY JAMES SEGREST & MARK HOFFMAN
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Blues: A must for anyone like myself who worships Howlin’ Wolf. The best I’ve read on the man and until anyone one does better the definitive biography.
FRANK: THE VOICE BY JAMES KAPLAN
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Pop Vocals & The American Songbook: Hands down the best book written on Sinatra. Engrossing, enlightening and addictive, this like Guralnick’s twin volumes on Elvis is all you need. I just hope there’s a volume 2 in the works as “The Voice” ends with Frank’s resurgence and Oscar win for “From Here To Eternity.” “Frank: The Chairman” perhaps?
THE PRODUCER: JOHN HAMMOND AND THE SOUL OF AMERICAN MUSIC BY DUNSTAN PRIAL
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Multi Genre: Hammond was the legendary Columbia A&R man who discovered among others Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. He was also a producer of both records and concerts that promoted musical awareness. A multi faceted man whose influence touched and traversed the musical landscape for decades, this biography tells his story solidly illuminating both his passion for music as well as his rather dowdy demeanor.
NINA SIMONE: THE BIOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRUN LAMBERT
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Jazz & Blues Vocals: A book I haven’t yet read but the last published since her death. Nina Simone was one of the most important piano vocalists and song stylists of the 20th century.
HAND ME DOWN MY TRAVELIN’ SHOES: IN SEARCH OF BLIND WILLIE MCTELL BY MICHAEL GRAY
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Blues: The most comprehensive biography of one of the most enigmatic and mysterious bluesmen. The fact that the real story is shrouded in half-truths and hearsay makes this book read like a dedicated piece of detective work.