I was pleasantly surprised today to notice Ode to Billie Joe listed as a must-read books for music lovers, alongside some of my favorites like Just Kids by Patti Smith (!), and some books still on my nightstand, like Viv Albertine's Clothes Clothes Clothes, Music Music Music, Boys Boys Boys (!!).
And Priscilla Presley's Elvis & Me (!!!).
From writer Dana Raidt:
If you’re a music lover, there’s no doubt you consume music books as voraciously as you do streaming services, vinyl and concert tickets (and maybe even music-related artwork). While you’re busy making epic new playlists for all your summer parties, make sure to put these essential music books — spanning pop, hip hop, jazz , punk, country and classic rock — on your must-read list for the summer. After all, if we’ve learned anything from watching VH1 the past two decades, it’s that the stories behind the music are just as interesting as the songs themselves.
Check out the full list here.