Customer Reviews

All of Me

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anne Murray reached superstardom in 1970 when she released "Snowbird". She eventually became a household name thanks to many hits that were not only successful on the country charts, but the pop charts as well. "You Needed Me" became Anne's signature song propelling her to worldwide recognition. Anne has the respect from her peers and her fans as not only a fantastic vocalist, but a woman who has class and morality. Never popping up in the tabloids, Anne has lived a solitary life, so it was with great interest when I heard Anne was writing her memoirs. In "All of Me" fans finally get a glimpse into what makes Anne Murray. She documents her early success in the 1970's, a success she was not ready for. She eventually became a regular on CBS's "Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour", recorded multiple hit albums, toured throughout the world, performed in Vegas, and received accolades from some of the biggest names in the music business, most notably Elvis Presley who stated Anne was his favorite singer. In these pages Anne discusses how she felt out of place being in the splotlight, her troubles with certain band members who participated in drug and alcohol abuse, her eventual divorce from her husband, her daughter's bout with anerexia, and the loss of some very close people who were dear to her. Perhaps I am a bit biased as I have always admired and respected Anne Murray, not just because she is an extraordinary person, but because she was born and raised in the same area that I am from in eastern Canada. She also attended the same university that I did, the University of New Brunswick. "All of Me" is an excellent read, not just for music lovers, but for those who want an insight into the background on one of the most private and famous singers of all-time.

Kudos for Anne Murray in writing a book that highlights her life and career but does not cheapen itself with tacky gossip or mean spirited comments. This is a book for the Anne Murray fan, who appreciates her talents and her integrity for not falling into the star maker machinery behind the popular song. I enjoyed the family portraits, and early days when Anne was discovering her talent in Nova Scotia. Her family certainly did take the d out of dysfunction, and painted a portrait of a not perfect, but normal, loving family. A nice relief from the celebreties who write tell alls that end up being empty and passive aggressive.

Anne gives us snippets of her life with her family, her daughters struggles with anorexia,drug abuse with band members, the gay rumor mill,business stuggles, her marriage, and loss of friends and beloved manager as well as highlights the control of record executives who tried to run her career. But throughout her career, Anne remained a simple girl, who mostly did not operate out of narcissim, but soared through pure talent, friendship and intuition.

I was most interested in the music, her decision to leave working with Brian Ahern right after her best ( in my opinion) album was released, Highly Prized Possession in favor of a LA based producer who was all slick and brass- Tom Catalano, who did not understand her. And her meetings with David Foster and the work she did with him in producing "Now and Forever", her last megahit were absorbing. I remember the "Midnight Special" period, which my favorite time of Annes career and the toll it took on her. But this was the time when my favorites were created. I would have liked to have heard more about the recording of the cd, Anne Murray, where her song with Bryan Adams was done, as that was another album that was underappreciated. She kind of jetted through that period.

We still get glimpses of other celebs who entered her life-Seinfeld, Don Rickles, Burt Reynolds, Dusty Springfield, Alice Cooper. It was hard to imagine Anne hanging out at Alice Cooper, but there it was in print. I respect Anne for not dragging out the pain of her divorce or her daughter's struggles, as it is obvious that this book was not written to hurt, but to inform.

I did find some record inconsistencies. I did not think that David Foster produced the entire Now and Forever album, only that one song, but the book let me to believe that. And Anne indicates that Jim Ed Norman produced Jennifer Warnes first album, when he only produced 2 songs on that product- Jim Price did the rest. Interesting to me that she picked him as a result of "Right Time of the Night" and "I'm Dreaming". Her intuition served her well. When her "Christian" album was produced, it was selling like hotcakes in Christian book stores and Anne was thought to be another "born again" celebrity. I would have like to have heard how this came to be, and how she got such access to the evangelical market as a Catholic. This was avoided.

Anne is sensible. She indicates that she will no longer record or perform, and that is a good decision. Her vocal chops are weary as her most recent cd's show us. It is always sad to be when singers perform way past their prime. Anne has chosen to walk away before
she has become a has been. I will miss her recordings but will have fond memories which this book helps preserve.

I have been an Anne Murray fan since the "Snowbird" days. Her book is a wonderful read! I recognized many of the stories/events. She really opened her heart and soul to the public. The personal pictures really add the her life story and career. I will miss her performing at concerts.

I have always been a fan of Anne Murray, and many of her songs have a special meaning for me so I was pleased to be able to read and listen to her autobiography and listen to the "Duets" album that I purchased at the same time. I am the same age as her and am amazed at how good her voice still is...not as perfect as 25 years ago but still very enjoyable to hear. The duets were pleasant and offered a wide diversion of styles. The book made me respect her determination to maintain her lifestyle of home and family during a very busy career....not an easy feat. A very enjoyable read.

I'm a journalist and journalism teacher of a half-century. I've worked on numerous music biographies and read hundreds. This is the most honest, direct, intelligent autobiography by a recording artist I've ever read. There's no performance going on here, no obscuring of anything, nothing sensational or sordid, nothing self-serving. There is logic, order, detail and a rich vocabulary. There is, clearly, the real voice of Anne Murray. This book is a model for anyone attempting a biography. I could name any number of singers' life stories that never get down to sensible details, that wander all over the map, that serve to glorify their subjects. This one is the real thing and you will know that in the pages of this book you have indeed met Anne Murray.

Anne Murray's voice has provided enjoyment to millions for many years. That crystal-clear voice that Rosemary Clooney once said could hit the note "smack dab in the middle" is instantly recognizable. However, Murray says, "for all the talent I had, I doubt that the arc of my career would have been the same without the unpredictable blessing of enormous good fortune."

What was that good fortune? How did the only girl of five children raised in a small town in Nova Scotia grow up to be one of the most popular and recognized vocalists in the world? All of Me, which she wrote with Michael Posner, provides the answers to these questions. The book is structured as a biography, but the elements of a memoir come through because Murray is very forthcoming about her own feelings. And though she wrote the book with the help of an award-winning journalist and playwright, her voice is strong and clear.

Murray traces her career from her childhood up to the last concert. She didn't start out to be a celebrity, but because of her love of singing--a need to sing--each step she made took her further along that path. And it was at times a difficult one that cost her both in her relationship with her husband and with her children. But it also brought her satisfaction and joy to know that she could entertain an audience.

Through Murray's experiences we learn much about the record industry of her era and what was required to be successful. Murray didn't follow the norm; she didn't move to California. Even so, she was able to sell fifty-four million records and earned many awards, including four Grammies.

Murray's voice did not require the high-tech tools available to vocalists today to make them sound better. She explains it by saying, "...my achievement also testifies to a simple but enduring truth: there is ultimately no substitute for good singing, honestly rendered."

Anne Murray fans will enjoy meeting the person behind that wonderful voice, and will put the book down feeling that they have spent some quality time with her.

by Penny Appleby
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Anne Murray's autobiography titled "All of Me" rates 5 stars for several reasons. Reason 1. Amazon's price is the best and quickest place to have the book in your hands to enjoy. 2. Only Anne Murray's website alone carrys the book in my experience of searching for the item...and Amazon's price was much much cheaper than purchasing it on Anne's personal website. The contents of All of Me are filled mostly with the accolades of Anne's acomplishments in the music industry, but the tidbits of personal experiences she allows the reader to hear about during her illustrious career, are what make the reading pleasurable. If you're an Anne Murray follower, it's a given you have to add this memoir to your collection...nowhere else will you discover the juicy details Anne takes the time to uncover for her fans all over the world. I warn you, this is no meek and mild shy girl revelation you will be listening to, but a lady who knows who she is, and what she has accomplished in her lifetime and ready to take her final bow and enjoy living the good life with her loved ones at home.

I purchased this book as a gift for a friend. The order was processed quickly and the shipment cconfirmation was sent to me. I was pleased with the quality of service and how quickly the book arrived. I could not have asked for better service. The book was wrapped so the ends were not damaged. Excellent from beginning to end.

I have loved Anne Murray's music since growing up in the '70's & '80's and reading this book made me love her all the more. Her autobiography gave me a much greater since of who she really is since she is one to value her privacy. She comes across as a genuine person who actually is not self absorbed by giving credit to so many others who helped her along the way and recognizes other artists and technicians for their outstanding talents and skills.

It has many laugh out loud stories and puts her family and growing up years right up front, which makes it all the more personal and real. Anne never gets nasty toward anyone even if one should deserve it. Her book as a whole brings out her warm, down to earth personality that makes her so unique from all those other "Starlet Divas" who are at the center of their own universes. She is a regular person with an enormous amount of talent and now I'm going to buy more of her CD's and DVD's.

I'm holing on to my copy because someday Anne Murray is going to sign it herself for me!

As an avid Anne Murray fan of 40 years (and four concerts) standing, I was delighted to hear that she'd written an autobiography. I've now read it and enjoyed it immensely. In these pages, she's just as warm, open and classy as I always knew she was. I also learned a bit about the record business and life on the road. There are some big names in the book but it's not gossipy or catty. Unlike many American readers, I'm quite familiar with Canada, which only adds to my appreciation. This book is apparently not easy to find in the US, so I'm very happy to have it. If you love Anne, you'll really enjoy this, but even if you don't, you'll get to know not only a marvelous performer but an awfully nice lady as well. Thank you Anne!