The Life Of A Children's Troubadour [Hardcover]

Raffi (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Multiplatinum Canadian recording artist Raffi, best known for songs like "Baby Beluga" and "The Wheels on the Bus," has been a household name among families with young children since he released his first album, Singable Songs for the Very Young, in 1976. But little is known about Raffi the man, or his evolution into a children's music superstar. Prompted by the death of both his parents within hours of each other in 1995, Raffi Cavoukian has broken his silence, writing with bitterness and affection about his strictly disciplined childhood in Cairo, Egypt, and later, in Toronto, and his slow rise to the top. Most interesting here is Raffi's professional resume, which proves to be a sort of primer for independent musicians. As a floundering folk singer/songwriter, he formed his own record label (Troubadour) before embracing his calling as a children's performer, often considered a less prestigious career choice. He also details (often tediously) his sessions with a roster of top-notch musicians and producers, including Daniel Lanois, who has since found fame in the rock/pop arena. As his star rose, Raffi's marriage disintegrated, though, as he tells it, he eventually found peace and enrichment in children's and environmental causes. In the end, this overwritten, disjointed biography suffers from a single, fundamental flaw: aimed over the heads of his true audience?the kids?it's also packed with too much obsessive detail about Raffi's life and worldview to hold the interest of all but the most steadfast adult devotee. (Dec.) FYI: This memoir is the first book to be published by the artist's own record label.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 316 pages
• Publisher: Homeland Pr; 1edit edition (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1896943446
• ISBN-13: 978-1896943442
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #836,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than a show-business autobiography, September 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Life Of A Children's Troubadour (Hardcover)

Through his music, Raffi has been in our family ever since our eldest son, now 24, was a toddler. What attracted us, apart from the consistently high musical quality, was the directness and warmth of Raffi's approach, the intelligence, the lack of condescension, and his obvious respect for children and childhood--and for all of humanity, and for all of life. These same values inform his book.

Much more than a showbusiness autobiography, The Life of a Children's Troubadour is about a personal odyssey. It begins with a pained and troubled childhood and describes Raffi's growth into an internationally renowned entertainer, a passionate advocate for children, for the natural environment, and for peace. It has not been an easy journey, and Raffi describes the obstacles and detours along the way with honesty and with an insight that was clearly gained at great emotional cost.

For me the least riveting parts of the book were the depictions of showbusiness events--recording sessions, details of the workings of the entertainment world, etc., although I don't doubt that many will find such information of interest. These , however, do not dominate the book. Raffi's inner and outer journeys do, with all their perils and rewards. As one would expect from a gifted lyricist, the writing is elegant, often moving. Only here and there would one have wished for a firmer editorial hand. This book would delight anyone who has been ever moved by Raffi's music--or whose children have.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raffi shares his heartfelt beliefs, February 15, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of a Children's Troubadour: An Autobiography (Paperback)

The Life Of A Children's Troubadour is Raffi's autobiography in which he shares the story of his life, from his childhood in Cairo Egypt, to his adjustment to life in Toronto as a youth, to his professional success as a musician throughout North America. Raffi reveals the details of his remarkable career, from modest beginnings as a folksinger in coffee houses to sold-out children's concerts at Carnegie Hall and on Broadway. Raffi shares his heartfelt beliefs, his love and admiration for children, and his dedication to making the world a better place for kids. The Life Of A Children's Troubadour is a "must" for anyone who has enjoyed and appreciated Raffi's very special music and his influence on a generation of children, parents and teachers.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even Our Heroes Are Human, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Life Of A Children's Troubadour (Hardcover)

I reall enjoyed discovering who Raffi is. It was nice to see that he is not perfect and to see himself work that.

I would have liked to read more about his life and less about how to raise a child. Towards the end of the book, it got a little "preachy" on how to raise a child. I find it a little difficult to get advice from someone who does not have a child.

I do, however, find it inspiring that someone did so well in a path that he didn't choose for himself. He learned to do the best he could and let himself be guided.