Making Music: Unique Ways Songs Became Hits (Paperback)

~ John Gregory (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

How do songs become big hits? "Making Music: Unique Ways Songs Became Hits" describes how 690 songs by 411 artists became American hits between 1955-1999. Lavishly illustrated and lively written, the book explores the "3 Rs" of a song's success: the 'riting, recording and releasing. Songwriters describe what triggered the song's idea and how lyrics and melodies came together. Musicians and studio engineers describe the creative and sometimes wild recording sessions. Record label execs and the artists tell what it took to get people to buy their songs. "Making Music" covers rock, pop, rap/hip-hop, soul, country, jazz, folk, Latin, reggae, novelty songs and even a couple Christmas carols.

Product Details

• Paperback: 508 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (May 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439228744
• ISBN-13: 978-1439228746
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #171,821 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creativity in Music Mirrors Creativity in Life, May 29, 2009

By	Eileen McDargh "Eileen McDargh" (Dana Point, CA) - See all my reviews

Mr. Gregory's stories on nearly 700 rock and pop songs are funny and poignant, but their greatest value is uncovering the first little spark that lands in a songwriter's head. Sometimes it's as simple as overhearing a random remark made by somebody. I also liked the tensions and creativity "Making Music" describe between musicians and engineers during recording sessions. And who knew that a flight attendant going from London to the U.S. helped the Beatles invade America?

5.0 out of 5 stars Alverno Alumni Book Club, Sierra Madre, CA, September 19, 2009

By	Alverno Alumni Book Club (Sierra Madre, CA) - See all my reviews

"Ever want to know how a song got it's name, or why that singer sang that song? Well, you can find the answer and more in this "rhythmic" book on songs and their artists. Starting with the 50's all the way to the 90's,it will amaze you with the stories of how certain songs came about. Some of the artists who first sang them, did not necessarily record them and make them the hits that we knew. This is an excellent coffee table book or gift for someone who loves music. The author even writes about making a game from the book...."

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Sense of Making Music, August 20, 2009

By	D. Eichholz "bsnmsn" (Indiana USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I ordered this book due to my love of 60's / 70's era rock music. It is a terrific source for the music lover, or for those who enjoy trivia. I refer to it as my " go to source " for questions I might have regarding a recording artist or the song itself. It's an easy read, often engrossing and almost always entertaining, as well as informative. Gregory has written a book for the music lover and it's a great read - not overburdened with minute details, but yet gives the reader a terrific look inside the music and the men and women who put words and music together, as well as the logic or reason behind the music. The book moves along with a nice pace and you aren't bogged down. I hope Mr. Gregory will follow this one up. I consider it an indispensible resource for the music lover.