Once Life Matters: A New Beginning [Mass Market Paperback]

Marty Angelo (Author), Michael Clark (Editor), Kathy Idle (Editor), Gary Carlson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2006

'Once Life Matters: A New Beginning,' is a powerful life-changing auto-biography written by former music business entrepreneur, Marty Angelo. The book reveals how God totally transformed Angelo's life from the snarls of drugs, booze, rock/disco music and prison into a strong witness of God's saving grace and mercy. Over 60,000 books have been distributed 'free of charge' to prisoners, substance abuse rehab clients, and troubled celebrities.

All funds from Amazon.com sales goes directly back into printing more books to donate to prisons, rehabs, and troubled celebrities.

Please purchase directly from Amazon.com and not from the re-sellers. Most of those books were once donated and is straight profit for them and the money goes directly into their own pockets with none going to help inmates. Please buy directly from Amazon.com and not from the re-sellers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Marty's biography is an inspirational book. It's fast paced and shares with readers his ground breaking days in Rock 'n' Roll as well as being a major catalyst for the disco era. All along, Marty acknowledges his shortcomings and how the paths we select in life can take us in different directions. It s all about making the right choices. The book serves dual purposes - an entertaining read / and the signals to changing your life. Dance Talk News

Western New York music legend Marty Angelo's book, 'Once Life Matters,' details his rise and fall in the music business; his eventually embrace of sobriety and finding a new path as a Christian counselor and speaker. Angelo has had an almost Phoenix like career first as manager of the Buffalo New York band Raven that achieved legendary success and then as the originator of the first local then national television show Disco Step-by-Step. That show helped popularize the Disco craze showing the latest dance moves and songs. However along the way he burned many a bridge mostly due to an appetite for drugs and alcohol. Angelo eventually became a Christian and his life became worthwhile. He now counsels prisoners and substance abusers. The Best of WNY.com

'Once Life Matters: A New Beginning' pretty much reads like an artist, rock star or celebrity bio. Any fan of the late 60s to the early 80s will savor the juicy tidbits about some very famous people, the events and the places, what went on in the studio, behind the scenes and the ego clashes thrown in the brew. As bright and witty Marty was from his childhood to today, he's the first to admit he always got into trouble. Highly ambitious and getting everything out of life, somehow, he would end up at the police station on a regular basis, 'something just wasn't right', but didn't know what it was. Like a good movie, there are humorous episodes happening when you'd least expect it. Only the last chapters deal with his newfound spirituality. After reading the book, one realizes that 'Disco Party Marty'; is one of the man's many facets. Wait until you read about Marty the artist manager, the record promoter, the evangelist, the inmate... 'Once Life Matters' is an entertaining read. Discostyle.com

'Once Life Matters' is an inspirational walk you will want to read over and over. Prison Living Magazine --various

Marty Angelo (once known as 'Party Marty') takes us through his life from years of drug abuse to the redemption power of God. From his beginning, he is a troubled child and throughout the book, he has numerous run-ins with the law. Angelo goes from a loving home to military schools to the University of Buffalo where he got involved with the music scene. Marty was the creator of the dance television show, Disco Step-by-Step and involved in the undercurrent of the entertainment business. He steps into a fast-moving world and takes us through the ups and downs he endured trying to find his niche in the world. Angelo was a producer and manager for top recording artists, but the high-speed road he traveled was dangerous. The road led him into a parade was conflict and turmoil with his spirit. Angelo was sentenced to six years in a federal correctional facility for a drug conviction. His 1981 transformation led him to create his own ministry after his sentence. His book leads us through his renovation from drugs and lawlessness to becoming a Christian teacher, counselor, and speaker. He goes from prison to prison fellowship, where he takes his testimony to inmates who are seeking answers. Inmates from any walk of life can relates to his journey. 'Once Life Matters' ends short of all his accomplishments. The final chapters address the issues of fear, boredom, and sin. --The Buffalo News

Marty Angelo had it all. He could in fact have been a poster boy for the Swinging '60s. Heavily involved in the music scene as a promoter and manager he rubbed shoulders with many of the Lates and Greats. His friends and contemporaries read like a Who s Who of rock legend from Janis Joplin to Hendrix, Van Morrison, Lennon [who introduced him to heroin], to Elton [He'll never make it with a name like that] John, he was at ground zero of the The Scene. A native of Buffalo New York he left his home town early on to travel the world and to follow his passions - music, money, sex, booze and drugs always on the lookout for the next fix and the next up and coming band to promote. He never could quite make the big time however. The brass ring kept slipping away no matter how hard he tried to grasp it or what he did, or how low he sunk to get it. He lived a wasteful and fully self-indulgent life of excess and even petty crime beginning even as a young child when he stole communion wafers from the local Catholic Church so that he could practice the Sacrament at home. Angelo had to reach rock bottom like so many of us, including a lengthy stint in jail for dealing, to make him realize he was riding a train to nowhere - a self-destructive trip that would soon push him down to oblivion, like so many connected with the music scene of the time. He was full of unhappiness nothing was ever enough to fill the void. Marty Angelo was fortunate and he would say saved by the fact that his family and God - never gave up on him no matter what. His parents fed and supported him and even mortgaged their house to bail him out one last time. It was his sister who ultimately brought him to his senses by constantly bombarding him with Christian tracts and literature; hoping that he would eventually see the light and let the church gather him into the fold. After a period of resistance during which he literally and figuratively hit the deck his conversion was complete. Like 'Christian in The Pilgrim's Progress' he felt that a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. When the police showed up at his door he felt only relief - so much so that he approached his upcoming prison sentence not with dread but with anticipation and showed up at the gate bearing suitcases full of bibles and teaching materials which he enthusiastically distributed to any inmate who would have them. This is a small well written book easily read in a day - which serves almost like the confessional for Angelo. It... is a fascinating account of life at the epicenter of the music industry from the '60s on. He met and mingled with some of the greatest but provides us with only the smallest of snapshots plus a few tantalizing glimpses as if behind a curtain - but that is not what the book is about. He does not shy away from detailing any of his indiscretions, as embarrassing as they might have been, but his central message is that by Jesus Christ Shall You Be Saved. --Blogger News Network

About the Author

Before Marty Angelo's dramatic conversion to Christianity in 1981, he worked in the entertainment business for 15 years getting his start through the late Jimi Hendrix and the late George Harrison. Angelo was a personal manager for the Buffalo New York blues band, the Raven and later for the 60s, pop hit group, the Grass Roots starring Rob Grill.

Angelo was also a successful record promoter and creator, producer, and writer of the popular late '70s TV show, Disco Step-by-Step, the first television show dedicated to disco music, dance instruction, and hustle dancing.

Angelo is featured in numerous documentaries, magazine articles. and radio/television productions.

Angelo received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from the International Hustle and Salsa Dance Organization. Angelo is considered one of the nation's first disco disc jockeys dating back to 1969 and was voted one of the Top 20 djs in the country responsible for breaking thousands of hit dance music records.

Over the last 30= years, Angelo worked with Chuck colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries, Teen Challenge of Southern California, the Fort Lauderdale Rescue Tabernacle (Faith Farm), and the Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County.

Angelo is currently a full-time minister reaching out to convicts, substance abusers, and troubled celebrities. He also ministers nationwide in rehabs, support groups, schools, and churches.

The mission of Marty Angelo Ministries is proclaiming and teaching the powerful life changing gospel of the kingdom of God throughout prisons/jails, substance abuse recovery programs and to troubled celebrities utilizing life-changing books, evangelistic outreaches, and follow-up resources.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishing; 2nd edition (January 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961895446
• ISBN-13: 978-0961895440
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

He thought he had it made...

Marty Angelo worked in the entertainment business from 1965 to 1980 as a television producer, record promoter, disk jockey, restaurant/nightclub owner and personal manager for rock 'n' roll bands.

Though at times Angelo thought he achieved success, internally he always felt an emptiness in his heart, sensing his life neither had real meaning nor true purpose. Nothing ever seemed to matter to him. Consequently, he lived a rebellious, sin-riddled out-of-control lifestyle.

A New Beginning...

Angelo was arrested in 1980 for two counts of possession of cocaine. Through this life-shattering event he experienced a "new beginning," a dramatic and electrifying conversion to Christianity. This miracle happened in 1981 prior to serving two-and-a-half years in a federal prison. God forgave Marty's sins, blessed him with everlasting life and filled the void in his heart with the Holy Spirit. His life finally mattered as he discovered God's true plan and purpose.

If God can change me He can change anybody...

Angelo helped many prisoners during his incarceration explaining to them that if God can change his life He can change anybody... including hardened convicts, drunkards and drug addicts. Many followed his advice.

Marty was released from prison in 1984 and is living his life as an example to other ex-convicts and former drug-addicts and alcoholics who want to serve God and be used by Him for His glory.

For more than 25 years, Angelo has worked with various ministries such as; Prison Fellowship Ministries, Teen Challenge of Southern California, Faith Farm Ministries of Southern Florida, and The Drug Abuse Foundation's Palm Beach County Sheriff's 'Drug Farm' program.

Marty is currently a full-time minister to prisoners, substance abusers and troubled celebrities. His nationwide ministry reaches out to prisons & jails, rehabs & support groups, schools & churches and various celebrities.

Special Outreach Ministry to Troubled Celebrities...

Angelo's 15 turbulent years in the entertainment industry has given him a special burden for today's celebrities. Many are suffering the same consequences from abusing drugs and drunkenness that he experienced while living in the fast lane in the music business.

No one within the entertainment business back in the late '60s and '70s was warning others of the high cost of leading such a sinful life. There was not much information available on how to change. Therefore, Angelo prays that today's entertainers and others will learn from his mistakes and seek a better life through his special outreach efforts. He also prays and asks others to pray that God will do "whatever it takes" to reach many of this generation's long list of troubled celebrities.

Marty believes as a Christian he has an obligation to encourage troubled celebrities and others to try a better road to travel; one that leads to everlasting peace, happiness and a new life that truly does really matter. He donates his services to celebrities using letters, books, faith-based rehab referrals and various court appearances.

Marty Angelo is the author of two books: "Once Life Matters: A New Beginning" and "Vision of Jerusalem: Now!"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the valley of despair, to the mountain top of purpose!, March 5, 2010

By 

Trish Hart "Free to Love You" (Anaheim, Ca.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Once Life Matters: A New Beginning (Mass Market Paperback)

My first opportunity to steal communion wafers came when I was alone in the sanctuary after serving mass. The priest left to take care of some business and I was sitting there, eye to eye with the unconsecrated hosts. They hadn't turned into Jesus yet, I rationalized; so who would care? I helped myself to a handful of wafers and ran home to my toy-chest altar. I finally had the missing ingredient to my church service. It never occurred to me that I was stealing or sinning." (Page 19 of Once Life Matters: A New Beginning)

As a small child Marty Angelo had dreams of becoming a Catholic Priest but as his life unfolds; his childhood aspirations become nothing but a distant memory as he follows the glittery road of the entertainment business that leads to success but ends in disaster.

Once Life Matters: A New Beginning, is not only a powerful title, it's a powerful book! Marty Angelo with the help of, Michael Clark has written an awesome testimony of how Jesus Christ can turn a life around in a very powerful way. Marty had everything this world had to offer; fame, money, women and drugs, but like you hear so often, all of those things left him feeling empty and paved his way into a prison cell.

Who else do you know that has been involved with such legends as, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Grass Roots, John Lennon, George Harrison and the like? If that were me, I would probably still be talking and bragging about such experiences. Not Marty Angelo! His story offers some insight into the lives of those famous people (which I found very fascinating) but at the end of the day, at the end of Marty's storm, it is Jesus Christ that he exalts.

I spent time in prison and I also wrote a book called, "You Are Never Alone" about how Jesus turned my life around but Marty's story is different. Jesus saved him before he went to prison and it was literally an electrifying experience! Wow!

Unlike other prison testimonials, Marty went into prison happy and with his God given purpose. Marty spent his time in prison pressing into and building his relationship with Jesus through the study of His word. He walked out of prison and hasn't stopped climbing higher and higher, but this time his ladder of success is propped up by the Kingdom of Heaven. Just visit his website [...] and you will see what I mean. Marty, his story and his life are not only an inspiration to those who are lost, but is also an inspiration for those of us who are saved. He is a shining example of how we should live our lives; selfless, steadfast and sure of our commitment to Jesus Christ in doing whatever we can for the least of these.

If you have a loved one in prison, addicted to drugs or just needs a "New Beginning" in life, this book is a must read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Once Life Matters - A New Beginning -- http://www.reviewslipbookreviews.highpowersites.com, March 19, 2010

By 

William H. Hartmann (St.Paul, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Life Matters: A New Beginning (Mass Market Paperback)

Book Review by Bill Hartmann
[...]
The Book: Once Life Matters- A New Beginning
Author: Marty Angelo with Michael Clark
Impact Publishing - copyright 2005 (1st printing)
ISBN: 0-9618954-4-6 (pbk.)
Christian Men's Book
$[...] U.S. Amazon.com

Introduction
The author Marty Angelo, a man of many hats, is a well seasoned man who has lived through a very tumultuous life. He has gone from being a band promoter, disco television producer, bartender and convicted drug dealer to finally becoming an ex con and a born again Christian running a (prison / drug addiction recovery) ministry today. Through his time spent in prison, Marty Angelo has been given a unique privilege and opportunity from God to help countless people who have lost hope through drugs and through living rebellious lives. Marty Angelo has a website - [...] which he uses to share all kinds of resources to help drug users, ex convicts and the incarcerated find peace and hope through God. Marty Angelo is available for interviews, radio shows, T.V. promotion and speaking engagements' to people who want to hear his story and receive from his ministry.


Book description/ Summary
"Once Life Matters" is 209 pages long. It is a small sized paperback auto biography of Marty Angelo. The cover art depicts a man standing either in a sunset or as the sun is rising to depict a new beginning. The concept is good because it does lend itself to Mr. Angelo's life with his own new beginning. The back of the book as well as the inside forward are loaded with many great testimonies from friends and acquaintances' through Marty's life. I enjoyed reading them as they were very genuine and helpful in getting a feel for the general demeanor of the text. The small physical size of the book also makes it appealing because it can easily be read in only a few hours. I rate the layout of this book as good.
"Once Life Matters" is about the life journey of Marty Angelo. He puts down on paper the struggles and bad decisions that rebellion can cause in one's life. Through this drama we get a peak of what it's like to be on the fast track and almost "making it" from the worlds stand point. Mr. Angelo astutely points out to the reader that God had his hand on his life while he continually spiraled down into the depths of this party lifestyle. Throughout the text of the book the author places scripture in appropriate intervals and places that relate God's point of view on the subject that we are reading about. Marty's road to riches and fame is painted for us in a real life gritty fashion and Mr. Angelo does a good job of relaying much of the feel of what it was like to live that life style. What he doesn't write is easily picked up between the lines and many if not most will relate to portions of this story.
Review
I chose this book because it said "new beginning" on the cover. I knew what that meant instantly. I knew that someone had an experience with God that forever changed their life. God is in the business of giving people new beginnings and they are always the most interesting to read about. God's ways are filled with lots of dramatic changes and truth. This story totally fits with Gods style and formula and I was not disappointed. This book was fast paced and it didn't bog down at all except I did just briefly feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of "bad" that happened to Mr. Angelo. The book easily makes me ponder over all the misguided people wasting their time and talent at bars and nightclubs pursuing a party lifestyle and the author does a great job of describing the realities of somebody in this world. Throughout the book Mr. Angelo's decisions to remain in this alcohol/ drug culture takes him across the paths of some pretty sinister people and it's only through God's mercy that he gets out of one bad scrape after another. His story is a good testament of how wrong decisions can take us down one destructive road after another and that if God is not directing our course than Satan is by default, and you are ultimately doomed. The author describes for us in detail how he made many wrong decisions because he was trying to impress the wrong crowd and because he was trying to fill a hole in his heart. I was drawn to this story because bits of it registered with my own life and I am sure many others would feel the same way. I want to repeat - This book is written for every man or women who struggle like Marty did. "Once Life Matters" is a book describing Marty Angelo's problem with an age old issue called "rebellion". He is running away from something and it's a heart wrenching struggle as he finds himself. Marty did a good job of relaying the truth to us, but it is no small miracle that Marty Angelo is here today, it is only through God's mercy. Finally, I want to say that from everything I have ever read, God likes to use messengers who are usually firebrands of energy because he wants the word carried out under all kinds of circumstances and adverse conditions. God brought Mr. Angelo through the fire and he is now able to use this energetic and humble man to deliver a powerful message with this book as a door opener to many a troubled heart.

Recommendation
I find this book to be a gem. It is fast paced and well written for the average reader to comprehend. All ages can benefit with this and there isn't any part that someone could not find in their own lives today. I recommend this great auto biography to schools, ministries, churches and counselors all across this land. Let Marty Angelo's life touch yours and give God the glory.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review: Once Life Matters, March 14, 2010

By 

Kelly Huckaby "The HOMEWriter: Helping Other ... (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Life Matters: A New Beginning (Mass Market Paperback)

Earlier this month I received a message on Facebook from a gentleman that I didn't know. He wanted to know if I would be interested in reviewing his book. I didn't find this unusual since I'm a Fan of a page that connects reviewers with products. I figured he found me there. I clicked his name to view his profile and discovered we had a friend in common. I then started checking out his websites, to learn more about his book.

Marty Angelo has spent the majority of his life in the music industry. He's also spent the majority of his life strung-out on one drug or another, or drunk. His book, Once Life Matters: A New Beginning, is about his life before and after his salvation--mostly before.

I wasn't sure I wanted to review the book. I'm not active in the prison ministry, or any ministry that serves those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. And I don't have ties to the music industry--anymore. You see, once upon a time, I was very active in a rock 'n roll lifestyle. I know what it's like to be high and drunk (sometimes both at the same time). I recognized the names of some of the bands and recording artists that Marty mentions in his book. That intrigued me enough to agree to the review.

Once Life Matters is a quick read. I took almost 4 days to read it, but that's only because of two things: family obligations do not allow me to sit and read for hours on end, and strong memories and emotions resurfaced during the reading. When Marty wrote of his despair, I felt it. I've been there. I know the darkness that surrounds drugs and alcohol and the rock 'n roll lifestyle.

This isn't the kind of book you give to someone out of the blue, in hopes that they'll read it and get saved. This is the kind of book you give to someone once you've established a relationship with them, and discovered that they're looking for something but don't know what. Marty walks you through his life, showing his attitude along the way, and sharing his thought process. Bible verses are sprinkled throughout the book, giving the reader a foreshadowing of where Marty is leading.

The book left me with a feeling of expectancy. Where would God use Marty next? More importantly, where would God use me next? I was encouraged to stay focused on Jesus Christ, and to listen for the Lord's leading.

If you know someone who seems to be searching, who seems to have a hole in his or her life and is constantly trying to fill it, you'll want to get this book for them. It will show them what they're searching for, and Who can fill that hole.