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The Oracle of Del-Fi
 
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The Oracle of Del-Fi [Paperback]

Bob Keane (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Price: $17.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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Book Description

October 6, 2006
The Real Story Behind Hollywood's Legendary Rock 'n' Roll Mogul Bob Keane, president of Del-Fi Records, tells a story within a story, dealing not only with the West coast record scene of the '50s and '60s, but also with his life journey as a man in search of his dream... to become a great clarinetist and band-leader like his idol, Benny Goodman. His quest leads him through a maze of incredible circumstances that shape him into a legendary figure in the record industry. As a musician and record business hustler, Keane finds himself an eyewitness to both the center state action and the sometimes deadly games acted out behind the scenes. Keane gives readers the real story behind Ritchie Valens and "La Bamba" as well as previously unknown insights into the death of another of his major artists, Bobby Fuller, with the cover-up and web of lies that made it one of Hollywood's most intriguing unsolved murder mysteries. Bob also tells the true stories behind the discovery and rise to fame of Sam Cooke, Barry White, Frank Zappa and other Del-Fi recording legends. The Oracle of Del-Fi is a timely story that covers a 60-year journey of a man whose will to succeed against almost impossible odds is an inspiration to all who find their ambitions frustrated by life's disappointments and tricks of fate. If you recognize these songs, you'll love this book! LA BAMBA -- DONNA -- I FOUGHT THE LAW -- COME ON LET'S GO -- YOU SEND ME -- HYPPY HIPPY SHAKE -- CINDY'S BIRTHDAY The Oracle of Del-Fi offers an exciting account of the murder, mystery, deception, and mayhem that permeated the music industry of early Hollywood.

Frequently Bought Together

The Oracle of Del-Fi + King Records of Cincinnati (Images of America) (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) + Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers (Music in American Life)
Price For All Three: $60.50

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 324 pages
  • Publisher: Del-Fi International Books (October 6, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0976810514
  • ISBN-13: 978-0976810513
  • Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

 

Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
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4 star:
 (1)
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Autobio-novel I've read in YEARS! It's a FUN book and inspirational too., December 4, 2006
By 
Jackie "bestdealsforyou" (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Oracle of Del-Fi (Paperback)
This book is about the interesting life of Bob Keane, the president of Del-Fi Records. Bob was the person responsible for bringing to light West Coast artists like Ritchie Valens (La Bamba), Barry White, Frank Zappa, Bobby Fuller (I Fought the Law) and many others. His autobiography reads like a fun novel, and I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about his adventures in the music industry over the past 60 years. Bob Keane celebrates his 85th birthday in a couple of months, and he'll be celebrating one year of remission from his lymphoma too. This is one amazing guy with a story you JUST CAN'T MISS! I bought this book for music collectors/enthusiasts on my list, plus a few friends who I know would enjoy his fun sense of humor and lighthearted stories. I NEVER KNEW a lot of the details he shares about the artists he produced/promoted. I recommend the book highly, but WARNING -- you won't be able to put it down once you pick it up! ;-)
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4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, one-time read, December 30, 2011
By 
Mark S. Crawford (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Oracle of Del-Fi (Paperback)
Bob Keane certainly deserves his place in pop music history. Not to take away from the Sam Phillips of the world, but it's too bad Keane's musical contributions are not more widely known. I didn't realize the variety of successful performers he worked with, such as Richie Valens, Sam Cooke, Barry White, Frank Zappa, Bobby Fuller - just to name a few. Certainly an eclectic mix of talents! Keane was active when the single - more specifically, the 45 - was king (1950s - 1960s). By reading his book, he seemed to know how to "work it" during this time in pop music.

His stories are engaging and informative on the surface. However, what was missing from the whole book were the deeper stories that would have been associated with his time in the biz. For example, given the minorities he worked with, it would have been interesting to know how he and the artists worked with, or around, any resistance. I would have also liked to have known more details about the early business practices he started with and what changes he saw over the years, and how he adapted. He even skims over his personal life. He mentions the relationships in his life, but gives no insight as to how far and deep they impacted his life.

As the other reviewers have stated - and I agree - this is an enjoyable read. For me though, it was like reading autobiography "light." Great stories in and of themselves, but little substance that will move and/or stick with you.
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3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition to my home library!, December 4, 2006
By 
This review is from: The Oracle of Del-Fi (Paperback)
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I read it from cover to cover the day it arrived in the mail. I love to read, but there are not a lot of books that keep my attention from beginning to end.

Not only has this been an awesome addition to my home library, but my mom and dads, too. My parents both enjoyed reading their copy and have recommended it to almost as many of their friends as I have.

Bob Keane is such an interesting and talented man.
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