Customer Reviews

The Oracle of Del-Fi

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

 

 

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! ;-)

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.

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.