Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella...But Don't Get a Mouthful of Rain: The Joey Reynolds Story [Paperback]

Joey Reynolds (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 9, 2001

Joey Reynolds is one of America's most beloved radio personalities. Spinning records as a teenager in Buffalo, New York, Joey quickly became one of the trendsetters of early rock radio. From Miami to Philly, to Detroit to New York, wherever Joey went, his show as always at the top of the charts. After a detour to Hollywood and a long battle with the bottle, Joey's career went into a long, slow slide. Filled with humorous anecdotes and stories of the many celebrities and rock stars Joey has met, this is the story of a man whose rise, fall, and rise again was fueled by the power of laughter. After finding sobriety, Joey bounced back as always. He now has the number one rated overnight radio talk show in the country and his "stream of consciousness" style and sense of humor are winning new fans every day.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Joey is still one of the best personalities on radio, with a uniquely warm and humorous style. -- Claude Hall, former radio and TV editor, Billboard magazine

These are the musings of a true radio star. -- Ben Fong-Torres, former senior editor, Rolling Stone

This book is as exciting as his show is--once you put Joey's book down, you won't be able to pick it up. -- Soupy Sales

From the Inside Flap

The heartwarming story of a boy and his radio career and the fans who love him. From his humble beginnings in Buffalo to the top of the charts in Detroit, Philly, and New York, Joey Reynolds has seen a lot--some would say too much. Now he's ready to tell all, with comedy and conscience, in his very first book. Joey Reynolds in one of America's most beloved radio personalities. He is the undisputed leader of The Royal Order of Night People and a legend in his own mind. Spinning records as a teenager in Buffalo, Joey quickly became one of the trendsetters of early rock radio. From Detroit to Philly, from Miami to New York, wherever Joey went his show was always at the top. But after a detour to Hollywood and a long battle with the bottle, Joey's career and personal; life went into a long, slow, slide. After finding sobriety, Joey bounced back as always. He now has the number one rated overnight radio talk show in the country. Considered by many leading authorities to be the person who invented shock jock radio, Joey has now developed a warm sort of humor that jokes more with his guests, rather than against them. His stream of unconsciousness style has made him the favorite radio host of millions of Americans. As Joey himself puts it, his style is "seldom seen on radio." Filled with humorous anecdotes and stories of the many celebrities and rock stars Joey has met, Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella is the story of a man whose rise, fall, and rise again was fueled by the power of laughter. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press (October 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578260973
• ISBN-13: 978-1578260973
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,198,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joey Reynolds-A 20 Year Overnight Success, March 31, 2000

By 

Lee K. Rudnick - See all my reviews

This review is from: Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella, But Don't Get a Mouthful of Rain : The Joey Reynolds Story (Hardcover)

I have known Joey for over 30 years.I saw him when he was up,when he was down and now when he is a 20 year "Overnight Sensation".This book is not a tell all bio but more of a series of great short stories about Joey.He has had 28 jobs so the book doesn't lack for funny and sad stories

His book reminds me of "Chicken soup for the Soul Not only is it fun reading but it makes a great gift.I believe it will be a sleeper hit

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of only Three DJ's in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame!, February 5, 2001

By 

Retired DEA Agent "DEA - Tom" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella, But Don't Get a Mouthful of Rain : The Joey Reynolds Story (Hardcover)

About a year ago, I had the distinct pleasure of appearing on Joey's show. What was slated to be a half-hour interview evolved into five hours-I couldn't have been more pleased. Joey is a kind and generous professional who interviews a guest unlike any I've ever encountered. When you're on his show, you feel like family, as though you were a permanent fixture on his show. When I first arrived at the station for my interview, Kenny Kramer (the real Kramer from Seinfeld) popped in without warning and chatted with us on the air. It was as though we were all neighbors sitting on Joey's front porch and telling stories. At one point I asked Joey how Les Paul, a friend of his, came to invent the electric guitar. Damned if Joey didn't call him up and tell me to ask him. Mr. Paul said that it was the first time that anyone bothered to ask him on live radio or television, and then recounted a magnificent story that will stick with me till the day I die. But this is just the way a Joey Reynolds show evolves--naturally and without contrivance. When the show ended at about five that morning, Joey asked how I had gotten to the station and I told him that I had taken the subway from my hotel. He would have nothing to do with it-he drove me to the front door of my hotel in the middle of a downpour. But hey, what do you expect, that's just the way a friendship evolves when your with Joey Reynolds--naturally and without pretense. Buy this book and see for yourself.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joey Reynolds is a comic genius!, July 21, 2001

By 

Rebecca Bynum (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella, But Don't Get a Mouthful of Rain : The Joey Reynolds Story (Hardcover)

Joey Reynolds is a comic genius! His insights into the music business and life itself are profound and yet he delivers these with the deftness and gentleness of a man who has gained wisdom from all his wild experience. This is a man who has seen it all in the broadcasting business; the ego rivalries, corporate greed, the disintegration of formats, the pettiness and shear fear driving programing today; and yet he remains true to his deepest beliefs and respects his audience like no one else.

Joey is that rare type of entertainer who has remained true to himself while others have chased after fads. I understand he pioneered the kind of "shock jock" kind of approach that is rampant now by simply telling the truth and saying what was on his mind. Those who've come after have lowered the bar by using humiliation as a substitute for real humor or, heaven forbid, actual insight. This trend toward mediocrity may be inevitable for some, but Joey continues to uphold standards that are an example to all who listen to his show. In a world where he who yells the loudest seems to get all the attention, Joey speaks softly and thoughtfully, gradually building his appreciative audience.

If you love his show, you'll love this book. If you love this book, you'll love his show. Open and honest, without being exploitative or confessional, this book is a wonderful read. I only wish there was more of it!