And Then I Wrote: The Songwriter Speaks [Paperback]

Tom Russell (Editor), Sylvia Tyson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2002

An entertaining look at the craft of songwriting, in the words of songwriters themselves: a collection of anecdotes and quotations from well-known songwriters, past and present, on their influences, work habits, and how they came to write particular songs now ingrained in the popular psyche. The book forms an effective oral history, featuring songwriters from Irving Berlin and Noel Coward to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell; from Stephen Foster and Hank Williams to R.E.M., Nirvana, and the Smashing Pumpkins. It's a book to be enjoyed by songwriters and music fans alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tom Russell has recorded 25 records and two DVDs. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nancy Griffith, Joe Ely, Iris Dement, Ian Tyson, KD Lang, Suzy Bogguss, Ramblin´ Jack Elliott, Jeff Walker, Dave Van Ronk and other great artists.

Russell`s latest release Blood and Candle Smoke is a collection of powerful observations and deliberations that has the media and fellow musicians buzzing. USA Today calls the album "stunning", while the San Francisco Chronicle proclaims it "about as perfect as it gets." Robert Hunter, Greatful Dead Lyricist and co-writer of Bob Dylan`s 2009 album "Together Through Life" states that Blood and Candle Smoke is an "excellent record in all respects. Lyrics are jewels, arrangements deeply tasteful, vocals superb." Maverick UK gives the album 5 stars out of 5. "Russell raises his songwriting to new and different heights of greatness...Album of the Year (so far) hands down. Very possibly Album of the Decade!"

Sylvia Tyson was part of the landmark folk and country duo Ian and Sylvia who recorded thirteen albums from the early sixties to the mid-seventies. She then embarked on a successful solo career and has recorded seven solo albums. She has headed up her own record label and publishing company, and has had a parallel career as a host, producer, researcher, and writer for both radio and television. She has been a songwriter since 1962. She is active in several music industry associations, and in 1992 was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Another project is Quartette, a recording and touring project with three other female singer/songwriters. In 1996 Sylvia received the Order of Canada.

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551520230
• ISBN-13: 978-1551520230
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great inspiration for writers of all types, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: And Then I Wrote: The Songwriter Speaks (Paperback)

Tyson and Russell, both accomplished song writers in their own right, have taken great care to compile stories from a diverse gathering of song writers, both known and unknown. The chapters, each prefaced by one of the editor's own tales, are divided up by subject, but within each chapter the reader is treated to a wide variety of tales about the birth of songs, the struggles of writing, and the thrill having a song "make it." The mix of writers, from rock to folk to classical, means that there is something for everyone. But the great part about reading through the quotations and stories is discovering a writer you didn't previously know about, and learning something new by reading about their writing process. This is a great book for anyone who has ever written a song, a poem, a book, or even just a report for school. Within the struggle to create music and lyrics are the struggles we all face when create anything of meaning in our lives.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really A Gem!, June 17, 2009

By 

Gypsybaker (Wellington, FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: And Then I Wrote: The Songwriter Speaks (Paperback)

I found this when I was researching (more like a trip down memory lane) Ian and Sylvia...decided to buy it on a whim and find it's a great read...lots of info here (in short bursts) for anyone interested in a little more than simple music trivia. This would make an excellent gift!

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars who says what?, May 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: And Then I Wrote: The Songwriter Speaks (Paperback)

I read the book "And Then I wrote: the Songwriter speks because of the simple reason that I had seen Tom Russell life in my home town before and I was interested what this book was about when I saw it in the library. I had it for 6 weeks and read the whole book of quotes over and over again, and in the end I had the feeling that I could read it ten thousand times more. Yesterday I was at a show of his again, and I talked to him for a while and I got the feeling as if I had understood him much better because of this book.