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The Soundtrack of My Life Audiobook
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(3.03) - 125 listener ratings
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Plot Summary
Clive Davis has spent almost 50 years as a record executive at some of the biggest record labels in the business. Using his legendary ear to recognize and promote radio hits, Davis has led successful stints at labels including Columbia, Arista, BMG, J Records and Sony.
The Soundtrack of My Life isn't only the story of his own rise from an orphaned teenager to one of the most renowned producers in the industry, but it also shows the evolution of the music business and its biggest personalities. Davis worked closely with many of music's biggest stars, and has stories to tell about almost every one of them. From Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan to Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, Davis shares inside stories on many of these performers.
All of the book isn't focused on the music business, though. Davis is also candid about his personal life, including revealing that he is bisexual and has been in a long-term relationship with a man for several years. He also talks of how his work has played a role in his two marriages and his other relationships throughout the years.
Davis is among the most well known producers and executives in the history of the recording industry. He's won numerous Grammy Awards as a producer, was awarded the Grammy Trustees Award in 2000 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, also in 2000. The Soundtrack of My LIfe is his second book, following 1975's Clive: Inside the Record Business.
"As a music lover, I thoroughly enjoyed Clive's book. He does get a bit long winded but it was a fascinating glimpse into the music business and Clive's marketing genius. And for a man who doesn't make music himself, he has an innate ability to ferret out great music."
— Kim (4 out of 5 stars)
Publisher Summary
In The Soundtrack of My Life, music legend Clive Davis recounts an extraordinary five-decade career in the music business, while also telling a remarkable personal story of triumphs, disappointments, and encounters with some of the greatest musical artists of our time, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys.
Orphaned in his teens, Davis earned a full scholarship to New York University and another to Harvard Law School. He served as General Counsel of Columbia Records and, in a totally unexpected stroke of fate, became head of the company overnight. More surprisingly, he learned he had “ears,” a rare ability to spot special talent and hit records. Those ears contributed to the success of three companies—Columbia, Arista, and J—where Davis discovered and developed more unique artists than anyone in the history of the music industry.
What began on the grass at the Monterey Pop Festival with the signing of Janis Joplin has evolved into a lifelong passion and calling, spanning genres, including rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz fusion, and hip-hop. His is the imprimatur that has helped shape contemporary music and, over the years, our popular culture.
The Soundtrack of My Life is an essential book for anyone interested in the story of popular music, the fascinating ups and downs of the music business, the alchemy of hits, and the dramatic life of a brilliant leader...and listener. It is a riveting read from beginning to end.
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Quotes
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“No one has written a book that reveals as much about the industry as Mr. Davis’s book does.”
— The Wall Street Journal -
“Entertaining.”
— The New York Times -
“The pages of The Soundtrack of My Life are filled with fantastic scenes and revelations.”
— The Los Angeles Times
Awards
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A 2014 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Bisexual Nonfiction
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A New York Times bestseller
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A San Francisco Chronicle bestseller
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A Chicago Tribune bestseller
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A Publishers Weekly bestseller
The Soundtrack of My Life Listener Reviews
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" This book should have been SEVERELY edited. Clive Davis isn't as fascinating as he thinks he is. There are some interesting tidbits, but the writing is very tedious at times and good stories get lost in that. I just ended up skimming. This might have been better read as a book and not on the Kindle either. Disappointing. "
— Susan, 1/22/2014 -
" Highly self-serving and overwhelmed with pointless album sales data, but music history lovers will find a handful of fascinating stories inside. Not sure why, but Davis saves all his personal introspection and biographical revelations for the final 20 pages. "
— Dashiell, 1/19/2014 -
" Very interesting book. Read it in 2 days. "
— Alicia, 12/13/2013 -
" Listened to audio version, great reader. Fascinating life. He sounded real. "
— Nancee, 12/3/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book. Def Rec' this book for those interested in the music industry. "
— Mimi, 12/1/2013 -
" Interesting to hear of all the amazing people Mr. Davis worked with. It soon gets repetitious as he turns it into a Trump-like rambling. Nice piece of PR for Mr. Davis by Mr. Davis. "
— Robin, 11/6/2013 -
" I really liked the first half of this probably because those were the artists and time period I was most interested in. Once it got to the pop music it was a little tedious so I skimmed. Still if you are a music buff read it "
— Lisa, 7/16/2013 -
" A decent read. Just thought he should have left his sex life PRIVATE. "
— Tracy, 5/31/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book. No biography is big excitement on every page but it is very interesting overall. I heartily encourage others to read it. "
— Kimberly, 5/26/2013 -
" To be honest I just skimmed this to read about the artists I was interested in. Wasn't very impressed with what I did read. "
— John, 4/25/2013 -
" I love Clive Davis and his contribution to music The problem with this book is it's all over the place writing. The few chapters that do stick to one artist is rare and far between. "
— Lorie, 2/20/2013
About Clive Davis
Clive Davis is the chief creative officer of Sony Music. He has worked with innumerable musical stars and media personalities. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he attended New York University and Harvard Law School. Davis has won five Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock Hall of Fame as a non-performer.