Audiobooks By Musicians

This may come as a shock, but your favorite singer actually has a life and personality outside the recording booth. We get it, we too like to pretend Taylor Swift exists only as an ethereal blonde songbird who lives in the recesses of our collective feelings as she puts them into song. But we’re willing to bet this isn’t accurate and that she is a real, living, breathing person with interests and hobbies. If she ever wrote a book, we’d be so down. 

Luckily there is an entire swath of musicians who have penned a book or two, and we’re pleased to present you with our list of favorite offerings. Have a listen on days when you’re not in the mood for music but are in the mood to hear from some of your favorite singers.

Run Rose Run – Dolly Parton and James Patterson

If this pairing seems odd, it is, and that’s from the mouth of Parton herself. Patterson wanted to write a novel about a singer with a bright future that’s barely outpacing her dark past-wounded scrappy heroes on the run, James knows well. Female country singers trying to make a name for themselves while rebuilding their lives? He figured he’d consult an expert- enter Dolly Parton. Get pumped because Parton definitely voices a character in this dramatic thriller… we’re willing to bet she probably sings too. 

Just Kids – Patti Smith

This is basically the audio version of the constitution of Brooklyn. We kid, kinda. If you want to fit in on the hallowed streets of Park Slope, make sure you give this poetic memoir a listen so you can speak fluent hipster. A lyrical analysis of Smith’s relationship with controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, it’s a bittersweet heartbreaking tribute to friendship and artistic talent. Warning: it may make you want to buy a beret and develop an addiction to Nitro cold brew on tap. Small price to pay. 

Wildwood Imperium – Colin Meloy

Your kids will love the third installment of the series by Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy. Inspired by traditional fairy tales and folklore with innovative and creative spins, watch as your kids are entranced by this beautifully written and narrated tale of scrappy orphans, seances gone wrong, and quests to find mysterious and hidden toymakers. 

The Great Glorious Goddam of it All – Josh Ritter

If the first thing you think of when you hear the name “Josh Ritter” isn’t lumberjacks, then I have news for you. Lumberjacks. He knows them, he loves them, he wrote a novel about them. Full of tall tales, bootlegging, maybe even a little murder, this is a heartwarming and inspiring work of nostalgia for the good old days with industrial Americana vibes that would make Paul Bunyan proud. 

Thanks for reading! All these audiobooks and more are available now on AudiobookSTORE.com! Have a listen and explore the written talents of some of your favorite musical artists!  And make sure to check out our FlexPass Membership for the ultimate roster of podcasts, savings on audiobooks, and more!