Tag: willie nelson

10 Great Musical Biographies That Tell the Stories Behind Your Favorite Artists

September 29, 2023

Spotify Premium Audiobooks Music Biography

You might know all the songs and albums of your favorite musicians, but do you know the experiences and inspirations behind their work? Luckily, you can find out by listening to some great musical biographies on Spotify. 

With picks that include memoirs from legendary stars including Dave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Gucci Mane, and Dolly Parton, you can discover all the wisdom these greats have to share. 

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music

Written and narrated by Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl’s autobiography, The Storyteller, sheds light on what it’s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, who goes on to live out his craziest dreams as a musician. The rock icon reflects on everything from hitting the road with Scream at 18, to his time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. He remembers jamming with Iggy Pop and dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He tells stories about drumming for Tom Petty and meeting Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall. Grohl even recounts unexpected moments like bedtime stories with Joan Jett to a chance meeting with Little Richard. 

The Sporty One: My Life as a Spice Girl

Written and narrated by Melanie Chisholm

After five women answered a newspaper ad, the Spice Girls were born. They recorded their first single, “Wannabe,” and nearly overnight, Melanie “Melanie C” Chisholm went from small-town girl to Sporty Spice.

The Sporty One follows the meteoric rise of Melanie C and The Spice Girls, from the incredible highs of playing at Wembley, conquering the BRITs, and closing the 2012 Olympics, to the difficult lows. For the first time ever, Melanie C talks about the pressures of fame, the shaming and bullying she experienced, the struggles she has had with her body image and mental health, and the difficulty of finding herself when the whole world knew her name.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Written by Dolly Parton, Robert K. Oermann

Narrated by Dolly Parton 

Dolly Parton, Songteller goes beyond the glitz, glamor, and rhinestones to the warmth, heart, and soul of a treasured pop culture icon. In this autobiography, 10-time Grammy Award–winning artist Dolly Parton weaves her words with music and memories to give listeners the stories behind her most cherished songs.

How close did Parton come to singing “I Will Always Love You” as a duet with Elvis Presley? How did she become an actress? And exactly who was “Jolene”? This one-of-a-kind audio experience answers the most burning questions that Parton’s fans have.

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

Written by Gucci Mane and Neil Martinez-Belkin

Narrated by Guy Lockard

For the first time, hip-hop legend Gucci Mane tells the story of his rise, fall, and redemption in The Autobiography of Gucci Mane. With a string of influential mixtapes and street anthems that pioneered the sound of trap music in the 2000s, the rap icon inspired and mentored a new generation of artists and producers including Migos, Young Thug, Nicki Minaj, Zaytoven, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Metro Boomin.

Taking listeners back to his roots in Alabama, the streets of East Atlanta, and the studio where he found his voice, Gucci Mane reflects on his successes while also confronting his dark past, which included drug addiction, murder charges, and a prison sentence. 

But Gucci Mane has changed, and in this music bio, he provides an intimate glimpse into his radical transformation following his 2016 prison release—one that saw the rapper emerge sober, smiling, focused, and positive. This is one of music’s great comeback stories.

Born to Run

Written and narrated by Bruce Springsteen

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that he decided to write about it, which then inspired him to tell the story of his entire life.

Vividly recounting his relentless drive to become a musician, his early days as a bar band king in New Jersey, and the rise of The E Street Band, Springsteen fills the pages of Born to Run with humor, originality, and disarming candor. For the first time, the superstar rocker shares the personal struggles that inspired his best work, and shows us why the song “Born to Run” reveals more than we previously realized. This isn’t just a legendary rock star’s memoir. This is a book for anyone who has ever wanted to be baptized in the holy river of rock and roll. 

Billie Eilish: In Her Own Words

Written by Billie Eilish

Narrated By Billie Eilish, Maggie Baird, Patrick O’Connell

In this special audiobook companion piece, global pop phenomenon Billie Eilish walks fans through the personal highlights and special moments of her life and career, both on and off the stage. 

Billie Eilish: In Her Own Words is full of exclusive and unique content, including memories shared by her parents. Capturing the essence of Billie inside and out, listeners get personal glimpses into her childhood, her life on tour, and more, making this audio edition essential for any fan.

It’s a Long Story: My Life

Written by Willie Nelson and David Ritz

Narrated by Christopher Ryan Grant

It’s a Long Story is the complete, unvarnished story of Willie Nelson‘s life. Told in his distinct voice and leaving no moment or experience unturned, the country legend takes listeners on a ride from Texas and Nashville to Hawaii and his legendary tour bus.

Nelson shines a light on all aspects of his life, including his drive to write music, the women in his life, his biggest collaborations, his lowest lows, and his highest highs—from his bankruptcy to the founding of Farm Aid.

Talking to My Angels

Written and narrated by Melissa Etheridge

Following the success of her first memoir, award-winning rocker and trailblazing LGBTQIA+ icon Melissa Etheridge returns to take stock of her life in the years that have followed. 

Talking to My Angels is a profoundly honest look into Etheridge’s inner life as a woman, an artist, a mother, and a survivor. With characteristic wit and courage, Melissa delves into how numerous tragedies served as a catalyst for growth, and what the past two decades have taught her about the value of music, love, family, and life in the face of death. This audiobook also features live, stripped-down performances of many of Melissa’s songs, including “Talking to My Angel” and “Here Comes the Pain.”

Chronicles of the Juice Man: A Memoir

Written by Juicy J and Soren Baker

Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White

The hustle still continues for hip-hop OG Juicy J in Chronicles of the Juice Man, where he shares his invaluable story as an unwavering force in the music industry. Jordan Houston’s rise to stardom was never easy. Beginning with his journey on the streets of Memphis in the ’80s, Juicy J was always inspired by music and had big dreams of becoming a superstar rapper. The Three 6 Mafia member stuck to his plan with determination, rising from a young, poor, ambitious kid to an Academy Award–winning and Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur. A never-before-seen look into one of the most influential tastemakers in the game, Chronicles of the Juice Man offers Juicy J’s wisdom as a respected industry veteran.

Tell It Like It Is: My Story

Written and narrated by Aaron Neville

Tell It Like It Is shares the trials and tribulations of legendary singer and songwriter Aaron Neville through the lens of his faith, family, and music.

Scoring his first number-one hit in 1966 with “Tell It Like It Is,” the artist went on to form the Neville Brothers with his siblings Art, Charles, and Cyril. Aaron was the breakout star, and over the next six decades, he’s enjoyed four platinum albums, three number-one songs, and entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

But few people know the challenging and circuitous road Aaron took to fame. Born in a housing project in New Orleans, he struggled as a teenage father working to raise a family while building his career as a musician, surviving a stint in jail for car theft and battling heroin addiction for many years. Now for the first time, fans can discover the inside story. 

Eligible Spotify Premium users in the U.K. and Australia can now look forward to 15 hours of audiobook listening per month on any audiobook marked “Included in Premium.” Learn all about it. 

Celebrate Country Legend Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday With New Spotify Singles

April 28, 2023

cover art for the three artists participating in the willie nelson spotify singles

Often spotted with a bandana on his head and a guitar in his hands, Willie Nelson remains one of the most recognized and respected country musicians. Since the 1960s, the Texan has been active, performing hits like “On the Road Again,” appearing on the silver screen in films like The Dukes of Hazzard, and advocating for the causes most important to him. 

April 29 marks the renowned star’s 90th birthday, and our Spotify Singles program is celebrating the milestone occasion. In partnership with Luck Reunion, a group of artists visited Nelson’s iconic home studio—Pedernales Recording Studio—to cover one of their favorite hits from the legend.

“Luck Presents is honored to have collaborated with and to have hosted the Spotify Singles team to capture these amazing Luck family artists paying homage to our landlord and godfather for his 90th birthday,” said Matt Bizer, CEO, Luck Reunion. “From Margo’s ballad rendition of ‘Hands on the Wheel’ and Sierra’s incredible take on ‘Seven Spanish Angels,’ to the powerful, soulful, and fun new gospel take on ‘Whiskey River’ by The War And Treaty—they are all a treat to hear. We hope this can become a new tradition.” 

For the Record caught up with the artists to learn more about their experiences creating these new tracks.

Margo Price covers “Hands on the Wheel”

Grammy Best New Artist nominee Margo Price uses her music to weigh in on a range of societal topics, from the gender wage gap to the plight of the American farmer and substance abuse. The singer-songwriter has seen critical acclaim for her work, which includes four studio albums since 2016.

What was it like recording at the Pedernales Recording Studio?

It’s one of my favorite studios to record in. This was my second time recording there, and there’s just a magic about the studio and the beautiful hillside country that surrounds it.

Why did you choose “Hands on the Wheel”?

“Hands on the Wheel” has always been one of my favorite songs, and Red Headed Stranger is one of the best albums ever conceived. The opening lyrics seem so relevant for today’s times. 

What do you hope Willie’s reaction will be? 

I hope he digs it! I tried to preserve the rooted feeling and keep it simple and stripped down so the focus on the poetry and lyrics wouldn’t be lost. 

How did you reimagine the track?

Honestly, I didn’t do much, because if it’s not broken, why fix it? I changed the key and moved it up into my register, but I kept it acoustic and open with lots of space for the words and instruments to breathe. My husband, Jeremy, played guitar, and I enlisted two of Willie Nelson’s bandmates for the session. His longtime harmonica player, Mickey Raphael, added his magic touch, and Willie’s son, Micah Nelson, aka Particle Kid, added an acoustic guitar lead and a beautiful harmony. 

What was it like collaborating with Micah? Did the experience bring out a different side to your music or creativity?

Micah is a genius—and I truly mean that. I have always loved singing, touring, and recording with him. His vocals added so much, and so did his acoustic playing! He has his father’s touch but a sound all his own.

If you could pick another artist to cover one of your tracks, who would it be? Is there a song you’d have in mind?

Great question! I really love the band The Linda Lindas. I would love to hear them cover my song “Been to The Mountain.”

 

The War And Treaty cover “Whiskey River”

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter are the husband-and-wife duo behind The War And Treaty. Their musical style of soul, gospel, and country helped them nab a nomination for Duo of the Year at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards.

What was it like recording at Luck Reunion/Pedernales Studio?

Historic. 

Why did you choose “Whiskey River”?

We loved the original version and the clever lyrics Johnny Bush wrote.

What do you hope Willie’s reaction will be?

We hope he doesn’t say, “Who messed up my song?” Ha!

How did you reimagine the original?

We thought that we could add to it by putting a rock kind of swamp country energy to the song. Our sound is a mixture of gospel, country, and soul and we wanted the listener to feel that.

What does this version give fans that perhaps the original didn’t?

A little more energy and two voices on lead.

If you could pick another artist to cover one of your tracks, who would it be? Is there a song you’d have in mind?

Jennifer Hudson singing “Have You A Heart” would be epic.

 

In addition to the tracks from Margo and The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, a singer-songwriter from West Virginia, also brought her signature fusion of country, gypsy, and folk to Nelson’s track “Seven Spanish Angels.” You can check that out below.

 

For more tracks from the country music legend, check out our Happy 90th Willie Nelson playlist.

Country’s Storied Roots Meets Contemporary Talent in Spotify’s Latest Playlist, Indigo

March 31, 2020

In recent years, country music has evolved. There are now many artists pushing the boundaries of what the genre means—while at the same time carrying on the traditions of detailed storytelling, organic instrumentation, and production stylings that have long defined country music. To celebrate those songs, Spotify is launching a new playlist called Indigo, available today.

Indigo is a new playlist of contemporary country music that encapsulates the time-honored music style. For some, it may evoke flashbacks to the breakout of country in the ’70s and ’80s, when Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris first had their moments.

The goal of the Indigo playlist is to help widen the playing field for artists who span country subgenres from pop and Americana to bluegrass but stick close to country’s roots in some of their songs. Indigo is the place to celebrate the work of those artists. From mainstream superstars like Kacey Musgraves to risk-takers redefining success like Tyler Childers and burgeoning songwriters like Orville Peck, the artists on the playlist are nothing if not diverse.

A Guide to Kids’ Music Made by Grown-up Stars

June 13, 2019

Even for rock stars, having a child changes things. Suddenly, everything’s all about shaping a tiny human’s future. Certainly that was the case for Walter Martin, who, after his wife became pregnant, went from one of the most respected indie bands in New York City, The Walkmen, to a solo album of all-ages songs with names like “If I Were a Tiger.”

We typically think of “dad rock” as the tragically unhip music our fathers love, but what happens when the artists themselves become fathers or mothers, or start making songs meant for toddlers to hear? Do they lose their edge, or just find new angles for innovation? After giving Martin’s an album a listen and scouring our catalog for other albums of kids’ songs by musicians not known for family fare, we’re certain it’s the latter.

For one, sociopolitical uncertainty can be a serious motivator when it comes to passing values to the next generation. That was as true in 1959—when Pete Seeger released Folk Songs for Young People, full of lovely proletariat ditties like “The Farmer Is the Man (Who Feeds Us All)”—as it is in 2019. On July 12, Backstreet Boy Howie D drops Which One Am I?, a family album with songs (“No Hablo Español”) inspired by the identity politics of growing up mixed race in America. Of course, self-acceptance and love for humankind aren’t unusual themes in grown-up music either. You could easily mistake Ziggy Marley’s 2007 album Family Time, with social justice-minded songs featuring Paul Simon and Willie Nelson, for just another solid reggae release—except it’s set to kid-friendly melodies.

Far less likely to appear on an album meant for adults? A guide to the alphabet. Marley has one of those songs on his album too, but in 2009, They Might Be Giants raised the stakes by making an entire LP called Here Come the ABCs—complete with a cut called “Flying V”—devoted to the subject. The annals of kids’ tunes made by major musicians are full of educational anthems. For arithmetic, consider the eerie rasp of Johnny Cash, whose “One and One Make Two” (on 1975’s The Johnny Cash Children’s Album) offers double entendre for parents. For more fundamentals, 2012’s OzoKidz by Ozomatli packs mini lessons on subjects like “Germs,” “Trees,” and “Water” into nutritious Latin rock-rap nuggets.

But no childhood is complete without a healthy dose of absurdity. Enter Kimya Dawson (of Juno soundtrack fame), whose penchant for primitive folk jams and scatalogical humor makes her exactly the right artist to deliver a family album all about farts and poop—2008’s Alphabutt. A year prior, Barenaked Ladies covered the other end of that equation with Snacktime!, which includes a high-concept song trilogy where Canadian celebrities like Jason Priestley list their favorite munchies. Meanwhile, The Presidents of the United States of America front man Chris Ballew built a post-grunge career as Caspar Babypants, author of such silliness as “Bubble Rap,” where he voices a rapping bubble on his 15th kids’ LP Keep It Real! (2018).

Story songs are common too, especially from stars already known for spinning yarns, like Jerry Garcia, who teamed with bluegrass guru David Grisman to record a bunch of ancient hillbilly tales (like “A Horse Named Bill”) for 1993’s Not for Kids Only. Or Jewel, who sings about characters like “Bucky the Bull” and “Sara Swan Sleepy Head” on 2011’s The Merry Goes ’Round. Concept albums aren’t off-limits either. In 2008, hip-hop legend Prince Paul assembled The Dino-5—members of Jurassic 5, The Roots, and Digable Planets—for a song cycle about creative struggle and a misunderstood T. rex whose best friend is a bunny.

Plenty of familiar artists use the medium to foster appreciation for music that’s come before. In 1996, Linda Ronstadt recast hits by Queen and The Beach Boys as lullabies on Dedicated To The One I Love. In 2009, Los Lobos totally remade the Disney songbook (their “Heigh-Ho” is a Tex-Mex cowpunk riot). And 2016’s Beat Bugs soundtrack is hardly the first compilation to feature youthful takes on The Beatles—in this case by Eddie Vedder, The Shins, P!nk, and more. Walter Martin took a different tack on his folky 2014 all-ages debut, We’re All Young Together. His song “The Beatles (When Ringo Shook His Mop)” offers a lovely primer on the Fab Four: “John’s songs are dark and pretty, Paul’s songs are sweet little ditties,” he sings.

Finally, there’s the lullaby, the most vital piece of music in a parent’s arsenal. With his mellow vibe, Jack Johnson was a perfect fit to oversee 2006’s Curious George soundtrack, and his duet with Ben Harper, “With My Own Two Hands,” is a soothing way to end any day. Fittingly, dream-pop band The Innocence Mission released a mighty sleep aid in 2004, Now the Day Is Over—gossamer original “My Love Goes With You” ought to be canonized alongside “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” as an essential inclusion in the lullaby oeuvre. But Lisa Loeb’s Catch the Moon (2007) might be the tenderest of all. Her rendition of “Fais Do Do” is sweet, heartfelt, and evocative enough to send even stress-ridden adults into blissful slumber. Forget the kids—add this to your personal sleep playlist now.

For more family-friendly jams, stream Spotify’s Toddler Tunes now.