Beatles Books Joe Wisbey

I'm joined for this episode by Jude Southerland Kessler who discusses 'Shades of Life' - the most recent volume in her John Lennon Series, where she tells John's life story as historical narrative - where history is written in a story based form. 


I was intrigued as to why an author would choose to write John's story in this style - and Jude tells us the challenges and rewards of writing in this style. We also discuss 'Shades of Life' - the newest book in her series which looks at John in 1965.


Jude's work can be found at https://www.johnlennonseries.com/


 


 

My guest for this episode is special correspondent for Vanity Fair Joe Hagan, who joins me to discuss his book 'Sticky Fingers - The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine'


Rolling Stone plays a huge part in The Beatles story, be it John's 1970 Lennon Remembers interview, the famed February 1981 issue after John's death or is almost complete dismissal of Paul's solo work through the 70s and 80s. Joe's book shines a fascinating light on both the magazine and Jann Wenner himself - and tries to explain how this one magazine is such an important part of the post split Beatles narrative.

My guest for this episode is Lance Richardson who joins me to discuss his book 'House of Nutter - The Rebel Tailor of Savile Row'.


Lance's book charts the remarkable lives of both legendary tailor Tommy Nutter, and his photographer brother, David. Tommy found himself in the Beatle world via his partner, Peter Brown and The Beatles fell in love with his suits- John, Paul and Ringo are all wearing one on the Abbey Road cover and David's talents led him to be chosen to photograph John and Yoko's 1969 wedding. 

My guest today is journalist, writer and critic John Harris who joins me to discuss his involvement in 'Get Back'.


John was invited to scour through the hours of recorded audio and video from January 1969 and select entertaining and insightful passages of dialogue that help illustrate this fascinating and dramatic month in The Beatles career.

My guest for this episode is Tim Riley, who joins me to discuss his 1988 book 'Tell Me Why'. Tim's book was one of the first to really examine and tackle The Beatles music - and it's fascinating to hear how his book was created - what he feels now about The Beatles music and how views and opinions have changed from the writing of the first edition.


More information about Tim and his writing can be found at https://timrileyauthor.com/

My guest for this episode is Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield, who joins me to discuss his book 'Dreaming The Beatles'.


Rob's book looks at The Beatles from the perspective of a fan born after the band split up - What do the Beatles mean today? Why are they more famous and beloved now than ever? And why do they still matter so much to us, nearly fifty years after they broke up?


Rob's passion and knowledge of The Beatles really came across both in the book and the interview itself - and it was quite reassuring to hear how much Harry Styles loves 'Back to the Egg'...