whatchareadingheather's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.75
Clive Davis’s story is absolutely incredible to learn about because we get to see all the legends he worked with throughout his longstanding career while also getting the history aspect of the music industry in easy to digest segments. He’s open and honest about his industry beginnings by fully admitting that he had no prior experience, but it’s also commendable that he stresses the important of having a willingness to adapt and accept change in the fast-paced world of music. I do like that he discusses the failures (Milli Vanilli and other various scandals) and the triumphs (helping other record labels thrive, his role with the ‘American Idol’ franchise) because it really shows that he's human despite his notoriety.
Structure wise, while this is a length-y work, I do think it flows very well and showcases his passion for his industry. It’s nice that he sprinkled in some aspects of his personal life such as:
1. Dealing (or failing to deal with) the grief of becoming an adult orphan
2. Close personal relationships (like with the great Whitney Houston)
3. Sharing his experience with figuring out his late-blooming bisexuality
My only “complaint” (which is purely based on the structure, flow, and length of the book itself) is that while I understand that Clive's relationship with Whitney Houston was very close, the chapter on just her (and even a few segments of the following chapters) kind of drags on a bit. In a way, it feels more like a mini biography dedicated to her as opposed a chapter in his story and compared to the chapters on the other artists he’s had powerful relationships with, it was a lot to delve into at one time. I actually would have loved for him to write his own book or even produce a sparkling documentary sharing stories about their relationship in detail.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hoping that whoever does a future biopic on his life does his story justice.
Structure wise, while this is a length-y work, I do think it flows very well and showcases his passion for his industry. It’s nice that he sprinkled in some aspects of his personal life such as:
1. Dealing (or failing to deal with) the grief of becoming an adult orphan
2. Close personal relationships (like with the great Whitney Houston)
3. Sharing his experience with figuring out his late-blooming bisexuality
My only “complaint” (which is purely based on the structure, flow, and length of the book itself) is that while I understand that Clive's relationship with Whitney Houston was very close, the chapter on just her (and even a few segments of the following chapters) kind of drags on a bit. In a way, it feels more like a mini biography dedicated to her as opposed a chapter in his story and compared to the chapters on the other artists he’s had powerful relationships with, it was a lot to delve into at one time. I actually would have loved for him to write his own book or even produce a sparkling documentary sharing stories about their relationship in detail.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hoping that whoever does a future biopic on his life does his story justice.
robinsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this would be a little more interesting than it was, and while some of the stories of the stars gave us inside information (Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, & a few others), it was a little long-winded and I got a little bored. Ended up looking over the comprehensive index and going to topics that interested me the most. There was a personal revelation at the end, one that even though it's none of our business, was interesting for those of us with inquiring minds.
If extreme details of the music business (number of sales, how an album came to be, how many times he gave the best advice, et al), then this book might be for you, and hee had led an amazing life. Me, I found some of this tedious.
If extreme details of the music business (number of sales, how an album came to be, how many times he gave the best advice, et al), then this book might be for you, and hee had led an amazing life. Me, I found some of this tedious.
jerzgrl626's review
4.0
A wonderful book that read like a story rather than a telling of facts. It is absolutely mind blowing how much Clive Davis has been such an instrumental part in mainstream music for so many years. Pretty much name an artist and he's most likely had some sort of impact on their career. I loved learning about the last 50 years of music that he's been a part of. The world would be much different if it wasn't for him!
kojobaffoe's review
5.0
For anyone involved in the music industry, however remotely, or is simply passionate about music, this is a must read. Clive Davis is the prototype for a music executive and has been intimately involved in the careers so many great artists so much so that there isn't enough space to give all the detail. The book is also an easy read, albeit long.
jerzgrl626's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful book that read like a story rather than a telling of facts. It is absolutely mind blowing how much Clive Davis has been such an instrumental part in mainstream music for so many years. Pretty much name an artist and he's most likely had some sort of impact on their career. I loved learning about the last 50 years of music that he's been a part of. The world would be much different if it wasn't for him!
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