Long Distance Information

Chuck Berry's Recorded Legacy

Fred Rothwell

This amazingly detailed blow-by-blow analysis of every recording Chuck Berry has ever made is now universally acknowledged as the standard reference work on the man known throughout the world as 'Mr. Rock & Roll'. It includes an overview of the man’s life and career, his influences, the stories behind his most famous compositions, full session details, listings of all his key US/UK vinyl and CD releases (including track details), TV and film appearances, and much, much more. The author presents this wealth of information and his enlightening critiques of Berry’s recordings in a lightweight style tinged with humour that makes for a highly entertaining read. Over 100 illustrations including label shots, vintage ads and previously unpublished photographs. Don’t miss it!

REVIEWS

"Captivating stuff... If you are a Berry fan, you'll want this book."  Blues In The South

"An altogether compelling book that deserves to be recognized as such." Paul Jones, Jazz FM

"It is the mass of 'I never knew that' detail which makes the book such compulsive reading... Forget the sleevenotes, the articles, the inserts and the CD booklets, Fred Rothwell's Long Distance Information is the ultimate commentary."  Now Dig This

"[Fred Rothwell's] book will be seized upon by everyone who loves rock'n'roll as the music of eternal youth. He writes with insight and humour on the development of Berry's music and evocative lyrics; yes, from a chronological and discographical perspective, but also conveying the man's wit and intelligence. The research is immaculate and the detail fascinating."  Mojo

"Long Distance Information is a wonderful exhaustively researched record of Chuck Berry's legacy. The tone of the book is that this is a companion to the music - the one being complemented by the other. In so doing, Fred Rothwell has set a new standard for music reference and documentary." Blues & Rhythm

"Fascinating look at Berry's work... great detail."  The Times

"This book provides a better insight into Chuck Berry than any other book that has gone before... Author Rothwell clearly knows his subject and imparts the knowledge in a clear and concise but readable fashion. The book also includes the most complete Chuck Berry discography that I have ever seen... It is all pretty fascinating stuff, very interesting and never dull. It probably cannot be read or absorbed in one or two readings, but as a reference book with a good cross-index, it is invaluable."  American Music Magazine   

"This is probably as near to perfection as you can get for a record collector-orientated biography. That it deals with one of the major figures in the annals or rock'n'roll is only an added bonus. Based around every known recording session cut by Chuck, the book is at the same time a major discographical work... This book sets the standard for any subsequent biography on rock'n'roll artists, and it's hard to see anyone surpassing the efforts of Fred Rothwell."  Kommotion 2000

"This is a well-researched book that will delight hardcore Berry followers, and also provide more than a passing interest to more casual R'n'R fans... The man's enduring legacy is well served with this publication." Record Collector

"Ce livre est un must pour tout fan de Chuck Berry."  Jean-Pierre Ravelli, Soul Bag

"Een fantastisch informatief boek."  Block

"Long Distance Information contains just about everything you wanted to know about Chuck Berry but were afraid to ask (or didn't know where to look)! Author Fred Rothwell - in all his honesty (and humor) - lays it down exactly as he hears it. You'll find out the true (and not the usual untrue) stories behind songs such as "Maybellene", "Rock At The Philharmonic", "Run Rudolph Run" and many others. He also discusses the claims that pianist Johnnie Johnson has on some of Berry's songs - some of the first to speak directly to American teenagers. This book is essential reading for his many fans."  Goldmine

"To say this is the definitive work on the musical career on one of the few true geniuses popular music has known is a gross understatement." DISCoveries

"This really is Berry anorak heaven... the definitive Chuck Berry book, and a first class study of its subject. A compelling read for any R&B or rock'n'roll collector and an essential volume for all Chuck Berry fans. I could hardly put it down."  Juke Blues

back

Published: 31 March 2001

ISBN: 978-0-9519888-2-4

Format: Paperback

Edition: First

Extent: 352 pages

Dimensions: 234 x 156 mm

RRP: £24.99

Our price: £21.99 + p&p

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