The 9 Most Hilarious Books about Music and Musicians
Book RaiderThere's nothing quite like having a good laugh, a great read, and an even better soundtrack all rolled into one. We're talking about the mysteriously enchanting realm of brilliantly humorous books on music and musicians. Not only do these gems on the written page give us an insider's view of the melodious world that we so wish to be a part of, but they do it in a way that will have us clutching our stomachs with dry chuckles and indulgent chortles.
It's that beautifully absurd concoction of lyrics, strings, beats, and anecdotes that make these tales supremely relatable and hilariously heartwarming. Whether you're a shower-singer with a hidden rockstar dream or a classically trained pianist with a soft spot for a good comedy, this selection of books promises to be your ideal companion. Prepare to immerse yourself in syncopated rhythms echoed on paper, punctuated with side-splitting humor and narrated in a distinctly human voice.
The Definitive Biography of P.D.Q. Bach
by Peter Schickele
Why The Definitive Biography of P.D.Q. Bach is on this list: If you think classical music is all serious business, think again. This book about the 'only forgotten son' of the Bach family will redefine your notion of music biographies with its irreverent humor.
This one-of-a-kind book chronicles the life and times of P.D.Q. Bach, a supposedly forgotten son of the famous Bach family. Schickele’s take on this fictional character is ludicrously funny, as he presents the lesser-known ‘Bach’ as a bumbling, yet endearing, oaf. The book is teeming with Schickele’s brand of humor, making music history fall-off-the-chair hilarious.
What readers like: Readers love Schickele’s clever blend of wit and humor, packaged in a truly entertaining narrative. They appreciate how he takes a light-hearted approach to the staid genre of musician biographies. The fictional tale of P.D.Q. Bach has been lauded for making readers chuckle, giggle, and sometimes laugh out loud. The imagined antics and misfortunes of P.D.Q. Bach, as detailed in the book, have found a special place in the hearts of every music enthusiast with a sense of humor.
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High Fidelity
by Nick Hornby
Why High Fidelity is on this list: As soon as you start reading, you'll be smirking at Hornby's witty takes on music and musicians. It's an absolute gem for anyone who's interested in music … or laughter … or both. The main character’s obsession with top-five lists and records is both hilarious and relatable, so it's a perfect fit for our list.
High Fidelity is a brilliant novel about love, music, and one man's fear of commitment. It follows Rob, a record store owner, as he revisits his top five breakups to try and figure out why relationships always seem to go wrong for him. It's a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud story filled with unforgettable characters and ridiculously funny situations that any music enthusiast will appreciate.
What readers like: Readers love the humor, often finding themselves chuckling out loud at Rob's hilarious mishaps and insights. They also love the musical references woven throughout the novel and the wonderfully flawed, relatable characters. This is a must-read for fans of music and comedy, and also for anyone who's ever made a 'top five' list of anything.
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If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?: Questions and Thoughts for Loud, Smart Women in Turbulent Times
by Gina Barreca
Why If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?: Questions and Thoughts for Loud, Smart Women in Turbulent Times is on this list: While not strictly about music or musicians, this sharp-witted book is a roaring comedy of manners that frequently delves into hilarious anecdotes about the world of music. It's basically like attending a symphony conducted by a humorist.
Equipped with a stellar sense of humor, Barreca explores life's absurd moments and shared universal experiences. Expect quirky questions, intriguingly strange scenarios, life rituals and, yes, the occasional laugh-out-loud instances from the entertaining perspective of a podium, a stage, or an orchestra pit.
What readers like: Readers have found Gina’s unique blend of biting wit and musical context to be a delightfully funny ride. A particular hit among readers are the comically candid musings on the trials and tribulations of being a woman in a male-dominated, often pretentious, sometimes out-of-tune world. So, if you enjoy a good laugh with a side of rhythmic revelry, this may just top your performance list.
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Is This the Real Life?: The Untold Story of Queen
by Mark Blake
Why Is This the Real Life?: The Untold Story of Queen is on this list: This toe-tapping book is a backstage pass to one of the most iconic bands in history, Queen. It'll lead you on a laugh-filled journey with its wit and humor, carefully blended into the thrilling narrative. In short, it's a riot, and fits perfectly on our list of hilarious music-related reads.
Blake's fantastic book gives you an 'all-access' look into the life of Queen, one of the world's most legendary bands. It's filled to the brim with hilarious anecdotes, fascinating insights and never-heard-before tales from their epic journey. And yes, it does answer the burning question - 'Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy?'
What readers like: Readers love the book's informal and conversational tone that makes it feel like they're sharing a cuppa with the band. Many have praised it for its humor, saying that the witty one-liners and funny stories had them chuckling on more than one occasion. It's also been commended for its deep dive into the band's life, appealing to both casual fans and Queen aficionados alike.
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Bruce
by Peter Ames Carlin
Why Bruce is on this list: If you’re a music lover with a penchant for laughter that never lets up, then this biography about the 'Boss' himself, Bruce Springsteen, needs to be on your fun reading list. The book serves up its own comedy instrumental over the backdrop of music and musicians.
Carlin paints a vibrant portrait of Bruce Springsteen, a man who is famed for his earnest and serious demeanor, while artfully revealing his surprising sense of humor. The book serves as a riotous account of the American singer’s journey through life that is carefully interwoven with humorous anecdotes, light-hearted interactions, and a dash of absurdity that music geeks will absolutely love.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the unexpected laughs laced throughout the narrative of an immensely talented musician, loved for his edgy yet genuine persona. Carlin’s playful demeanor, blended with his profound insights about Springsteen's life, makes this book an ingeniously funny read without compromising on the richness of the musician’s life and work.
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Frank: The True Story That Inspired the Movie
by Jon Ronson
Why Frank: The True Story That Inspired the Movie is on this list: With a journey through the music industry that's as odd and hilarious as the persona of the now infamous Frank Sidebottom himself, this book nails the sweet spot between music, humour, and sheer absurdity.
This book delves into the quirky, bizarre world of the offbeat, fictional British comedian Frank Sidebottom, who is also the real Chris Sievey. Keyboards and papier-mâché heads aside, it’s actually a book about eccentricity, identity-laundering, and 'bluffing'. Ronson chronicles his own strange voyage through this baffling and hysterically funny corner of the music world.
What readers like: Readers love the chaotic humour interlaced with some really interesting insights into the mind of a truly unique musician. It's like a wacky, backstage pass to a concert where nothing goes as planned but somehow everything fits together. The realistically human characters also add a touch of warmth to all the shenanigans, pushing it beyond just your typical comedy.
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Your Song Changed My Life: From Jimmy Page to St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson to Hozier, Thirty-Five Beloved Artists on Their Journey and the Music That Inspired It
by Bob Boilen
Why Your Song Changed My Life: From Jimmy Page to St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson to Hozier, Thirty-Five Beloved Artists on Their Journey and the Music That Inspired It is on this list: Boilen's amusing storytelling style, combined with hilarious anecdotes about some of the world's most famous musicians, certainly strikes the right chord for our list of laugh-out-loud music-themed books.
This book takes us behind the scenes and into the minds of some of our favorite musicians, coming straight from a man who knows a thing or two about a good tune. NPR's very own Bob Boilen spins tales about 35 well-known artists and the music that shaped their lives. Music, like laughter, has a way of touching the heart, and Bob's book does just that. You'll discover some intriguing and often comically surprising insights into their creative journeys.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the mix of humor, inspiration and music trivia scattered throughout this book. A shout-out to all music lovers out there who also love a good chuckle – this book is the equivalent of a backstage pass to artist hijinks and the comedy that ensues.
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Dig If You Will the Picture: Funk, Sex, God and Genius in the Music of Prince
by Ben Greenman
Why Dig If You Will the Picture: Funk, Sex, God and Genius in the Music of Prince is on this list: Ever imagined a book about phenomenal musicians and their lives could make you spill your coffee out of laughing too hard? Well, this one might. This book pitches humor right at the center stage of music, making it a perfect melody of laughs for our list.
In this book, Greenman, apart from his obsession with words, digs deep into the life of one of the greatest musicians ever - Prince. He doesn’t just talk about Prince's challenging journey towards stardom, but also explores his crazy love life, spiritual beliefs, and his unique style. If you like your biography served with a side of sarcasm and laughs, this is the book for you.
What readers like: Readers fall for Greenman’s cheeky and witty writing style. They enjoy the unique blend of serious biography and hilarious narration that makes the brilliance and eccentricity of Prince seem less of a puzzle and more of a fascinating laugh out loud roller coaster ride.
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Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division
by Peter Hook
Why Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division is on this list: While not the traditional knee-slapper, this book shines a light on the hilarity that can occur even in the most unlikely of surroundings, such as the post-punk music scene of the late 70s.
This book provides a close and personal view of the life and times of epic band Joy Division, from the perspective of the band's bassist, Peter Hook. With tales ranging from wild tours and insane recording sessions to anecdotes about the band's inner dynamics, you'll see the absurd and downright funny aspects of being part of a groundbreaking music group.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the blend of dark humor and stark reality that Hook brings to the table. They applaud his candid, no-holds-barred storytelling, which captures the band's high and low points in the same breath. Steeped in music history but still managing to extract laughter, this book is a hit with music buffs and anyone who enjoys tales of chaotic success.
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