Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within by Jim Wilson

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Hardcover Book Details

04/2024
9798989538409
264 pages
$28.95

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Paperback Book Details

04/2024
9798989538416
264 pages
$18.95

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Ebook Details

04/2024
B0CS25GKVT
332 pages
$8.99

Jim Wilson

Author

Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within

Jim Wilson, author

"An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit." - Kirkus Reviews Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man's relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives. The unique confluence of Jim Wilson's two careers - piano technician/confidant to the stars and a globally successful recording artist - has led to extraordinary experiences with some of the world's most exalted music legends: singing Beatle songs with Paul McCartney, limo rides with Elton John, road trips with Carole King, and horseback riding with Dan Fogelberg. But beyond this everyman's unique telling of intimate celebrity tales, Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man's relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives. Emerging from a troubled childhood in a broken West Texas home, a young man moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a singer-songwriter. He soon strays from his mission when his piano tuning sideline blossoms into a career as piano technician to the entertainment industry's biggest names. His help in the development of the world's first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano leads to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes. His front row seat provides him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes. But when his world is shattered by his dearest friend's sudden and untimely death, he is forced to question the true meaning of success. He returns to his heart's purpose, takes a leap into the unknown, and sets out on a solo career, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals. Along the way he battles countless obstacles, including crippling panic attacks. After four Billboard Top-20 albums, two PBS specials, and over 75 million worldwide streams of his compositions, Jim reflects on his life in music. He offers us a candid, humorous, insider's account of the raucous LA scene and shares engaging tales of his time spent with music legends. Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man's relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

TUNED IN: MEMOIRS OF A PIANO MAN

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MUSIC LEGENDS AND FINDING THE ARTIST WITHIN

BY JIM WILSON ‧ RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2, 2024

An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit.

Wilson’s memoir chronicles an aspiring artist’s life in the music industry.

The author grew up in Amarillo, Texas, in the 1960s. He got involved in some youthful hijinks, like stealing beer with friends, but he had long set his heart on making music. He eventually settled in Los Angeles in the late 1970s, but how would he survive in such an expensive city overflowing with talented people chasing similar dreams? The answer: piano tuning. Prior to his time in L.A., he attended a six-month program in Cleveland learning piano tuning, and the training paid off—with diligence, he obtained a reputation in L.A. as a dependable technician. When MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology came around, he established himself as an installation expert. This work, along with the tuning gigs, brought him into the orbit of mega-stars such as Carole King, Elton John, and Paul McCartney (the book includes photos of the author posing with various musical heavyweights). Despite the success of his efforts, the author still wanted to pursue his own musical career; he put together an album of music described as “folk-meets-Celtic-meets-classical-meets-whatever” and began the meticulous task of building a name for himself. This memoir shines a light on the figure of the entertainment industry technician. Even celebrities need their pianos tuned, and, when something goes wrong, it can be disastrous—Wilson recounts an Elton John performance in which, due to some complications with a MIDI device, Elton was ready to leave the show early. While many of the stories concern famous names (rest assured, McCartney is a “great dude”), the book is at its best in grittier moments; even with the author’s connections, his career as an artist started very much at the bottom, performing and selling CDs in shopping malls. Such hardships help make the book an endearing, well-rounded reflection.

An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit.

Pub Date: April 2, 2024

ISBN: 9798989538416

Page Count: 264

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: Jan. 17, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024

Review Program: KIRKUS INDIE

Categories:

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & CELEBRITY | GENERAL BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

Kirkus Review of Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man

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