![]() ![]() The sense of loss, regret, and unfulfilled potential that we see in all biographies of 27 Club members (the sentiment of "gone too soon, what a terrible shame" can serve as a group epitaph of sorts) is especially painful in the case of Jimi Hendrix. Nevertheless, the book does take us on a wild, fast, but all-too-brief journey from an unstable boyhood in Washington state, to the growing rock scene in London, to the transformative moments of the Monterey Pop Music Festival and Woodstock. This provides a lot of social context and juicy classic rock gossip, but it also shifts focus away from Hendrix. Norman takes a somewhat personal approach to writing, relating himself and making associations to his own background and former biographical work (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton). A boy with innate talent and inspiration, who may have lacked the means and parental support, but nevertheless taught himself to play and became a guitar god. Intriguing and entertaining, this biography of Jimi Hendrix coveys the story of a sensitive genius. Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain by Danny Goldberg Thorough and easy to read with a sharp yet sensitive prose, this book acknowledges the influence and iconic status of 27 Club members, whilst reflecting their individual personalities and experiences. The real coincidence is not the age at death, but that each of these people were seemingly on paths to success that ultimately became paths to destruction. The intertwined narratives highlight themes of chronic unhappiness, insecurity, low self-esteem, tumultuous relationships, depression, personality disorders, and addiction. Sounes deliberately cuts through the mainstream media noise about the 27 Club to root out common traits and patterns in their lives. ![]() It begins with a detailed account of Amy Winehouse’s demise this is the most contemporary example and an effective hook for readers who remember the summer of 2011. Sounes refers to members of the club as “the 27s” and focuses on “the big six”: Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse. This book frames the discussion and provides an excellent analysis of the 27 Club phenomenon. We can come to a better understanding of what influenced these artists who became influential and iconic themselves.įor further immersion, analysis, and enjoyment, listen to music by these artists on Freegal or YouTube, and watch free documentaries about them on Access Video.Ģ7: A History of the 27 Club through the Lives of Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse by Howard Sounes This goes beyond a morbid fascination with notorious rock star deaths, and the salacious details and spooky happenstance of a common age at death. By exploring individual biographies, we give breath and detail to the lives of these talented and troubled human beings. Using this as a basis for discussion, we have an opportunity to examine how we as a society regard talent, art, fame, death, and legacy. Nevertheless, for better or worse, the 27 Club is a noted and fascinating phenomenon. Also, we should consider how this excludes other brilliant and influential musicians who also died prematurely, just not at the exact age of 27 (for instance: Otis Redding at 26, Jeff Buckley at 30, Prince at 57- were these not tragic losses?). I want to invite readers to look past the “Dead at 27” headlines and appreciate the gifts and struggles of real people living their lives. People often mythologize these musicians into Rock Gods and Goddesses, and sometimes regard their early deaths as somehow inevitable. Some people ascribe supernatural influences or conspiracy theories to prove that this is no mere coincidence. What is the significance of this club? There is an added notoriety, a morbid distinction, in membership- artists that lived decades apart are now assembled in the same group, sometimes curiously imagined together in “Rock and Roll Heaven”. Members of the club include: Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and more. This coincidence adds a layer of intrigue and infamy to already tragic events. The “27 Club” refers to celebrities, mostly musicians, who died at the age of 27. **This is a heavy topic, and might be disturbing or upsetting to some readers, particularly because it involves death, addiction, suicide, and grief. ![]()
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