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Sign up todayNothing's Bad Luck
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Learn moreBiography of legendary singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, spanning his nomadic youth and early recording career to his substance abuse, final album, and posthumous Grammy Awards
As is the case with so many musicians, the life of Warren Zevon was blessed with talent and opportunity yet also beset by tragedy and setbacks. Raised mostly by his mother with an occasional cameo from his gangster father, Warren had an affinity and talent for music at an early age. Taking to the piano and guitar almost instantly, he began imitating and soon creating songs at every opportunity. After an impromptu performance in the right place at the right time, a record deal landed on the lap of a teenager who was eager to set out on his own and make a name for himself. But of course, where fame is concerned, things are never quite so simple.
Drawing on original interviews with those closest to Zevon, including Crystal Zevon, Jackson Browne, Mitch Albom, Danny Goldberg, Barney Hoskyns, and Merle Ginsberg, Nothing's Bad Luck tells the story of one of rock's greatest talents. Journalist C.M. Kushins not only examines Zevon's troubled personal life and sophisticated, ever-changing musical style, but emphasizes the moments in which the two are inseparable, and ultimately paints Zevon as a hot-headed, literary, compelling, musical genius worthy of the same tier as that of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.
In Nothing's Bad Luck, Kushins at last gives Warren Zevon the serious, in-depth biographical treatment he deserves, making the life of this complex subject accessible to fans old and new for the very first time.
C. M. Kushins has been a freelance journalist for over fifteen years. After graduating from SUNY Empire State College with a degree in communications he worked for MTV and the NAACP. His writing has appeared in numerous print and online publications, including High Times and Creative Nonfiction. A musician himself, Nothing's Bad Luck is his first book. He lives in New York.
Reviews
"Nothing's Bad Luck is a riveting, definitive, and exhaustive account of the suspenseful and eventful life of one of rock's most gifted and eccentric singer-songwriters, and one of the best rock and roll biographies of the past decade."โJay McInerney, author of Bright, Precious Days and Bright Lights, Big City "This book will have you pulling out records, or launching your streaming app of choice, and digging into Zevon's exceptional catalog."โBrooklyn Rail "[A] deep, rewarding and insightful biography... an embarrassment of riches on the Excitable Boy, Mr. Bad Example, and a howling L.A. werewolf."โThe Houston Press "[A] straightforward account, including a comprehensive discography, of Zevon's fascinating creative life."โBooklist "Kushins's energetic writing and his deep dive into Zevon's life and music offers a rounded and complete portrait of an enigmatic musician."โPublishers Weekly, starred review Amazon, "Best Books of the Month in Biographies and Memoirs"
โKevin Avery, author of Everything Is an Afterthought: The Life and Writings of Paul Nelson "[Kushins] captures the essence of the brooding yet wickedly witty singer."โBooklist "Chad Kushins has delivered a nuanced, in-depth, loving look at this complicated figure, one that helps cement him as one of the most complex and captivating musicians of our times."โNPR.org "[Chad Kushins is] articulate and authoritative in recounting [Zevon's life] precisely because he knows his subject inside out."โAll about Jazz "[An] absorbing, compelling biography."โShelf Awareness Expand reviews