Contest has ended.

 

Win One of 4 Autographed Copies of Richard Barone’s Book FRONTMAN!
Grand Prize Winner Also Receives an Autographed 16 x 20” Gallery Print of Barone, as Photographed by Legendary Photographer Mick Rock

Being the frontman of a popular band is a high-risk profession. Richard Barone, acclaimed recording artist and former lead singer of indie rock pioneers the Bongos, has survived two decades in the spotlight to tell the tale. From dallying with the glitterati in the trendiest night spots, to learning recording tricks from some of the top names in the music industry, to innovating the intimate chamber-pop genre and emerging as an A-list solo artist and producer, he continues to push the boundaries of modern rock and inventive self-expression. In FRONTMAN, Barone tells his story in a frank and charmingly funny style. We are along for this ride as he recounts the supernova express of New York City stardom and endless parties; sexual politics, divas, disappointments, and drugs; his journey of self-discovery through music; and a lifetime's worth of hard-gained advice for anyone interested in getting into the music business or just surviving in it.

Richard Barone’s new album, GLOW, featuring Gibson's digital Les Paul HD.6x-Pro guitar, is being released as series of 3-song EPs via iTunes.

"This is a completely charming and witty look at the frontman phenomenon. It is written by a purist who tells you what it's like to be a true fan in love with the music who then becomes a frontman himself. A very warm and honest look at making and loving music."
--Lou Reed

"Whether fronting the Bongos or his own solo projects, Richard lives and breathes music, and has experienced the world.  I've always enjoyed working with Richard and value his ideas and expertise on my own and other projects. Read this book!"
--Fred Schneider, The B-52's

"Richard Barone knows all about the art of the 'frontman' both from his own direct experience and from his astute and empathetic observation of other rockers he knows and has worked with.... From my experience there are a number of qualities which help those who aspire to be a successful 'frontman' for a band: you need to love the attention it brings, you need a good sense of humour, you need to be very adaptable to location and circumstance-and you need a fairly thick skin to handle the inevitable slings and arrows which accompany the glory you accrue. It also helps if you have a basinful of raw talent. That's why so few stay the course. It ain't easy. Richard has all of these qualities, plus the ability to pick himself up and plunge himself again into the breach after flaming out. That's major! He's also a terrific photo subject, and has so much 'front' that he was quite happy to perform naked in front of my lens for the cover of this book!! Now that takes real 'front'...."
-- Mick Rock NYC May 2007

"Richard and I have shared the same stage ~ he experiments as I have always ~ yet centers his performance into the popular vortex of music ~ focused and highly creative Richard 'shines on'."
-- Donovan Leitch, Venice Beach 2007

Visit Backbeat Books on the web at www.backbeatbooks.com.

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