White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s

by Joe Boyd
White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9588
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9781847652164
  • Publisher: Profile Books
  • Published: 2010-07-09
  • Reviews: 3

White Bicycles offers an insider's look at the vibrant '60s music scene, as told by producer Joe Boyd. From managing Muddy Waters to producing Pink Floyd's first single, Boyd's memoir is a treasure trove of anecdotes and vivid portraits of legendary musicians, including the elusive Nick Drake. /n/nBoyd's greatest achievement in this book is bringing to life the famously private figure of Nick Drake, offering a unique perspective on the musician's life and work. Alongside the '60s heavy-hitters, Boyd also paints wonderfully vivid portraits of a wide range of artists, from jazzman Coleman Hawkins to folk diva Sandy Denny, and many more.

Reviews
Goodreads · Brian Eno · 2026-01-01
gripping 4.00

This book is a gripping piece of social history and the best book about music in years. It offers a unique perspective on the music scene and the people who made it.

Brian Eno's endorsement speaks volumes about the quality of this book. It's not just a memoir; it's a gripping piece of social history that provides a unique perspective on the music scene of the 1960s. The author's experiences and interactions with legendary artists like Muddy Waters offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the most iconic music of the time. The book is filled with anecdotes and insights that bring the era to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in music history.

Quick quotes

    This is the best book about music I've read in years, and a gripping piece of social history.

    It offers a unique perspective on the music scene and the people who made it.

    Filled with anecdotes and insights that bring the era to life.

The CNJ · 2008-05-08
compelling 4.20

The book offers a real story of what it was like to be part of the 1960s music scene. It provides a unique perspective on the era and the people who shaped it.

This book stands out among other music autobiographies of the 1960s. It offers a real story of what it was like to be part of the music scene during that transformative era. The author's personal experiences and interactions with key figures in the industry provide a unique perspective on the time. The book is filled with vivid descriptions and insights that bring the era to life, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in music history.

Quick quotes

    More than any previous 60s music autobiography, Joe Boyd’s White Bicycles offers the real story of what it was like to be there at the time.

    It provides a unique perspective on the era and the people who shaped it.

    Filled with vivid descriptions and insights that bring the era to life.

The Independent · 2006-05-21
delightful 4.50

The book is a delightful journey through the music scene of the 1960s, offering a unique perspective on the era. It captures the essence of the time and the people who shaped it.

For anyone with a passion for music history, this book is a treasure trove. It provides a vivid and personal account of the 1960s music scene, filled with anecdotes and insights that bring the era to life. The author's experiences and interactions with legendary artists offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the most iconic music of the time. It's not just a memoir; it's a social history that resonates with the spirit of the 1960s.

Quick quotes

    For anyone with the faintest interest in how the music they love came to sound the way it does, White Bicycles will be a transport of delight.

    It captures the essence of the time and the people who shaped it.

    A vivid and personal account of the 1960s music scene.

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