Every Night's a Saturday Night

April 2, 2012
Bobby Keys was just 10 years old when he first heard live rock ân' roll, courtesy of Buddy Holly and his crew playing on a flatbed truck for the opening of a gas station in sleepy Slaton, Tex. Fascinated by the new sound, Keys joined the school band and took up the only instrument leftâa baritone sax. Soon, he was offered a spot touring with Buddy Knox. Too young to travel on his own, the drummer for The Crickets legally adopted Keys so he could tour. It was a prophetic start; Keys would go on to play with the likes of Joe Cocker, John Lennon, and The Rolling Stones, all of which is detailed in this eminently readable memoir. Tales of debauchery abound, including a stint in a Mexican jail, filling a bathtub with French champagne and a comely accomplice, riding shotgun as Keith Richards crashes a Ferrari into a hotel lobby, and many more. Richards is a recurring character in many of these tales, but he's more than a partner in crime; when Keys's substance abuse reaches its apogee, Richards pays for his friend's treatment. Though the wild stories make for a fun read, Keys's charming humanity and love of music make this rock ân' roll bio stand out. Those looking for a behind-the-scenes story will find this to be an insightful, humble, and entertaining trip. Photos.

March 1, 2012

You can't help but enjoy this breezy memoir from a saxophone legend whose astounding career has spanned the history of rock 'n' roll. Touring with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars at 15 and recording for Elvis Presley before he was 20, Keys went on to play with the biggest stars of the classic rock era, including John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and, most famously, the Rolling Stones (he has been a fixture of their touring band since the early '70s). This no-holds-barred memoir is all about the music. Keys skimps on the personal details--he mentions in passing that he was married twice, but readers never even learn his wives' names--but he delivers on the stories of backstage excess and recording some of rock's most famous tracks. And Keys has seen (and, seemingly, played on) it all. His chatty approach reminds one of wild stories told over a beer--or two. Close friend Keith Richards supplies the foreword. VERDICT Recommended for readers interested in popular music and the music industry, particularly early rock 'n' roll, and the Rolling Stones.--Dave Valencia, Seattle P.L.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.