Been Here and Gone

Been Here and Gone chronicles the history of rock 'n' roll, blues, and country music through the lens of a veteran music journalist. Robert Hilburn draws from his decades of experience covering music for the Los Angeles Times to present firsthand accounts of legendary artists and pivotal moments in American popular music. The narrative follows Hilburn's encounters with icons like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Presley. His interviews and observations span from the 1960s through the early 2000s, documenting the evolution of popular music across generations. The book combines music criticism, cultural history, and personal memoir as Hilburn recounts his time on tour buses, in recording studios, and at historic performances. His perspective as both a journalist and a fan provides insight into the personalities and creative processes of influential musicians. The text examines the relationship between authenticity and commercial success in American music, while exploring how artists navigate fame, creative expression, and personal struggles. At its core, the book considers how popular music both shapes and reflects cultural change.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Robert Hilburn's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Hilburn's direct access to musicians and his first-hand accounts. His biography "Johnny Cash: The Life" receives praise for its thorough research and unvarnished portrayal of Cash's struggles. Readers appreciate: - Deep research and historical accuracy - Behind-the-scenes details from personal interviews - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balance between personal stories and career analysis Common criticisms: - Some find the writing dry and overly detailed - Occasional complaints about chronological jumping - Readers note redundant passages in longer works Ratings across platforms: "Johnny Cash: The Life" - Goodreads: 4.2/5 (3,800+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.6/5 (750+ ratings) "Paul Simon: The Life" - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) "Corn Flakes with John Lennon" - Goodreads: 3.9/5 (400+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings)

Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick This biography of Elvis Presley's rise traces the cultural transformation of American music through first-hand accounts and deep historical research.

Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan Dylan's memoir presents an unvarnished look at pivotal moments in music history through his experiences in Greenwich Village and Nashville.

Shakey by Jimmy McDonough This Neil Young biography combines hundreds of interviews with contemporaries and music figures to document the evolution of folk and rock music from the 1960s through the 1990s.

Can't Be Satisfied by Robert Gordon This Muddy Waters biography follows the path of blues music from Mississippi to Chicago, documenting the birth of electric blues and its influence on rock and roll.

Brother Ray by Ray Charles Charles' autobiography reveals the intersection of gospel, jazz, and R&B through his journey from poverty to musical innovation.

🎵 Robert Hilburn served as the chief pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times for more than three decades, building a reputation as one of America's most respected music journalists. 📚 "Been Here and Gone" takes readers through intimate portraits of music legends like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, drawing from Hilburn's personal interactions with these artists. 🎸 Hilburn was the only music journalist present at Johnny Cash's legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968, and his coverage helped revitalize Cash's career. ✍️ The book's title comes from an old blues expression, reflecting the author's deep connection to music history and the transient nature of the artists he covered. 🎼 Throughout his career, Hilburn made it a practice to attend artists' rehearsals and recording sessions, giving him unique insights that most journalists never experienced, many of which are shared in this book.