Brian Jones: The Making of the Rolling Stones

Paul Trynka presents a biography of Brian Jones, founder of the Rolling Stones, through interviews with Jones's family, friends, and musical contemporaries. The book traces Jones's life from his early years in Cheltenham through his formation and leadership of the Rolling Stones. The narrative follows Jones's musical development and his role in shaping the band's sound, particularly his multi-instrumental abilities and blues influences. Trynka examines Jones's relationships with bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, as well as his connections to the 1960s London music scene. The biography reconstructs Jones's final years using witness accounts and documentary evidence to examine the circumstances around his departure from the band and subsequent death. The investigation includes new interviews and previously unpublished information. This biography reframes the legacy of Brian Jones within rock history, raising questions about creativity, recognition, and the price of fame in the music industry. The book challenges established narratives about the Rolling Stones' origins and early development.

Readers appreciate the book's thorough research and fresh perspective on Jones' musical contributions to the Rolling Stones. Many note it corrects misconceptions and provides balance to previous accounts that diminished Jones' role. Likes: - Detailed interviews with Jones' family and associates - Focus on his musical abilities and innovations - Coverage of pre-Stones period - Documentation of his guitar, sitar and dulcimer work Dislikes: - Some sections drag with excessive detail - Perceived bias against Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - Too much focus on Jones' personal issues - Several readers found the writing style dry Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (456 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (168 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Finally gives Brian his due as a founder and musical architect" - Amazon reviewer "Too much minutiae about his early years" - Goodreads review "Well-researched but sometimes reads like a defense brief" - Library Journal reader review

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🎸 Before joining the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones worked as a clerk at a department store called Whitehouse's and played clarinet at local jazz clubs in Cheltenham. 🎼 Author Paul Trynka previously served as the editor of MOJO magazine, one of Britain's most respected music publications, and has written acclaimed biographies of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. 🎸 The book reveals that Jones was the one who secured the band's first record deal with Decca Records, and he was also responsible for choosing the group's name, inspired by a Muddy Waters song. 🎼 According to the book, Jones could play over 60 different musical instruments, including the sitar, which he introduced to the band's sound on songs like "Paint It Black." 🎸 Despite being found in his swimming pool in 1969, Jones's death remains controversial - the book explores various theories and presents new evidence about the circumstances surrounding his final days.