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The Soundtrack of My Life  By  cover art

The Soundtrack of My Life

By: Clive Davis
Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris, Clive Davis
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Publisher's summary

In this star-studded autobiography, Clive Davis shares a personal, candid look into his remarkable life and the last 50 years of popular music as only a true insider can.

In the history of popular music, no one looms as large as Clive Davis. His career has spanned more than 40 years, and he has discovered, signed, or worked with a staggering array of artists: Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Simon and Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Dionne Warwick, Carlos Santana, The Grateful Dead, Alicia Keyes, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Aretha Franklin, to name a few. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, and hosted the world’s highest profile parties.

In this personal account, Davis tells all, from becoming an orphan in high school and getting through college and law school on scholarships, to being falsely accused of embezzlement and starting up his own record company, J Records. His wealth of experience offers valuable insight into the evolution of the music business over the past half-century and into the future.

Told with Davis's unmatched wit, frankness, and style, Clive exposes a trove of never-before-heard stories - some hilarious, others tragic, all revealing - that will captivate and inspire all music lovers.

©2012 Clive Davis (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

What listeners say about The Soundtrack of My Life

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting

I found the book a great look jnto how the record business is ran. Clive Davis is very articulate and knows hoe to use his words,without offending others. This book is a must read.

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  • Overall
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Surprisingly Down to earth, fascinating and honest

great from the very beginning. Such a wonderful insider glimpse of the world of rock and roll from a very different perspective. So interesting to see it from the management's point of view. loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Clive Davis is a master storyteller

Mr. Davis is one of the most succesful record executives in the history of the business.
This book does a great job of taking you all through his life and to his rise to the top of the music and entertainment industry. I really enjoyed the narrator as he sounds similar to Mr. Davis. I learned a lot about what a smart and sharp buinsessman Mr. Davis is as well as his genuine love and appreciation for his artists and their music.
If you are a fan of music,the music business or Clive Davis or any of the labels or artists that he has been responsible for signing and introducing the world to. You will enjoy this book.

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  • Overall
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great

The book is 22 hours long but it's a great listen. So many songs, so many stories, Clive is a music legend.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A lesson in the business.

He’s a very gifted businessman. And knows the record business better than anyone! You’ll hear how many of his stars started and his strategies for their careers. From Janis Joplin to Foo Fighters, Aretha to Whitney Houston. He’s a star maker!

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THE best music read of the year!

This book was favorite of the year by far. Great stories, references and inside details courtesy of Clive Davis. From Bob Dylan and The Dead to Whitney Houston and American Idol...Clive talks about the talent he has cultivated. I loved this book!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I learned much about the industry

Each signing sounded similar to the last. Afraid of a lawsuit perhaps. Overall I am glad that I read it but also glad it is over

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Wrong Title

Any additional comments?

This book should have been titled: "The History of Arista Records" because it was about the record company not Clive Davis' life.

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1 person found this helpful

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very smaat gifted man who has a big heart

good book.too much details on some of the same groups...good information on the idol contestants

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FAB! FAB! FAB! BETTER THAN FICTION!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Soundtrack of My Life to be better than the print version?

Yes, the book is fascinating, but hearing it is more like watching the movie.. which must be next!

What did you like best about this story?

I am so intrigued and just can't get enough of this. There is so much wisdom to gain, especially for someone trying to make it in the industry.

Which character – as performed by Dennis Boutsikaris and Clive Davis – was your favorite?

Clive, the man himself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A true life story that's better than fiction!

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