The Soundtrack of My Life

By: Clive Davis

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris, Clive Davis

Length: 22 hrs and 33 mins

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.

A detailed account of a storied career

Where does The Soundtrack of My Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. The narrator did a good job of making you forget that he wasn't the author.
And the stories about the famous artists that he's worked with - and his own reflections on business, and personal principles all made it a good listen.

What did you like best about this story?

The amount of details from things that happened 40+ years ago was remarkable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Its too long for that - although I did find it to be addictive.

Any additional comments?

Reviews I've read about this book mostly focus on Mr. Davis' "coming out of the closet", though it was just a note at the end of the book. Its as if he felt that it should be noted, but doesn't see it as a central part of his story. And rightfully so - as his remarkable success had little or nothing to do with his sexuality.

Clive the man!

clive is the ultimate music man! such a great book and a greater perspective of his personal and business life.

Wonderful book

Expertly read and totally enjoyable. I learned so much about the music business, my favorite stars and now Clive. Well done Mr. Davis! Wish you the best!

A Look into...nothing

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you are looking for insight into various artists and the music industry, you'll still be searching after 20-plus hours of drivel

Has The Soundtrack of My Life turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

Would you listen to another book narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris and Clive Davis ?

no

Did The Soundtrack of My Life inspire you to do anything?

no

Any additional comments?

Hi, I'm Clive Davis. I never made a mistake, and people who failed would have been successful had they listened to me. People who were successful, would have been more successful had they listened to me.

Informative

What did you like best about The Soundtrack of My Life? What did you like least?

It was enjoyable hearing about his relationship with the various artists over the years and his work at Columbia Records

What do you think your next listen will be?

Unsure

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Dennis Boutsikaris and Clive Davis ?

Unsure

Do you think The Soundtrack of My Life needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, this one was too drawn out as it was.

Any additional comments?

Clive Davis was an individual who apparently has been in the right place at the right time most of his life. He is a quintessential businessman who followed his intuition and passion.

What a READ!!!!!!!!

I love this book for so many reason! To hear such an in depth explanation of the "behind the scenes" of the music industry, from someone I highly respect, was amazing! Thank you Clive for share your story and all you've done for music!! #Inspired

Full Service Biography

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Certainly worth the money. Clive tells his entire story here - and in doing so, he tells the history of music in America. I had no idea he had such a hand in the making of so many recording stars and great songs.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the reader very much. This book is very long, but the delivery seemed effortless and is a smooth, easy listen.

loved it

clive Davis was THE music mogul of all time. and his story touches the breadth of American music.

Fascinating look inside the music biz!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, especially to business and law students about best business practices and for music lovers everywhere about how great music was nurtured by a fan who was also a realist.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Soundtrack of My Life?

His evolution from a law firm associate to a music executive and his genuine love of music.

What about Dennis Boutsikaris and Clive Davis ’s performance did you like?

Dennis was great and nuanced. The writing was very good and very well edited.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Clive took custody of his kids and respected his wife's need to find herself.

Entertaining

A delightful memoir. This is a facet of the music industry not often illuminated. For anyoneinterested in popular music of the late 20th century this is a very worthwhile read.