When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead

Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man

By: Jerry Weintraub, Rich Cohen, George Clooney - foreword

Narrated by: Jerry Weintraub

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the story of Jerry Weintraub: the self-made, Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised impresario, Hollywood producer, legendary dealmaker, and friend of politicians and stars. No matter where nature has placed him - the club rooms of Brooklyn, the Mafia dives of New York's Lower East Side, the wilds of Alaska, or the hills of Hollywood - he has found a way to put on a show and sell tickets at the door.

"All life was a theater and I wanted to put it up on a stage," he says. "I wanted to set the world under a marquee that read: 'Jerry Weintraub Presents.'"

In When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead, we follow Weintraub from his first great success at age 26 with Elvis Presley, whom he took on the road with the help of Colonel Tom Parker; to the immortal days with Sinatra and Rat Pack glory; to his crowning hits as a movie producer, starting with Robert Altman and Nashville, continuing with Oh, God!, the Karate Kid movies, and Diner, among others, and summiting with Steven Soderbergh and Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.

Along the way, we'll watch as Jerry moves from the poker tables of Palm Springs (the games went on for days), to the power rooms of Hollywood, to the halls of the White House, to Red Square in Moscow, and the Great Palace in Beijing - all the while counseling potentates, poets, and kings, with clients and confidants like George Clooney, Bruce Willis, George H. W. Bush, Armand Hammer, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, John Denver, Bobby Fischer...the list goes on forever.

And of course, the story is not yet over. As the old-timers say, "The best is yet to come." And as Weintraub says, "When I stop talking, you'll know I'm dead."

With wit, wisdom, and the cool confidence that has colored his remarkable career, Jerry chronicles a quintessentially American journey, one marked by luck, love, and improvisation. The stories he tells and the lessons we learn are essential, not just for those who love movies and music, but for businessmen, entrepreneurs, artists...everyone.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Jerry Weintraub (P)2010 Hachette

Mr. Weintraub, when can you come for dinner?

Jerry's stories span the fascinating years of the 20th century and he tells them as if we're sitting at the Friar's Club over a fine glass of wine. Jerry's well lived life shines like a fine sapphire from his father's jewelry business in the Bronx: values, quality, humility, wisdom with a sparkle of humor to keep the reader (listener) eager for the next story. I hope he writes a sequel, so I can continue feeling a part of the political, social, and entertainment history of our era. For those unfamiliar with his time and place, the beginning gets off to a slow start, but he quickly hits his stride as he builds his career and sphere of influence. His lessons learned are as relevant today as they were when he learned them...and I find myself smiling in recognition of a similar experience in my own life. Mr. Weintraub, the invitation to dinner is always open: you bring your stories, and I'll pick up a bucket of KFC and some Lafitte-Rothchild bubbly to wash it down.

Inspiring

Entertaining and educational. You will be glad you listened, especially if you are considering a new career or just starting out.

Couldn't stop listening

The booking was fantastic, and so interesting. Jerry narrating really made the feel of the book so much more authentic. When he spoke about his mother passing, I trembled as I could feel the emotion in him. Great book

This book is a GREAT read (or listen in our case)!

Your time won't be wasted if you decide to purchase this book! I was shocked with how well it hit home with me. Also, Jerry actually does the voiceover, which adds another element of awesomeness!

I loved the guys personality.

narrator was actually the author which is nice, and the oceans movies were really good imo so I liked Jerry already. His story is really interesting I think you'll enjoy his captivating stories!

Great stories

From Elvis to Bush, from Sinatra to Clooney...Jerry's stories put a smile on my face and gave me some interesting perspectives on my business. I loved the energy and emotion in his voice

Touching, Hilarious, Informative

There's things in this book I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. This made me think about the safety of my life and how much I really need to step outside my comfort zone. The later chapters brought tears to my eyes as Jerry's voice wavered talking about the end of life and people he's loved. I admired him reading this for himself, I feel like I knew him and sat with him tell me his life story. This is one of the most fascinating stories I've ever heard, I'm not kidding. Gave me a new outlook on my life which is why I listen and read in the first place. Thanks Jerry.

A Fabulously Entertaining and Thought-Provoking Book

Two suggestions, first, get the audio book over buying the book. This is one where you just have to listen to Jerry speak the stories. Second, give it 1.2-1.5x speed. He’s a little slow as a speaker but you really should listen and understand the stories. At this speed you still get the accent and you can listen faster.

The stories behind this man are amazing! Stuff you knew happened but didn’t realize that he was the one behind it!

Excellent book!

Awesome

Wonderful book, seems like an intimate one sided conversation with an amazing character. I listen to and read lots of books this would be in my top 3, so many stories so many learnings. Read/listen to this book

my new favourite book!

great story, great production. inspirational and remakable story.

why do I have to write 20 words??