Party Like a Rockstar

The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter

By: J.T. Harding

Narrated by: J.T. Harding

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

This fun and fast-paced rock-and-roll memoir from hit singer-songwriter J.T. Harding shows what it takes to go from South Detroit to the top of the Nashville charts.

In Party Like a Rockstar, J.T. Harding charts his life from a kid growing up in Michigan to a chart-topping songwriter living in Nashville and working with country music stars like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. As a kid playing rock 'n' roll in his parents' garage, Harding's was a world in which every taste of new music - from KISS to Prince and everyone in between - was a revelation. Inspired by his favorite artists, Harding abandons the classic "American dream" and runs away to Los Angeles, where he forms a band and becomes part of the music scene there, all the while selling records to his favorite artists and producers at Tower Records.

A story of youth, rebellion, and determination, Party Like a Rockstar is a memoir for music lovers and an invaluable how-to guide for anyone who wants to learn how to write a hit song. Fun and heartfelt, Harding's memoir is the story of one man's unshakable love for rock and roll, how it guided him through some of the greatest tragedies - and greatest triumphs - of his wild and unvarnished life.

©2022 J.T. Harding (P)2022 Twelve

Critic reviews

"The stories behind J.T.'s songs are some of my favorites in music, but I didn't know his true backstory until now. It's surreal. His life is Forrest Gump meets Entourage. I laughed out loud, I Googled stuff to see if it was legit (it always was). I know what I'm getting everyone for their birthday this year: this book." —TY Bentli, international country music expert and host of the "TY Bentli Show"

“You’ll definitely get great stories about songwriting from J.T. Harding—his heart gets broken more than the ice cream machine at McDonald’s.”—Josh Osborne, Grammy award-winning songwriter

“What a great read! Super stories, like meeting Keith Urban in the men's room! Very moving family stuff. Every aspiring songwriter should read this for inspiration.”—Jim Vallance, songwriter

Read this book like a rockstar

I'm not usually a reader. I will say that I binge read and binge listened to this book. I have seen JT at several songwriter rounds in Nashville. This book gave me a little bit more insight into JT as a performer. MUST listen or read.

Great stories and tips from a talented songwriter

JT does an excellent job narrating his story. Full of hilarious (and sometimes touching) stories combined with practical tips for entering (and succeeding) in the music business. A must read for any music fan!

A Great Memoir for All Aspiring Creatives/Entrepreneurs

This book is well written and excellently read by the author J.T. Harding. It is a prime example of how grit and steadfastness will lead to unique and well deserved success. For all aspiring songwriters, as well as creatives and entrepreneurs, this book provides an honest take on the reality of “making it” that inspires you to stay the course and encourages you to follow your dreams even in the face of rejection and hardship.

Crazy Amazing Life Story + Songwriting MasterClass

The first half of the book is an autobiography of “wish I was there” moments on JT’s path to becoming a multi #1 songwriter. The second half focuses on how to become a successful songwriter. Read engagingly by the author with high energy & enthusiasm. Couldn’t put it down.

Can't Wait to See it At the Movies ;)

J.T., your words are enlightening and encouraging to songwriters and basement bands alike or to anyone who has a dream. Thank you for taking me back to a great time in music with your funny and endearing memories and for the no b.s. information about focusing on songwriting goals. The book will be a really great and entertaining future movie. Hey J.T, I am a property master for feature films and would love to prop your movie. Just putting it out there. ;)

If you like music and a good laugh

This was such a fun book. Glad I got it on audible and JT read it. Brings back all the fun memories growing up and how important music is. Here is to all the amazing songwriters!!

6 Stars

This a fantastic book! I highly recommend it not just for music lovers but for everyone. The book is a tremendous true story of JT's life long journey to becoming one of the best and most respected songwriters in Nashville. It is filled with tremendous stories with both laughter and tears. He's not just a great songwriter but also a great author. I loved it! I would give it 6 stars if allowed because 5 just isn't enough.

Wow, I had no idea about songwriting until...

I listened to your book on Audible. What a road you have traveled on your way to where you are now. Very interesting journey. Thank you for giving us this glimpse into your life experiences. I also want to thank your Uncle Craig for telling me about your book. If not for him, I may not have ever listened to this on Audible. Glad he was able to join you in Nashville for your book signing. He is very proud of your accomplishments. Can't wait to be driving down the road and hear one of your songs on the radio. Now I will understand more about the back story.

another Detroit success story!

many music success stories have come out of Detroit. As a fellow east-sider, it was fun hearing references I know well. There are fun stories and great nuggets of wisdom about the music business.

What a ride! Take it!!!

This book is proof that life’s twists and turns, hills and valleys, ups and downs, conspire to take us where we’re going…if we’re smart enough to keep moving. This is a true story of courage, tenacity, and determination, seasoned perfectly with the just the right amount of humor, vulnerability, wisdom, and outrageousness. And…who doesn’t love a peek behind the curtain of the music industry.
Love the author’s delivery. Very easy to listen to.