Moments: Detroit Musicman

By: Gary Spaniola

Narrated by: Gary Spaniola

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Playing a black Les Paul through a vintage Marshall stack, mic’d through a tower-high wall of speakers at Detroit’s Cobo Hall feels like you’re flying a 747 with one exception: you’re standing on top of it.

In this engaging and often humorous memoir, Gary Spaniola gives a behind-the-scenes look into the many aspects of his life. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, Gary shares unforgettable moments of his childhood, his rise in the Detroit music scene with his rock band, Bitter Sweet Alley, his career as a record producer earning multiple gold and platinum records, and his obsession with learning that caused him to alienate the music world for years to become a self-taught computer programmer, designing his own automation system and launching his own software company.  After achieving multiple software design awards, he once again reignited his true passion for creating music and went on to release three additional solo albums.

Gary’s storytelling captures the sincerity and humor of the colorful chaos of growing up in a large family, getting his first guitar, performing in front of thousands of people, and sharing the stage with many legendary rock icons. He takes you with him back to the small, seedy venues and up to the major crowd-filled arenas, as well as the countless hours practicing guitar, creating his software, and building his dreams. Gary shares his trials, tribulations, and determination with every career turn. Interlaced in this memoir is Gary’s love for faith, family, and lifelong friends, along with the hilarity and frustration of growing up and finding his way in life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Gary Spaniola (P)2023 Gary Spaniola

Back down the rabbit hole.

This book took me two days of work related road trips to complete from start to finish! I Loved It! In the last couple day since finishing this book I have found myself back down the rabbit hole, sifting through yearbooks an old photo albums that contain pictures and memories of Butcher Junior High, Mott High School and the now famous Warren Michigan.
I am a Detroit area musician but trust me, only thanks to Hometown Heros like Gary Spaniola, BSA, TOBY REDD, The Mutants, The Plugs, NIGHTFALL and so many more Detroit area Rock Legend Groups who lead the way and opened the door to discovering rock and roll for upcoming wannabees like me!
I am a small handful of years younger than Gary, however we graduated from the same school and lived im the same neighborhood in Warren Michigan! I laughed as his moments were so comparable and relatible to mine as a kid. That such a Rockstar in my eyes had to maintain a paper route from the same paper station up on the hill, in order to get his first guitar, unreal!
Gary your book was welcoming and took me back in time! Thank you for taking me back to the simple days of Warren, Butcher Park, and School Dances! We have never personally met, but we sure were and are related in Detroit Rock &Roll and like I said, I wouldn't lived that if it weren't for you!

Blessings to you, your Family and your focus on the St Jude Charity.

G Paz

What a welcome SURPRISE!

There weren't any reviews, but I took a chance. I knew I could return it, but once I heard the story about his sisters and the PB&J sandwiches, I was hooked! This book is well crafted. It's like the author is telling his stories directly to you. It's HILARIOUS and, at times, very touching! You can tell he respects his father and loves his family. This book deserves praise. And the money goes to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Well done, Mr. Spaniola.

Memories

Thank you for sharing your memories with us. This book had me laughing, crying, and even caused me to reflect on my own memories.
The reading of short stories with music in between was engaging and pleasant. Anyone that grew up in the Detoit area, loves music, or just likes to be entertained wirh good stories should listen to this book.

This book Rocks!

As an Italian kid with five brothers and sisters, I totally related to this book. As a Detroit music lover, I also related to this book. Gary's book takes you through his life from wanting to play guitar, to playing with some of the world's greatest performers. The ups and downs of the music world...life and everything in between.

BSA: Local memories for me

Saw BSA..Toby Red..others at local clubs. Great stories. man, you had a good run. Appreciate what can be done if you trust in Jesus and put your mind to it. Congrats on a well-done career. Enjoyed your moments and profits to st. judes.

Fantastic Memories!

As a 16 year old kid, I snuck into Jaggers one Saturday night. The first BSA song I heard performed was “Just a Romantic.” I was hooked! It became a habit to see the band every chance I could. Thanks, Gary, for sharing so much of yourself!

Great read. I mean listen.

Gary is from the same area of Michigan I am from and this book took me back to some fond memories. His life stories are amazing and very few people have that kind of adventure.

Family, Faith and Music: life as a Detroit musician

Just finished the audiobook. Growing up in SE Michigan in the 70-90’s the band Gary started, Bitter Sweet Alley was hot in the radio and the ‘Michigan concert scene. Gary’s stories of growing up in the Detroit suburbs, will resonate with those who have followed the Detroit music scene. So many entertaining stories! Some include Alice Cooper, Eddie Van Halen, Led Zepplin, and crappy music executives. Lots of humor and sincere thoughts reflecting the lifelong journey of a passionate working musician/producer.

The question is, will it be as entertaining for someone outside of Michigan, who would not be familiar with all his references? The stories of his “Brady Bunch” family life with the changing voices certainly can land with everyone who watched that show and “Leave It To Beaver” growing up during that time period. Gary tells the stories well, and including stories of national and global notoriety will probably spread the appeal to non-Michiganders. It certainly is worth a listen for music enthusiasts.

The Green Harvest!

Ha-ha! You have to read The Green Harvest! I've only listened to about half of this book so far, because I keep going back to start over. Great sense of humor. I went to the same high school as the author. He was known for his rock and roll band, now he’ll be known for his writing. I listen to a lot of books, and this one is really good.

loved it

I purchased this book because of my relationship with the author but I listened to it because I completely enjoyed it. made me laugh out loud.