Nothing's Bad Luck

The Lives of Warren Zevon

By: C. M. Kushins

Narrated by: Fleet Cooper

Length: 16 hrs

Publisher's summary

Biography of legendary singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, spanning his nomadic youth and early recording career to his substance abuse, final album, and posthumous Grammy Awards

As is the case with so many musicians, the life of Warren Zevon was blessed with talent and opportunity yet also beset by tragedy and setbacks. Raised mostly by his mother with an occasional cameo from his gangster father, Warren had an affinity and talent for music at an early age. Taking to the piano and guitar almost instantly, he began imitating and soon creating songs at every opportunity. After an impromptu performance in the right place at the right time, a record deal landed on the lap of a teenager who was eager to set out on his own and make a name for himself. But of course, where fame is concerned, things are never quite so simple.

Drawing on original interviews with those closest to Zevon, including Crystal Zevon, Jackson Browne, Mitch Albom, Danny Goldberg, Barney Hoskyns, and Merle Ginsberg, Nothing's Bad Luck tells the story of one of rock's greatest talents. Journalist C. M. Kushins not only examines Zevon's troubled personal life and sophisticated, ever-changing musical style but emphasizes the moments in which the two are inseparable and ultimately paints Zevon as a hotheaded, literary, compelling musical genius worthy of the same tier as that of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

In Nothing's Bad Luck, Kushins at last gives Warren Zevon the serious, in-depth biographical treatment he deserves, making the life of this complex subject accessible to fans old and new for the very first time.

©2019 C. M. Kushins (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The best of the books written thus far about Warren Zevon is Nothing's Bad Luck. C. M. Kushins follows the legendary singer/songwriter down streets mostly Californian and mean; like a good detective, he sifts through the relationships and songs left behind. What he uncovers makes for compelling reading." (Kevin Avery, author of Everything Is an Afterthought: The Life and Writings of Paul Nelson)

"[Kushins] captures the essence of the brooding yet wickedly witty singer." (Booklist)

"[An] appreciative but honest biography." (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

A must read for fans of Mr. Bad Example

I have spent the better part of the last few years immersing myself in the catalog of Warren Zevon. I have come to realize that he may very well be the face of tortured soul rock ‘n roll.

Kushins does an excellent job of weaving the musical talent of Zevon with his personal tales of mind numbing upheaval and crippling addictions. It was this way of life that provided the fuel for such songs as “Desperadoes Under the Eaves” and “Lawyers, Guns and Money.”

I’ve been waiting for a complete biographical account of Warren Zevon, and this is it. I recommend this book to all fans of Zevon and music fans.

There is a lot more to Warren than Werewolves,..

A very thought provoking book opn one of the greatest lyrysists of our time. Highly recommended.

Excellent!!

C.M. Kushins chronicles Warren’s complex life with unmatched precision supported by extraordinary research and brings outstanding attention-to-detail that is consistently delivered from cover-to-cover. Fleet Cooper captures the listener’s attention from the outset with his excellent narration, varied tone, and inflection, which made it easy to pick up where the listener leaves off. Nothing's Bad Luck: The Lives of Warren Zevon serves as a plethora of information that can easily be used as a main source of information for this artist who belongs in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Highly recommend this book - either in print or in audio format. Enjoy!!

Thoughtful Account Marred by Underprepared Reader

Kushins' detailed and often insightful account of one of the best--if one of the least popularly appreciated--songwriters/singers/composers/rockers of the late 20th and early 21st century mostly comes through here. This is in spite of a reader, Mr. Fleet, who while he has an agreeable voice, show scant knowledge of Zevon's work or the musical culture he came from. As others have noted, the names of the late Glenn Frey (of the Eagles) and of Zevon's first major romantic partner (and mother of his sin, Jordan) are consistently mispronounced, and other lapses are sprinkled throughout the work (including confusing the late, great John Belushi with his brother Jim in the last chapter). While it is worth remembering how long this audio book is, noting that a few errors in reading are understandable in so many hours, some of these mistakes could have easily been avoided (though one or two usage issues may be in the text itself, which I have not read myself). If you can tolerate these mistakes, and the way Fleet attempts to voice female characters, this is a passable job, though I think Kushins and I know Warren and others deserve better.

a story of my favorite person

This encompasses all I needed to know about the journey of WZ. Beautifully written with great dignity to himself, his friends ,and family. Wonderful.

A Warm & Heartfelt Life & Times of a Great Artist

Loved spending time in the life of Warren Zevon, one of my favorite songwriter / poet / musician / singers. I suggest taking breaks from the book to listen to Warren's music. Truly masterful !!

The book is great !!!!

Excellent!

While I could quibble with the numerous mispronounced names ( why don't readers do some research?), I still found this book a very compelling"read." The writer did a fabulous job of capturing a very complicated man , seamlessly weaving Zevon"s work and personal life into a fascinating narrative. I liked the way the author managed to portray Zevon's addictions without romanticizing them. I would definitely recommend

<shakes head>

awesome story about an incredible artist, however Fleet Cooper mispronounces the simplest names. So much so that I want to reach in and grab him.

A Must for Zevon Fans

If you are even a casual fan of Warren Zevon’s you will devour Nothing’s Bad Luck. It’s a terrific telling of a fascinating life. A detailed, warts and all account of one of music’s true legends. You won’t be disappointed.

Great Content ......but

The reader mispronounced characters' names at almost every given opportunity. Sounds like a nit, but this really annoys me. Makes it seem as though the reader did no homework at all, since the correct pronunciation of "Tule", (not "Tool" but "Toolie" ), "Frey" -as in Glen (not "fray" but "fry") and Zapata (accents on incorrect syllables) are either very well known or accessible. Glen Frey was founder of the Eagles, who had the best selling album of the 20th century. Surely one can find out how to pronounce his name. And the song "Tule's Blues" is available on youtube.