The Seekers

Meetings with Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists)

By: John Densmore, Viggo Mortensen - foreword

Narrated by: John Densmore

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The iconic drummer of The Doors investigates his own relationship with creativity and explores the meaning of artistry with other artists and performers in this compelling and spellbinding memoir.

Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance, many of us have experienced art so pure - so innovative - that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately for us, this book is here to offer us a bridge.

In The Seekers, John Densmore - the iconic drummer of The Doors and author of the New York Times best seller Riders onthe Storm - digs deep into his own process and draws upon his privileged access to his fellow artists and performers in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past 50 years, this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking journey into the soul of the artist. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmore ultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning.

Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir Meetings with Remarkable Men, this book is fueled by Densmore's abundant collection of transformative experiences - both personal and professional - with everyone from Ravi Shankar to Patti Smith, Jim Morrison to Janis Joplin, Bob Marley to Gustavo Dudamel, Lou Reed to Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis to his own dear, late Doors bandmate Ray Manzarek. Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists of the past century - but a way for listeners to identify and ignite their own creative spark, and light their own fire.

©2020 John Densmore (P)2020 Hachette Books

Critic reviews

"John Densmore wrote this book about great artists he's known in the same fashion that he plays drums and lives his life. He understands and demonstrates the value of both silence and sound, space and statement. All the while, he brings us backstage to the parties and personalities that have inspired greatness and been cautionary tales of excess. He proves that it's never too late to grow and these are teachable moments from the life of a master." (John Doe of X, coauthor of Under the Big Black Sun and More Fun in the New World)

"I really enjoyed getting John's unique and insightful view of such an eclectic group of inspiring people." (Bonnie Raitt, musician and activist)

"John Densmore has the heart of a seeker. Always aiming, not for the sparrow, but for the eye of the sparrow in his search for meaning. His compass took him straight to the core of the moment and of the people he was drawn to by his uncanny ability to divine wisdom throughout his fairly frenzied life. It is reaffirming and gratifying to those of us who shared some of the same friends to revisit those unique and original souls." (Olivia Harrison, author of George Harrison: Living in the Material World)

John rocks this book!

It all boils down to a big THANK YOU! John has found and remined us that life and listening is bliss.Drink it in.

The Seekers

Terrific insight to music and the makers! Because of this book I am listening to music I never thought I would ever like or understand. Thanks John!

Densore Does It Again

Been a Doors fan since I was 15 years old (now 40 y.o.) Didn't realize how many artists he chose to expound on that I would have already had my own internal relationship with. Shouldn't be surprised since my connection to the Doors music set the foundation for my musical musings.

Soul food

This was so spiritually enriching that I had to limit myself to one chapter a day because I didn’t want it to end. Wonderful.