The Uncool

A Memoir

De: Cameron Crowe

Narrado por: Cameron Crowe

“Cameron has written a book that feels like music, an intimate souvenir, like a song you can’t stop listening to.” —Stevie Nicks

The long-awaited memoir by Cameron Crowe—one of America’s most iconic journalists and filmmakers—The Uncool is a joyful dispatch from a lost world, a chronicle of the real-life events that became Almost Famous, and a coming-of-age journey filled with music legends as you’ve never seen them before.

Cameron Crowe was an unlikely rock and roll insider. Born in 1957 to parents who strictly banned the genre from their house, he dove headfirst into the world of music. By the time he graduated high school at fifteen, Crowe was contributing to Rolling Stone. His parents became believers, uneasily allowing him to interview and tour with legends like Led Zeppelin; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Bob Dylan; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; and Fleetwood Mac.

The Uncool offers a front-row ticket to the 1970s, a golden era for music and art when rock was young. There’s no such thing as a media junket—just the rare chance a young writer might be invited along for an adventure. Crowe spends his teens politely turning down the drugs and turning on his tape recorder. He talks his journalism teacher into giving him class credit for his road trip covering Led Zeppelin’s 1975 tour, which lands him—and the band—on the cover of Rolling Stone. He embeds with David Bowie as the sequestered genius transforms himself into a new persona: the Thin White Duke. Why did Bowie give Crowe such unprecedented access? “Because you’re young enough to be honest,” Bowie tells him.

Youth and humility are Crowe’s ticket into the Eagles’ dressing room in 1972, where Glenn Frey vows to keep the band together forever; to his first major interview with Kris Kristofferson; to earning the trust of icons like Gregg Allman and Joni Mitchell, who had sworn to never again speak to Rolling Stone. It’s a magical odyssey, the journey of a teenage writer waved through the door to find his fellow dreamers, music geeks, and lifelong community. It’s a path that leads him to writing and directing some of the most beloved films of the past forty years, from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Say Anything... to Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous. His movies often resonate with the music of the artists he first met as a journalist, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Who, and Pearl Jam.

The Uncool is also a surprisingly intimate family drama. If you’ve seen Almost Famous, you may think you know this story—but you don’t. For the first time, Crowe opens up about his formative years in Palm Springs and pays tribute to his father, a decorated Army officer who taught him the irreplaceable value of the human voice. Crowe also offers a full portrait of his mother, whose singular spirit helped shape him into an unconventional visionary.

With its vivid snapshots of a bygone era and a celebration of creativity and connection, this memoir is an essential read for music lovers or anyone chasing their wildest dreams. At the end of that roller-coaster journey, you might just find what you were looking for: your place in the world.

Mommy issues

My god the mommy issues. This guy never grew up. She wouldn’t let him. Great stories on the rock stuff. Decent listen

Better than Almost Famous!

Buy now and thank me later. Cameron Crowe is last great scribe of the 20th century, and earned a stage pass for the golden era of rock and roll. If you liked the movie Almost Famous, you will love this book because it’s the true story built on a foundation of truth and genuine emotion. As great as the movie was, this is 5x better. I’m always skeptical about writers narrating their own book, but Cameron Crowe tells this amazing story as he only he could. Seven stars!

Perfect Delivery

C.C. reading with all his emotions made this so easy to listen to. I traveled in my mind to the places and times he described. I love it!

Brought back my childhood memories too!!

Loved the behind the scenes info. Also loved that was read by Cameron! I was not aware of all he has done. What an incredible journey!!!

Sooo worth the wait!

Cameron Crowe wrote my two favorite movies, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Almost Famous, which he of course also directed. I was so excited about this book. My only question when I heard it was coming out was why hadn't he done this sooner, but I guess he kind of had with Almost Famous. Sweet Mother of Sweetness is Cameron Crowe a good writer. So empathic, so vivid, so totally putting you in the room without ever trying to be anything but a decent and curious human hoping to do his best work without tipping over into gushing fandom. And never ever flashy. I was definitely going to love this book, but it so totally exceeded expectations. The Uncool is so good and so worth reading, particularly this audio version, which he narrates perfectly. Thank you, 2025, for so many awesome things, especially (book-wise) Mike Campbell's Heartbreaker and now Cameron Crowe's The Uncool. And thank you, Cameron Crowe for finally writing one of my favorite books of all time.

Wow, to be the uncool.

Cameron Crowe's voice and storytelling is brilliant. He captures a time of music and musicians in the 1970's that is indelible.

1970’s revisited as only Cameron can ❤️

Cameron Crowe has an amazing ability to take in so many details in a given situation and allow us to enter into his world to relive it. This book was just what I expected…brilliant!! I found myself smiling and uttering an occasional “wow” as I listened to him. A truly satisfying audio book!

My (New) Favorite Pastime

If you grew up in the 70-80’s, you will be transported back to the “best time” to go to concerts in America. Have you ever wondered why just about all Dr’s office, and Gas Stations play background music from this era? It’s because new music just isn’t good anymore. It’s all about cursing, dance moves and creating a shock effect. I have decided to dig deeper into the music and time that I love. There is so much history to learn! Thanks Cameron Crowe. Oh, and pass the Doobie…