And Friends

At its core, this book celebrates the remarkable fusion of rock, blues, and soul that emerged during this transformative period. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, readers are transported to the heart of the music scene, where a group of trailblazing musicians united around a shared passion for music and a desire to push the boundaries of the genre.

The narrative also delves into the lives of other remarkable talents who played pivotal roles in this influential era. Delaney Bramlett, whose appearance on the groundbreaking television show "Shindig!" propelled him into the limelight, joins forces with fellow musicians, including Joey Cooper, Mac Davis, and Jackie DeShannon, to explore songwriting and form Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. Bonnie O'Farrell, a prodigious singer with a soulful voice, shares her journey from St. Louis to Los Angeles, where she becomes the first white Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and eventually marries Delaney Bramlett.

The book highlights the pivotal collaborations and synergies that emerged within the ranks of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, particularly when George Harrison and Eric Clapton became captivated by their magnetic performances. The resulting creative alliances lead to the recording of George Harrison's iconic album, "All Things Must Pass," with contributions from Leon Russell, Clapton, and others. The narrative also explores the formation of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen band, which accompanied Joe Cocker on a transformative tour and produced an influential album and movie.

Throughout the book, the author underscores the unique blend of musical styles and influences that these artists brought to their collaborations. From the driving, lurchy, churchy rock and roll songs that Russell described to the deep-rooted blues roots of Southerners like Delaney and Bonnie, Rita Coolidge, and Bobby Whitlock, to the English heritage embraced by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, each artist carries a fragment of the blues and rock ethos. The book celebrates their ability to transcend geographical constraints and create a timeless sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

"And Friends" paints a vivid portrait of this era of rock and roll, presenting a mosaic of captivating stories, larger-than-life personalities, and unforgettable musical moments. It pays homage to the extraordinary talents that contributed to this revolutionary period and showcases Leon Russell as a towering figure whose audacious vision and multifaceted talents shaped the trajectory of rock music. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book captures the essence of an era and its lasting impact on the annals of music history.

As readers immerse themselves in the pages, they also have the opportunity to access an exclusive Apple Music Playlist that accompanies the book. The playlist features a curated selection of songs that capture the essence of this driving, lurchy, churchy rock and roll sound, providing a rich audio backdrop to the stories and experiences detailed in the book. A link and QR code are provided for easy access to the playlist, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the music that defined an era.

"And Friends: Driving, Lurchy, Churchy Rock and Roll Songs" is a testament to the enduring impact of these iconic musicians and their collaborative efforts. It invites readers to embark on a musical journey, exploring the influences, inspirations, and transcendent moments that shaped the trajectory of rock and roll. As part of the "Playlist Journeys in Apple Music" series, this book offers a unique fusion of storytelling and music, providing a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the power of music to transcend time and leave an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.