10 Must-Read Biographies of Legendary Musicians

[BookMan]

Musicians have always been larger-than-life figures, shaping culture and inspiring generations with their music. But behind the fame, the sold-out concerts, and the iconic songs, there are incredible personal stories filled with triumph, struggle, creativity, and resilience.

If you love music and want to dive deeper into the lives of legendary artists, these ten musician biographies offer raw, compelling, and unforgettable insights. From rock and jazz to punk and pop, these books take you inside the minds and journeys of some of the most influential musicians of all time.

Check out the list below and discover the stories behind the music!


1. Life – Keith Richards
• The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist tells his raw and candid life story, from rock stardom to addiction and survival.

2. Just Kids – Patti Smith
• A beautifully written memoir by poet and punk rock icon Patti Smith, chronicling her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe and their early years in New York.

3. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
• A deeply personal and poetic autobiography by The Boss, offering insight into his life, career, and creative process.

4. Chronicles: Volume One – Bob Dylan
• Dylan’s unconventional and vivid memoir, filled with reflections on his career, music, and the influences that shaped him.

5. Testimony – Robbie Robertson
• A gripping account from The Band’s guitarist and songwriter, detailing the highs and lows of rock and roll history.

6. Miles: The Autobiography – Miles Davis & Quincy Troupe
• A no-holds-barred look at the life and career of jazz legend Miles Davis, filled with unfiltered thoughts and reflections.

7. Girl in a Band – Kim Gordon
• Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon shares her story of being a female rock icon and the rise of the alternative music scene.

8. Scar Tissue – Anthony Kiedis
• The Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman tells his intense story of fame, addiction, and recovery.

9. Elvis Presley: Last Train to Memphis – Peter Guralnick
• The definitive two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, with the first volume covering his rise to fame.

10. Paul McCartney: The Life – Philip Norman
• A comprehensive biography of the Beatles’ legendary songwriter, offering deep insight into his personal and professional life.