‘An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit.’ — Kirkus Reviews
‘A truly fascinating tale by a fascinating man.’ — Martin Short
‘So much more than I expected. … Highly recommended!’ — Ray Romano
Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man offers a message of hope to anyone pursuing a dream against the odds.
The unique convergence of Jim Wilson’s two careers — piano technician/confidant to the stars and a globally successful recording artist — has led to extraordinary experiences with some of the world’s most exalted music legends: singing Beatle songs with Paul Mc Cartney, limo rides with Elton John, road trips with Carole King, and horseback riding with Dan Fogelberg. But beyond this everyman’s unique telling of intimate celebrity tales, Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man’s relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives.
Emerging from a troubled childhood in a broken West Texas home, a young man moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a singer-songwriter. He soon strays from his mission when his piano tuning sideline blossoms into a career as piano technician to the entertainment industry’s biggest names. His help in the development of the world’s first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano leads to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes. His front row seat provides him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes.
But when his world is shattered by his dearest friend’s sudden and untimely death, he is forced to question the true meaning of success. He returns to his heart’s purpose, takes a leap into the unknown, and sets out on a solo career, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals. Along the way he battles countless obstacles, including crippling panic attacks.
After four Billboard Top-20 albums, two PBS specials, and over 75 million worldwide streams of his compositions, Jim reflects on his life in music. He offers us a candid, humorous, insider’s account of the raucous LA scene and shares engaging tales of his time spent with music legends.
Содержание
PART ONE: Gearing Up
Prologue: Meet the Beatle
Chapter 1: The Guitar
Chapter 2: Music and Mischief
Chapter 3: Things Fall Apart
Chapter 4: High. School.
Chapter 5: Capers and Close Calls
Chapter 6: Hit the Road, Jim
Chapter 7: Easy Does It
Chapter 8: The Abyss
Chapter 9: Tuning School
Chapter 10: Loose Change
PART TWO: Tuning Up
Chapter 11: Emerald City
Chapter 12: On the Eve of the 80s
Chapter 13: City of Dreams
Chapter 14: Biz Takes Off
Chapter 15: The Buffet
Chapter 16: Forte
Chapter 17: London Calling
Chapter 18: London Calling, Again
Chapter 19: London Still Calling
Chapter 20: Go For It, Jimmy
Chapter 21: Paul
Chapter 22: You’ve Got a Road Trip
Chapter 23: Part of the Plan
PART THREE: Tuning In
Chapter 24: Claude
Chapter 25: Malls and Halls
Chapter 26: Green Hill
Chapter 27: Jason
Chapter 28: Touring Tales
Chapter 29: A Place in My Heart
Chapter 30: The Genie Grants Me Three Wishes
Chapter 31: Slaying the Dragon
Chapter 32: Dénouement
Об авторе
JIM WILSONTUNED IN: MEMOIRS OF A PIANO MANJim Wilson could have simply dismissed himself as a competent piano tuner-technician, even an exceptional one. But he was and is so much more, and it took the sudden death of a dear friend and the encouragement of a global music superstar to prove it to him. From a broken home in Amarillo, Texas to a multi-award-winning recording artist, Jim Wilson’s journey is a captivating tale of showbiz glamor, personal tragedy, self-discovery, and dogged determination. And, as is typical of Jim Wilson, he’s turned out to be a pretty good wordsmith.Tuned-In: Memoirs of a Piano Man is a page-turner and a life-changer. It’s a self-help book in the form of an autobiography. It is entertaining, revealing and a lesson to us all. Jim Wilson’s life direction was set when he was given a guitar at age 7, then began composing songs at age 9. Soon after moving from West Texas to LA in his early 20’s, he gained notoriety as a respected piano technician, catering to the highest echelon of the music industry. Jim helped develop the first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano in the 80’s, which became an instant hit with artists and studios around the world. Four of Jim’s 10 recordings have hit the Billboard Top-20, he’s had two PBS specials, and his music has been streamed over 75 million times by fans around the globe. NARAS recently made him a ‘Lifetime Member’ of the Recording Academy. He enjoys scuba diving, skiing, pilot lessons, and mountain biking. Tuned In is Jim’s first book and, typically stubborn, he turned down a major publishing deal in favor of the creative control afforded him with a small Indy publisher. With over forty endorsements from A-list celebrities, his book isn’t short on praise. ‘This is a big swing for me, and I’m humbled by all the friends who’ve stepped up and offered support.’ By ‘friends, ‘ Wilson means mega-talents including David Foster, Barry Manilow, Diane Warren, Martin Short, Ray Romano and Ed Begley, Jr.