White Bicycles

Making Music in the 1960s

By: Joe Boyd

Narrated by: Joe Boyd

Joe Boyd tells of his journey through Sixties music, from tour managing Muddy Waters and Coleman Hawkins, to plugging in Bob Dylan's electric guitar while working as production manager at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, to becoming a leading record producer. His first session was Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood's "Crossroads" followed by Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, the Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny and many more. He moved to Hollywood at the end of the decade where he produced the documentary "Jimi Hendrix" for Warner Brothers.

©2006 Joseph Walker Boyd (P)2013 Joseph Walker Boyd

A Certain Sixties

There was no one “sixties,” from what I can gather, and Joe Boyd’s memoir is distinctive for its straddling of the blues, folk music, jazz, and UK psychedelia. I love the voice and the stories. The end I do not love, but it’s Boyd’s sixties, and Boyd’s “present,” and it not for me to say how he should regard either, or both.

Fascinating story, monotone reading

Anyone interested in the development of British Invasion music from its genesis in American Blues and R&B will find this book engrossing. But while it's always a treat to hear a book read in the author's own voice, Joe Boyd's is unfortunately lacking in inflection or emotion. This matters because emotion is exactly what continues to bind tens of thousands of fans to the music of those critical years. This is also the only audio title I have ever listened to which has not even a single second pause between chapters, which is a bit maddening - the listener is given no opportunity to absorb the conclusion of the story they've just heard.

Excellent, informative and insightful

Boyd recounts his experiences in the entertainment business with wit, candor and thoughtfulness. From the early days of Dylan and Pink Floyd to the freewheeling 70s film scene he takes the reader from one era-defining moment to another. What truly sets Boyd’s work apart is his ability to place his work and encounters into the broader stories of a changing Britain and America.

Clear, real, insightful

This was touching insightful and real. I’m generally not a fan of the blues or “60’s” music, but Boyd weaves a very smart look at talent, and culture seen from both the UK and US without hype or favor. It feels very punk to me actually, which is great compliment.

Cultural history by one who created it

Unique inside glimpses from the musical backstage of the blues & jazz legends - and from the intensely creative period 66-73 when all started anew. Winderful portraits of a lot of the girls & guys we have listened to all our lives by a great storyteller & analyst