So Many Steves

Afternoons with Steve Martin

By: Steve Martin, Adam Gopnik

Narrated by: Steve Martin, Adam Gopnik

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Steve Martin is more candid than he’s ever been about his creative life—in this engrossing audio-biography centered around a series of conversations recorded over many afternoons at home with his friend and neighbor, writer Adam Gopnik.

Steve Martin met his good friend Adam Gopnik three decades ago, and in that time, Gopnik has always marveled at Martin’s ability to flourish in a wide variety of artforms: magic, comedy, art collecting, writing, and music. In So Many Steves: Afternoons with Steve Martin, New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik creates a new type of profile: a year’s worth of conversations with Martin where Gopnik pulls back the curtain on his friend’s illustrious career.

This audio-biography places you in Martin’s apartment across from Steve and Adam, listening as their conversation flows from Steve’s first job in a magic shop to selling out stadiums as a standup comedian, starring in major motion pictures, writing his first novel, teaching himself to play the banjo, and starting a respected art collection. Through it all you’ll hear clips from Steve Martin’s iconic stand up routines and movies as well as excerpts from his writing and tv appearances, all knit together by an original banjo score created and played by Steve.

Widely praised for his dada persona and portrayal of funny-yet-relatable parents, Steve shares behind the scenes anecdotes from his films―L.A. Story, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and more―giving listeners a taste of life on set. More than a history, this series of intimate conversations between old colleagues reveal Martin's thoughtful approach to both art and life. As Steve develops as an artist, challenging himself with learning new crafts, Adam sees his friend growing and evolving as a person: becoming warmer, more gregarious, and even more gracious.

With Adam’s tender audio-portrait of Steve Martin as an ever-progressing creator, and Martin's own insights into his career and life, So Many Steves shares new perspectives on the comedy legend.

©2023 Pushkin Industries and 40 Share (P)2023 Pushkin Industries and 40 Share

Fantastic stories!

I’ve read all of Steve’s books and have seen all of his movies, and his play. This was a wonderful compilation of stories about his life and accomplishments without being self effacing. Steve and Adam are great together too!

What a treasure

Hilarious and insightful, a consideration of art and life told through the experience of one of America’s most prolific talents.

A must listen for Dteve Martins fans

I really had no idea that Steve Martin chose to walk a life of curiosity and creativity. A must listen for his fans.

Only One Steve

Interesting conversation with a most interesting human. Can’t wait for the next Steve. A truly unique artist.

Unexpectedly Delightful

I have been a life long fan of all the Steves and this book was an unexpected delight! A smorgasbord of all my favorite Steves and the art lover Steve I have never known of. Banjo Steve is indeed my very favorite one. I think I wore out my CD player in my VW bug, then I discovered Apple Music playlists. The Crow is still my go to playlist. I’m glad I bought this it was definitely worth the listen!

Thank you for the story about some of your success and interests

My parents and I met Steve Martin and his mother at an OC restaurant two decades ago. They were as polite and warm hearted and my folks and I continued our respect for his work. This book summarizes his interests, shares a laugh and inspires the pursuit of one’s dreams. What can be better?!

Thoughtful. Engaging. Insightful

I only wish it were longer and told more stories. I plan to gift this audio special to many friends,

more Steve more Steve! (less Adam)

I really did not know the incredible range of Steve Martin's artistic life period I enjoyed hearing that a lot. if you listen to this, expect to hear at least as much of the interviewer as of steve. I felt this a little bit even when the Great Malcolm Gladwell interviews Paul Simon for that audiobook. let the guy tell his story. it just feels a little weird when somebody is interpreting at the very moment that the subject can explain themselves to you. why is somebody telling me what Paul Simon thinks or what Steve Martin thinks, when they're sitting right there? call me old-fashioned, but I think the interview is the frame, and in this case it gets way into the portrait itself.

Steve is me

Steve has been one of my favorite people for decades even though we will likely never meet. This audiobook is very NPRish. Steve, in many wonderful ways, is the man I wish I’d become. It’s so nice of him to have done it for me.

Fun Concept!

I like Steve Martin, and I liked the idea of trying to capture his evolution as a performer and a person. A bit bumpy, but nice, especially as a break from heavier reading.