In the past couple of years, some of our musical greats have been the focus of biographical movies. Specifically, Judy Garland, Elton John, and Queen. Not only does the library offer these movies but, you can also find them in our selection of memoirs.
Renée Zellweger stars as Judy Garland in Judy, the iconic star’s newest biopic. The film, set in late 1968 and early 1969, shows Garland hustling in Swinging London after she successfully secured a five-week engagement in Talk of the Town. Behind the scenes, she battles her own management and prepares to fight her ex-husband and ex-manager, Sidney Luft (Rufus Sewell), in court for custody of their children. Despite this period of her life being tumultuous, Garland can find love once again -- this time in the arms of Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock). Directed by Rupert Goold. ~ Jinko Labitag, Rovi
A portrait of the Hollywood superstar covers Garland's childhood, her struggles to establish herself in one of the industry's great studios, and her often traumatic love affairs.
A provocative look at the private life of the legendary performer reveals intimate details about Garland's bisexuality, her drug and alcohol addiction, and her many abortions.
Director Dexter Fletcher’s biopic focuses on Elton John’s early years and his meteoric rise to fame in the 1970s. It dwells on his relationships with his parents, his time as a student at the Royal Academy of Music, his enduring partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, his first marriage, and his romantic relationship with his manager John Reid. The film's cast includes Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard. ~ Augustine Chay, Rovi
The colorful and kaleidoscopic life of one of the world's most original and talented musical artists.
"Christened Reginald Dwight, he was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming a pop star. By the age of twenty-three, he was performing his first gig in America, facing an astonished audience in his bright yellow dungarees, a star-spangled T-shirt, and boots with wings. Elton John had arrived and the music world would never be the same again. His life has been full of drama, from the early rejection of his work with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin to spinning out of control as a chart-topping superstar; from half-heartedly trying to drown himself in his LA swimming pool to disco-dancing with Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation to conquering Broadway with Aida, The Lion King, and Billy Elliot the Musical. All the while Elton was hiding a drug addiction that would grip him for over a decade. In Me, Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble, and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions, and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you by a living legend"--Amazon.
A chronicle of the rock band Queen, who rose to fame thanks to their revolutionary sound and the theatrics of their frontman, the iconic Freddie Mercury, culminating in their reunion for the historic set they played at Live Aid in July 1985. ~ Phil Griffin, Rovi
Imagine being alongside one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, touring the world and being there as they perform at some of the best and biggest music venues in the world. Peter Hince didn't have to imagine: for more than a decade, he lived a life that other people can only dream of as he worked with Queen as head of their road crew. In 1973, Queen was the support act for Mott the Hoople, for whom Peter was a roadie. Back then, Queen had to content themselves with being second on the bill and the world had not yet woken up to the flamboyant talent of Freddie Mercury. Peter started working full time for Queen just as they were making A Night at the Opera, the album which catapulted them to international stardom. In this intimate and affectionate book, Peter recalls the highlights of his years with the band. He was with Freddie when he composed 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'; he was responsible for making sure that Freddie's stage performances went without a hitch - and was often there to witness his famed tantrums! He was also party to the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll which are invariably part of life on the road with a rock band.
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