Been So Long: My Life and Music
Written by Jorma Kaukonen
Narrated by Jorma Kaukonen, Grace Slick and Jack Casady
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
*This program includes a foreword written and read by Grace Slick, and an afterword written and read by Jack Casady*
From the man who made a name for himself as a founding member and lead guitarist of Jefferson Airplane comes a memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of a musical genius—and a vivid journey through the psychedelic era in America.
“Music is the reward for being alive,” writes Jorma Kaukonen in this candid and emotional account of his life and work. “It stirs memory in a singular way that is unmatched.” In a career that has already spanned a half century—one that has earned him induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors—Jorma is best known for his legendary bands Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. But before he won worldwide recognition he was just a young man with a passion and a dream.
Been So Long is the story of how Jorma found his place in the world of music and beyond. The grandson of Finnish and Russian-Jewish immigrants whose formative years were spent abroad with his American-born diplomat father, Jorma channeled his life experiences—from his coming-of-age in Pakistan and the Philippines to his early gigs with Jack Casady in D.C. to his jam sessions in San Francisco with Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and other contemporaries—into his art in unique and revelatory ways.
Been So Long charts not only Jorma’s association with the bands that made him famous but goes into never-before-told details about his addiction and recovery, his troubled first marriage and still-thriving second, and more. Interspersed with diary entries, personal correspondence, and song lyrics, this memoir is as unforgettable and inspiring as Jorma’s music itself.
This program includes live bonus music.
Jorma Kaukonen
JORMA KAUKONEN has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and Americana, and at the forefront of popular rock 'n roll. He is the founding member and guitarist of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still touring Hot Tuna. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy nominee. In addition to his work with Hot Tuna, Jorma has recorded more than a dozen solo albums. Jorma and his wife Vanessa operate Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, one of the world's most unique centers for the study of guitar and other instruments.
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Reviews for Been So Long
2 ratings1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5As a long time, fan of hot tuna, and Jefferson airplane an Jorma, it was great to get an inside look and listen to the history of the music. Jorma also had many personal stories, and many very worthwhile lessons to share about music, about life about marriage and relationships and addiction. It was a especially great to hear it all right from Jorma himself. He is an excellent storyteller. I highly recommend you take this journey through the music of this generation.