YOU CAN JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

 

Contrary to the popular expression, a good book cover can provide a pictorial expression of the central themes contained within the book.  And, it uses the visual medium to celebrate the very material substance of the book itself.

The new book by Jim Berkenstadt, Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed, coming in March, 2022, examines the secrets, myths, legends, hoaxes, conspiracies, and the wildly inexplicable events that are such an intriguing part of rock and roll history. After many decades, the back stories of pop and rock music lore are finally unearthed—and the truth is revealed in Mysteries in Music: Case Closed.

But the book cover is something very special!

“When it came time to work with my publisher on the book cover, I knew I wanted something that would catch the reader’s eye and also connect them to the intriguing stories inside the book,” says Berkenstadt. “For a number of years I have been an admirer of the classic rock artwork of an artist I met on Instagram. Her name is ZINA.”

ZINA is a London-based artist who is well known for her evocative, passionate paintings of classic rock musicians. Her paintings seem to come alive.

“I paint what excites me, but ultimately I am seduced by music,” says ZINA. The artist explains her creative inspiration, “I paint portraits and subjects that are music related. I try to create meaningful and emotive works in their own right. Always driven by a concept or inspired by a piece of song or poetry.”
 
“It is this creative passion that convinced me her artwork would be perfect for the cover,” says the author. When you look at the portraits of the artists on the cover, you instantly know their identity. Yet, as you look further, you begin to notice and feel interesting new aspects of each Zina portrait. Something intangible and mysterious. 

Berkenstadt reveals: “After ZINA graciously allowed me to license her artwork for the cover, I explained the mysteries behind these four artists and the other mysteries in the book. ZINA agreed to add a visual clue on each of her paintings.”

 
Can you find the clues within each picture? What do they reveal about the mystery inside the book?

They do not give away the solution to each mystery contained within the chapters, but they do provide visual allusions that will pique your interest as you delve inside to read the book.

The book will be published by Genius Books Publishing on March 3, 2022. It will be available at amazon.com, https://geniusbookpublishing.com/
and signed copies will also be available at my author site: www.musicmysterybook.com (Be sure to tell your rock and mystery fans to sign up for email updates).
  
 Check out ZINA’s beautiful and evocative artwork here:
 
Instagram: @______zina____ 
 
Facebook: @zinamusicart 
 
Website: zina.art (Coming Soon)

Genius Books Publishing Signs The Rock And Roll Detective(r) To A New Book Deal

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                         October 20, 2021

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Genius Book Publishing
 818-235-6746

 Leya@geniusbooksinc.com

 https://GeniusBookPublishing.com

 

GENIUS BOOKS PUBLISHING SIGNS JIM BERKENSTADT, AKA THE ROCK AND ROLL DETECTIVE® TO NEW BOOK DEAL,
MYSTERIES IN THE MUSIC: CASE CLOSED

 

 

Castaic, CA… Best Selling author Jim Berkenstadt, aka the Rock And Roll Detective® has just signed a publishing deal with Genius Book Publishing for his new, non-fiction music whodunit, Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed.

 

Genius Books is planning an international rollout of Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed, with a release of the softcover book on March 4, 2022. The book will be available at the Genius Books website (https://geniusbookpublishing.com/), Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold.

Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed examines the secrets, myths, legends, hoaxes, conspiracies, and the wildly inexplicable events that are such an intriguing part of rock and roll history. The Rock And Roll Detective® has spent decades researching the players behind these famous soundtracks and the mysteries hidden within the music itself. These questions have intrigued rock and roll fans for so long because no one has ever asked eyewitnesses the tough questions or dug through the primary sources and documentary evidence left behind... until now. After many decades, the back stories of pop and rock music lore are finally unearthed—and the truth is revealed in Mysteries in Music: Case Closed (www.musicmysterybook.com). The Foreword is written by rock producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Smashing Pumpkins).

 "We are delighted to be publishing Jim Berkenstadt’s newest rock and roll mystery, and to continue our work with excellent books about mystery, true crime, and the music industry," stated Leya Booth, Chief Operating Officer and Editor of Genius Books. "Jim's well-researched book is a thrilling read and fills a void in rock and roll history as well as the mystery and true crime genres," she added.

 

Best Selling author Marshall Terrill (Steve McQueen, The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon) gives advanced praise for Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed. “Helluva Read!” says Terrill. “I am continually fascinated by author Berkenstadt’s literary adventures and willingness to go the distance solving music mysteries. Who else could sweet talk ex-CIA in dishing on Bob Marley’s death?”

 

 

About Jim Berkenstadt

 

Jim Berkenstadt is the Rock And Roll Detective®. A true Sherlock Holmes, Berkenstadt uncovers the lost history and mysteries hidden within decades of popular music. An international authority on The Beatles, his last book, The Beatle Who Vanished is a best seller, included in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Permanent Library and Archives, and is soon to be a major motion picture. Berkenstadt has also co-authored three other books: Black Market Beatles: The Story Behind The Lost Recordings; Nevermind Nirvana; and The Beatles Digest. Berkenstadt has been a consultant for The Beatles, George Harrison, Martin Scorsese, Traveling Wilburys, and the Buddy Holly estate on numerous film and album projects. He lives in the Midwest.

 

 

About Rock And Roll Detective®

 

Rock And Roll Detective® LLC, and was founded by Jim Berkenstadt in 1991. The company is dedicated to providing consulting, production, publishing, writing, research, social media, and content creation for the music, television, and film industry. The URL is www.rockandrolldetective.com.

 

About Genius Book Publishing

 

Genius Books Publishing specializes in developing and publishing books on true crime, mystery, and music as well as dark and light fiction. Genius Books Publishing is located at 31858 Castaic Road, #154, Castaic, California 91384. The telephone number is (+1) 818-235-6746 and the URL is https://geniusbookpublishing.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beatle Who Vanished Movie News!

Amazon Bestseller, The Beatle Who Vanished, is currently in development with Ecosse Films in England. The film option rights to the book, were purchased by Alex Orbison (son of Roy Orbison aka “Lefty Wilbury”) and Ashley Hamilton (son of George Hamilton and the ex-step-son of Rod Stewart). Many Beatles fans may remember that Ecosse Films produced a John Lennon bio picture called, Nowhere Boy. Ecosse specializes in UK historical bio pictures.

The Rock And Roll Detective®, Jim Berkenstadt, is serving as a Co-Executive Producer and Script Consultant. Paul Viragh (known for the film, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll -2010) has been hired to write the script. Currently, the story is being outlined and a script is being written. When completed, the film will be released worldwide and will also appear on one of the streaming services.

We will keep you up to date as the film progresses. Stay Tuned.

"5th Beatle" Jimmie Nicol "The Beatle Who Vanished" in Development For Feature Film / TV Series

The Beatle Who Vanished by Jim Berkenstadt

ORBISON FILMS AND 449 PRODUCTIONS OPTION  THE BEATLE WHO VANISHED FEATURE/TV SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT ON MYSTERY MAN WHO TOURED IN RINGO’S STEAD   Ashley Hamilton’s 449 Productions and Alex Orbison, on behalf of Roy’s Boys Films, have optioned the rights to The Beatle Who Vanished from author Jim Berkenstadt who is known in music circles as the “Rock and Roll Detective®.” The two will serve as Executive Producers along with Berkenstadt on the project that delves into a heretofore-unknown chapter in Beatles’ history that was chronicled in Berkenstadt’s book The Beatle Who Vanished, first published in 2013.  It is expected that the property will take the form either of a feature film or TV streaming series. Jimmie Nicol at his tryout with The Beatles June 3, 1964. (c) Mirrorpix Jimmie Nicol’s life changed on June 3, 1964 when he received a call from a desperate George Martin who asked if the drummer could stop everything and go out on the Beatles’ first world tour, conditional on his passing an audition. He would replace Ringo Star who has been stricken with tonsillitis and pharyngitis and had been admitted to Middlesex University Hospital.  The very next day, the tour departed for Denmark, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand with Nicol spending two weeks as a Beatle, both onstage and off.  After Ringo recovered and rejoined the group, Nicol, for all intents and purposes, vanished. Grammy Winning Producer and Drummer Butch Vig, who has worked with Paul McCartney, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Garbage called The Beatle Who Vanished “a fascinating and mysterious read for anyone who wants to understand the meteoric rise to pop stardom and subsequent crash landing.” Hamilton commented, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Jim Berkenstadt to expand his vision to another medium and expose a whole new audience to his riveting and previous untold Beatles’ story.” Orbison added, “It’s a truly compelling story of the man who rescued The Beatles’ first world tour from disaster. He spent his 15 minutes of fame by the age of 25 then seemingly vanished.  This is a story that is both intimate and epic.” Orbison and Hamilton are hoping to foster the creation of an unprecedented soundtrack that will re-create the music from The Beatles’ tour with Nicol and from his entire musical career.   "5th Beatle" Jimmie Nicol & The Bealtes in Adelaide Parade Car(c) Hayward Photo Archive Paul McCartney summarized the enigma that was Jimmie Nicol “It wasn't an easy thing for Jimmie to stand in for Ringo, and have all that fame thrust upon him. And the minute his tenure was over, he wasn't famous anymore.” During the tour, McCartney was aware of the pressure that Nicol was under and would inquire as to how he was getting on.  Putting on a brave face, Nicol’s stock response was “It’s getting better,” the recurring comment providing the inspiration for the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band track “Getting Better.” Unfortunately, the opposite would hold true with Nicol.  After his 13 days of fame were over, the true mystery of Nicol’s story was riddled with blacklisting, betrayal, substance abuse, bankruptcy and an eventual disappearance that has led many to question whether he is dead or alive. He had become a mysterious footnote in Beatles history until Berkenstadt began his research.    Jimmie Nicol with The Beatles, rocking out in Adelaide, Australia - (c)Newspix Photo File Berkenstadt is the author of Classic Rock Albums: Nirvana – Nevermind (with Charles Cross) as well as Black Market Beatles: The Story Behind the Lost Recordings (with Scott Belmo Belmer). He is founder of Rock and Roll Detective® LLC, a company dedicated to providing production, publishing, writing, research, social media and content creation for the entertainment industry. He has consulted to the late George Harrison, The Beatles and Martin Scorsese. Ashley Hamilton is an actor/singer/comedian and long time friend of Alex Orbison and his family; he is the son of actors George Hamilton and Alana Stewart. Orbison is one of the principals of Roy’s Boys LLC, the Nashville-based family company owned by the sons of Roy Orbison to administer their father’s catalog and safeguard his legacy.  Alex Orbison served as both Executive Producer and writer of the recent Mystery Girl – Unraveled documentary. It should be noted that the Beatles, with Ringo on board, were Roy Orbison’s opening act on a 21 date UK tour in 1963.  Years later Orbison would collaborate with the Beatles’ George Harrison as well as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne in The Traveling Wilburys. Jim Berkenstadt will be speaking and signing his Best Seller, The Beatle Who Vanished, at the FEST FOR BEATLES FANS 2017 – NEW YORK METRO on FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MARCH 3-5, 2017 at the HYATT REGENCY JERSEY CITY ON THE HUDSON (2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ). The Last Known Photo of Jimmie Nicol, The Beatle Who Vanished.

New Beatles Film For Fans !

HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE, THE BEATLES FAN FILM GOES INTO PRODUCTION!

Production starts later this month on ‘Here There & Everywhere’ [HTAE], a landmark documentary film project, supported by The Cavern Club, The Beatles Story Museum, The Hard Days Night Hotel, The Fest For Fans, Abbey Road on the River and The British Beatles Fan Club, and many others.

The film, shooting throughout this year and released in the summer of 2018, is an 80-minute ‘love letter’ spanning the band’s history as seen through the eyes, felt through the hearts and as told through the memories of the fans . . . from those who organise the fan

festivals and tribute concerts . . the Club and event runners who keep the fans together, the memorabilia collectors who amaze and delight with their rare and unseen photographs and films. . . to the authors who continue to breathe fresh life into the never-ending magical mystery tour.

HTAE pays homage to the global family, showcasing their

contributions towards fuelling The Beatles eternal flame. HTAE is The Beatles story as told by the fans and an important part of The Beatles future archive legacy!

As part of the ongoing production the producers will also encourage artists and animators around the world to include their Beatles-inspired interludes in the film. But perhaps most importantly, if fans have a story to tell, then they can get in touch and the producers will look to include contributors and their stories in the film.

Many artists and bands will pack HTAE with performances. And special licensed recordings will also be produced, featuring

musicians and vocalists from around the world, creating a global Beatles soundtrack. The film will also feature a “surprise” finale, to be announced over the months ahead.

The film will be launched at a number of iconic venues after

release, with a TV broadcast release at the conclusion of the project.

The team behind the film

Simon Weitzman is the film’s director and the publisher, producer and author on three recent Beatles books. Simon also has 18 years experience as a network TV director, working for BBC, ITV,

Channels 4 & 5, Sky, HBO and Disney International Television

Productions.

David L Simon is one of the two executive producers. He launched and managed Disney International Television Productions, was head of DreamWorks Television Animation under Steven Spielberg, and was vice president of programming for Fox Television Stations. David is also a lifelong Beatles fan

The second executive producer The British Beatles Fan Clubs very own Pete Nash, Chairman and magazine Editor of the legendary Club magazine.

Contributors to the PledgeMusic campaign will receive a signed DVD of the movie before the launch. Those who pledge for the DVD offerings will also see their name on the film’s credits, if they pledge during the campaign.There is also a more extensive Deluxe collector package available, plus preview, edit suite and launch cinema tickets.

To reserve your DVD copy and see your name in the credits go to http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/the-beatles-herethereandeverywhere to be part of the family making this film. The campaign starts February 9!

*Please note this film is completely independent of Apple Corp and The Beatles. It is not an official product of Apple Corp, or passing itself off as such. 

POSTSCRIPT: The Rock And Roll Detective has been asked to participate in the film. Looking forward to helping out.

2017 Rock And Roll Detective(r)

Newly discovered John Lennon Live Song Uncovered !

We all have the heard the story by now. How Elton John turned up at a John Lennon recording session in 1974 and they worked on a new Lennon solo song called "Whatever Gets You Through The Night". Later, Elton John recorded a cover version of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". Both became big hits, and Elton asked John to come and play live with him if "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" went to No. 1. The song did hit No. 1 and the rest is history. Or is there something new to be learned from this event??

History records that John Lennon made good on his promise to Elton on Thanksgiving night 1974 at Madison Square Garden. It wasn't a sure thing, because Lennon was reported to being nervous, throwing up, and second guessing himself that night.

The soundboard engineer's original Concert Set List even demonstrates the last minute nature of Lennon's eventual appearance. They had to quickly squeeze in the songs Lennon would be playing on... See the tiny black print below.

The entire roof almost came down with thundering applause as Lennon was introduced as a surprise guest of Elton John's. Dave Morrell in his great book, "1974 The Promotion Man New York City (The Morrell Archives Volume 2)" , recalls: "Finally, Elton John had the great pleasure to introduce John to all of us. The place erupted. Besides the Beatles at Shea in '65 and Led Zeppelin here at the Garden a few years earlier, this was the loudest noise from a crowd I ever heard. The ground literally shook. John looked great. With Elton John on Piano and John on guitar they swept through three wonderful songs."

The superstar duo performed "Whatever Gets You Through The Night", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "I Saw Her Standing There". The performances were perfectly recorded.

Eventually, a bootleg vinyl LP of the leaked recording came out for hardcore fans to hear what they had missed in person. And it was significantly John Lennon's last live concert performance. And to most, "I Saw Her Standing There" a Beatles tune,  was fittingly his last live song ever performed. Or was it?

Later, Elton John himself officially released the entire show on a CD called Here And There (Live) by Elton John. On the official release, John Lennon is duly credited on the three songs above. And three songs only. 

But thanks to Dave Morrell and photographic evidence to back it up, we now know that the last live song John Lennon ever performed, played and sang on is from this same concert! According to Morrell, an eyewitness, "John Lennon even came back out for "The Bitch is Back" encore."  On the song, John sings back-up vocals ("Bitch, Bitch, Bitch is back...") and plays tambourine. There is no notation of Lennon on the album credits or at the Wiki page for this album release (though there may be after this article comes out). However, here is the photo showing Lennon with a microphone and tambourine as witnessed and reported by Dave Morrell. The last ever live performance of John Lennon (Elton's "The Bitch Is Back") is not only at last uncovered, but recorded and released for posterity!

If you enjoy reading true mysteries in Rock And Roll, check out: The Beatle Who Vanished , the true story of Jimmie Nicol who subbed for Ringo Starr in 1964 only to Vanish one year later....

Article is 2016 (c) Rock And Roll Detective (r), LLC.   

For a Free Excerpt of The Beatle Who Vanished click this link. 

Rock And Roll Detective Uncovers Lost Beatles Concert Tape. It's Back On The Auction Block!

Fans line up to buy tickets to see The Beatles at Forest Hills May, 1964

After 52 years, it is incredibly rare to discover a complete, previously unbootlegged or unreleased 1964 concert by The Beatles. It is extremely exciting when a new live recording of The Beatles is not only unearthed, but is one that was recorded through a soundboard rather than in the middle of a screaming audience. This means that you can actually hear the vocals and the guitars. Ringo's drums do not sound like they were mic'd, but his drums do appear to be picked up by the three vocal mics.

And here are the details dug up by the Rock And Roll Detective:

The Beatles at the 1964 Forest Hill Music Festival

Fifty Two years ago this month, The Beatles played a live concert at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. They performed for free and donated the proceeds in aid of the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and the Retarded Infants Services. The show has never been released officially or on bootleg (although one Seventies bootlegger erroneously tried to pass off a vinyl boot as this show.) Previous interviews with The Beatles at this time, and short film clips of the show have surfaced in the past. However, this is the first time a Soundboard recording of the complete show has surfaced.  It was apparently recorded by the WMCA DJs. 

The original reel-to-reel tape is up for auction again on November 27, 2016, at Cordier Auctions, after failing to meet the minimum bid of $2000 last August. Of course, whoever is the winning bidder will own the tape, but the not the copyright or publishing rights to the recordings. 

The Rock And Roll Detective has listened to the recording which contains the complete show. Given the primitive state of live recording in the mid Sixties, this is a decent soundboard.  There is a significant drop in volume and quality that persists during and after George Harrison is heard singing "Roll Over Beethoven". It comes back a little better when John introduces a new song "If I Fell" from their "new movie" "A Hard Day's Night". However, this tape is nowhere near the quality of the newly issued true multi-track soundboard Apple release of The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl. But it is still an exciting artifact nevertheless.  

The Beatles live at Forest Hills as a fan tries to hug George Harrison.

Here is the description of the recording by Cordier Auctions from the August sale.

Lot #234 Estimate 2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD

The Beatles August 29, 1964 Concert Recording

DESCRIPTION: A reel to reel recording of The Beatles in concert at
Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, New York on August 29, 1964
(they had also played there the night before). The recording, with loud
screaming throughout, includes twelve tracks:
1) Twist and Shout
2) You Can't Do That
3) All My Loving
4) She Loves You
5) Things We Said Today
6) Roll Over Beethoven
7) Can't Buy Me Love
8) If I Fell
9) I Want to Hold Your Hand
10) Boys
11) A Hard Day's Night
12) Long Tall Sally

Of note is the band's reaction to a young lady sprinting towards the stage
while dodging police barricades during the last song.
Also included is John introducing the song "Hard Day's Night" from "our
new movie", George singing "Roll Over Beethoven", and. Ringo being
introduced and singing "Boys".
PROVENANCE: Per the consignor, the tape was won by the consignor
from a New York radio station sometime after the concert,
probably from the WMCA Good Guys as research shows they were
the hosts of this concert.
MEASUREMENTS: 7" diameter.
CONDITION: The beginning of the tape has some crinkling/creasing
with the opening being somewhat fuzzy and flat. Otherwise audio is clear.
Some buzzing begins after Roll Over Beethoven and before George
changes out his guitar after Can't Buy Me Love.
A digital recording of the tape was provided by the consignor.

2016 (c) The Rock And Roll Detective(r). All Rights Reserved