Illustrated Biographies - Music - Christchurch City Libraries
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Music is the food of love, medicine for the soul and the soundtrack to our lives and these illustrated biographies document the lives of some of music's biggest names. There is a synergy between art and music so the graphic novel is the ideal medium to celebrate musicians and their legacies. Learn about the inspiration behind your favourite jams and the rollercoaster experiences of the people behind the music in these intimate and beautifully rendered portraits.
An excellent sensory tribute to the music and career of David Bowie packed with cool, colourful, retro style art- which captures the nuances of his career and style. Though the art provides a great sense of his visual persona, the text is chock…
Fans of Nick Cave will find everything they need in this graphic novel biography by Reinhard Kleist who so perfectly renders the life of this complicated and uncompromising artist. At times morbid and intense, the styles of both artist and subject…
One of the most iconic musicians who blazed a trail with his electric guitar and psychedelic-inspired lyrics. This is a wonderful homage to Jimi Hendrix, with incredible facts and figures presented as infographics that highlight the real truth of…
Reinhard Kliest executes his style perfectly in this illustrated life story of the iconic Johnny Cash. This biography follows his career from its beginnings in early sessions with Elvis Presley, to the now infamous concert at Folsom Prison and then…
Pring presents the story of The Beatles in a way you’ve never seen before with bright and colourful infographics and data visualisations. Starting with the band’s first gig at the Cavern Club, Pring presents witty stories and facts that may surprise…
A poetic portrayal of the short life of Robert Johnson, the legendary blues guitarist who was rumoured to have sold his soul to the devil. This story is rendered in beautiful woodcuts, telling the tale of a man devoted to his craft but who would…
From an impoverished childhood to one of the greatest Jazz careers of all time, Parisi follows the life of John Coltrane, delving into his personal life in the military, his addictions, political activism and love affairs as well as the momentous…
Daoudi explores the musical genius of Jazz musician Thelonious Monk through his friendship with Pannonica de Koenigswarter, the free-spirited baroness of the Rothschild family. Despite coming from very different walks of life, the pair were brought…
Following Queen B’s 26-year career, Chris Roberts uses infographics to pinpoint the many successes, the many accolades and the unstoppable nature of Beyoncé's career. Telling the story of the rise of a young singer from Texas who rose to…
The life of Michael Jackson was one of complex tragedy and ground-breaking success both in his early career with the Jackson 5 and as a sell-out solo artist. Jim McCarthy and Brian Williamson follow each iconic moment of Michael Jackson’s…
Putting the reader straight into Dust Bowl America, Nick Hayes uses sepia tones to bring us the story of Woody Guthrie, following the life of the world-famous folk artist from his teenage years through to his life in New York and the writing of…
Something a little different from the standard graphic novel format, but this beautiful book tells the story of the creation of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ album, with 80% previously unpublished archive photos and contributions from the people who knew…
Led Zeppelin are undoubtedly one of the biggest, most enduring and most controversial rock bands of all time. This story follows the band from their early days as The New Yardbirds to the heady days of their superstardom and their journey up until…
Very much an illustrated biography and less of a graphic novel, this book follows the short but impactful career of The Doors with unpredictable front-man, Jim Morrison. Bringing together photos and rare memorabilia like posters and ticket stubs to…
With drawings by Marvel Comics artist, Michael Shelfer, this novel takes us from Elvis’ beginnings in Memphis to his breakthrough into the music industry and beyond. It has an easy-to-read style with great images. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just…
