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Event
Books Inc. Presents Sunday Afternoon at The Chapel - Bruce Cockburn in conversation with Paul Myers
Legendary singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn delivers his long-awaited memoir, Rumours of Glory a chronicle of faith, fear, and activism, and a lively cultural, political and musical tour through the past five decades.
Cockburn says of deciding to write his memoir: "Over the years, the notion that there should be a book about me has popped up now and then, along with offers to write it. It always seemed too soon, and I've felt all along that such a book should be mine to author. When HarperOne expressed their interest, it finally did seem timely, so here we go!"
In Rumours of Glory Cockburn invites us into his private world, providing an intimate commentary on his life and work, focused on the roots of his songwriting and the stories behind his best-known songs (referencing over 104 songs and lyrics throughout). From Ottawa in 1945 (where he was born) through to Baghdad in 2004, Cockburn shares his family life, personal relationships, Christian convictions, and the social and political activism that has defined him and his music, and has both invigorated and incited his legions of fans world-wide. At the same time he offers a fascinating tour through five decades of North American history, politics and culture.
For Cockburn, music has always been a way to explore culture, politics and the nature of the spirit, and his remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, blues, rock, and world beat styles. He has toured the globe, visiting far-flung places such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile, Nicaragua, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Iraq and Afghanistan not only performing his music but also witnessing the plight of the people living in these countries.
As a long-time activist, Cockburn has spoken out on a range of diverse issues from native rights, to the devastation caused by land mines, on human rights atrocities in war-torn countries, to Third World debt and ecological devastation caused by corporate crime. Cockburn has been awed, appalled and incensed by what he has seen and felt, and by the very real evil that humans can inflict on one another. As he outlines in Rumours of Glory, he believes that we can, and should, be dedicated to our shared humanity, to saving ourselves, each other and this earth we just need to find the will. And, for him, that will comes out of maintaining a relationship with the Divine, and following the way of love.
decade of Cockburn's career is marked by how his faith developed, as it became clearer to him what it meant to be a practicing Christian. His strong sense of spirit, faith in God's love, and his passion for humanity provides the essence within the music that has made him an international musical icon. Cockburn says in the book: "In a way we, and all living things, are made of music music is my diary, my anchor through anguish and joy, a channel for the heart."
At the completion of writing Rumours of Glory, Cockburn says: "I felt that [Baghdad] was the right place to end [Rumours of Glory]. So many things have changed in my life since 2004. My life had headed in many different directions, and where it ends is unknown as yet."
As the first chapter in the fascinating life of this legendary musician (who continues to create memorable songs), Rumours of Glory is a must-read for anyone wanting to know the man, and the story of the music, behind this legend of our times.
About Bruce Cockburn:
Bruce Cockburn has released thirty-one albums, and won numerous awards and the devotion of legions of fans across America and his native Canada. Born in 1945 in Ottawa, Ontario, he began his solo career with his self-titled album in 1970. His extensive repertoire of musical styles and skillfully crafted lyrics have been covered by such diverse artists as Jerry Garcia, Chet Atkins, Judy Collins, Elbow, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffett, and k.d. lang. A devoted and deeply respected activist, he has worked with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, Doctors without Borders, Friends of the Earth, and USC Canada. Bernie Finkelstein, founder of True North Records, has been his management partner for 40 years. Cockburn lives in San Francisco.
Bruce will be in conversation with Paul Myers.
About Paul:
Berkeley, California based (Toronto, Canada raised), writer and musician Paul Myers is the author of the critically acclaimed music biographies A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio (Jawbone Press), It Ain't Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues (Greystone Books) and Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories (Simon & Schuster)>
Paul has also contributed to a number of periodicals and websites, including FastCoCreate, Paste, Crawdaddy, and Mix Magazine, and was nominated for a Gemini Award (Canadian Emmy) for writing the music documentary Long John Baldry: In The Shadow Of The Blues (Bravo Canada/BBC 4).
Additionally, Paul is an accomplished musician/ songwriter and is currently one half of the San Francisco rock duo, The Paul & John, who recently released a debut album, Inner Sunset (Mystery Lawn Music).
Follow Paul Myers on Twitter: @pulmyears
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LocationThe Chapel (View)
777 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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