Genius Books
Rock Legends Bundle - Three must-reads for rock history lovers—now bundled for the ultimate fan experience!
$95.00
$125.00
Rock Legends Bundle – Three Groundbreaking Reads, One Epic Journey Through Music History!
Dive deep into rock 'n' roll’s wildest stories and rarest moments with the Rock Legends Bundle—three captivating books that are essential reading for any true music aficionado. At $95 (discounted from $125), this exclusive bundle offers an immersive experience across the music world, bringing readers face-to-face with rock's most iconic moments and enigmatic figures.
Save over 20% on these rock legends’ untold stories when you grab all three books for $95 instead of the full $125!
Here’s what you get in this legendary collection:
🎸 A Pig’s Tale (Click here for more information)Dive into the underground world of bootleg records with A Pig’s Tale, an insider’s account by Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick that uncovers the origins of the Trade Mark of Quality (TMQ) label. This fascinating book chronicles the rise of one of the most famous bootleg labels, known for rare and iconic records from The Beatles to Bob Dylan. With vivid storytelling, behind-the-scenes stories, and original album art by William Stout, A Pig’s Tale provides an unfiltered look into the rebellious spirit and innovative culture that gave fans access to the music they loved—despite industry gatekeeping. For collectors and rock historians, this book is a treasure trove of musical history from the golden age of vinyl.
🎸 Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park (Click here for more information)Butterfly in the Park is an evocative visual and narrative tribute to the life of Brian Jones, the founding member of the Rolling Stones and a revolutionary force in the music world. With rare and intimate photographs by Michael Cooper, this book captures Brian’s journey as a pioneer of electric blues, an aesthetic visionary, and an androgynous icon of the ‘60s counterculture. Edited by Cooper's son Adam, Butterfly in the Park offers readers a unique perspective on Jones’s life—from the powerful Hyde Park tribute concert following his tragic passing, to his innovative spirit that helped shape rock history. This book is essential for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the mystique of a man who was both a musical and cultural trailblazer.
🎸 Not Just Happy Together (Click here for more information)"Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles from A-Z (AM Radio to Zappa)" offers fans a deep, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of one of rock's quirkiest and most beloved bands. Co-authors Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!! celebrate The Turtles’ unique blend of humor and harmony that made songs like “Happy Together” timeless classics. This book goes beyond the hits, covering the band’s journey from 1960s stardom to unforgettable collaborations and everything in between. With personal anecdotes, mini-reviews, and historical tidbits, Not Just Happy Together is essential for any fan looking to relive the era when The Turtles’ charm filled the airwaves.
Why Pay $95? With this bundle, you’re saving over 20% and gaining a collector’s dream set—three books that each tell a unique piece of rock history. Together, they offer a deeply satisfying look at music’s legends, underbelly, and unforgettable personalities. For fans who live for music’s raw stories, this is the ultimate bundle that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll’s glory days.
Whether you're a collector, a superfan, or just discovering rock's greatest legends, this bundle is your backstage pass to music history. Get yours now and own a piece of rock 'n' roll's legacy!
Shipping Note: A Pig's Tale will ship separately.
Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick
A Pig's Tale
$50.00
$65.00
A Pig's Tale includes:
336 full color pages
softcover edition
a complete discography of the entire TMQ catalog of over 100 LPs and EPs
well over 350 images of the albums, colored vinyl, and inserts
the underground tale of how Trade Mark of Quality came into being
This book is essential for record collectors and dealers.
In that hot summer of ’69 two longhaired music freaks created an underground LP record album of unreleased tracks by one of their music gods and put it out on the streets of Los Angeles. No one had ever been crazy enough to do such an audacious thing before. The god’s official record label was not amused but the music fans were thrilled. Were these guys pirates or heroes? It was so much fun the first time, they soon pressed up even more records of forbidden musical fruit. They were on a roll. The following year, in 1970, one of the culprits put The Pig image in a circular logo with the name “Trade Mark of Quality.” TMQ and Pigman were born!
With a cast of outrageous characters, here is the story of Trade Mark of Quality aka TMQ aka The Pig, the first bootleg record label of its kind, spawning many later imitators. From the end of the '60s to the mid '70s, TMQ and Pigman led the way, trotting down a muddy trail, feeding the habits and needs of music addicts around the world. Who were these fellow travelers? Carl? The Greek? Merlin? Hans? Rob Snout? Casper? Sheldon? The Blue Hasslebeast? Ol’ Fred? (Not to mention, The Brooklyn Boys, The Record Suits and The Feds!) What was the connection between TMQ and the Viet Nam war, revolutionaries, guns, pot and the moon landing? It’s all here!
Included in A Pig’s Tale is not only the Trade Mark of Quality and Pigman saga, but reproductions of all the rubber stamped and illustrated album jackets from every genuine TMQ record release, including the earliest releases from ’69 right up to the last titles in 1976. Everything you ever wanted to know about the real TMQ label is here: A complete discography of artists and track listings, sources of recordings, catalog numbers, master tape and record matrix info, colored vinyl pressings, record labels, graphics, photos, vintage news clippings, articles and more, all collected together, at last, in one volume.
A Pig’s Tale by Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick, with their unique point of view, guides the reader through the never before told history of Trade Mark of Quality. It’s all here for the music lover and fan, the hardcore record collector, and the just plain curious.
WARNING! THESE EVENTS COULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE!
(Pigman says, “Be cool, put some sounds on the turntable and groove on with ‘A Pig’s Tale’!”)
Robert Harwood
I Went Down To St. James Infirmary
$17.95
$19.95
Discover the song that shocked the nation!
Unravel a Musical Mystery: Discover the rich history of "St. James Infirmary," one of the most enduring and influential jazz-blues songs, tracing its roots from folk traditions to its modern cultural impact.
Dive into Jazz Era Intrigue: Follow a cast of fascinating characters—musicians, moguls, and minstrels—who shaped the song and left their mark on American music and culture.
Meticulously Researched, Wryly Told: Authored by Robert W. Harwood, this book blends humor, scholarly rigor, and vivid storytelling to illuminate the song’s origins, evolution, and mysterious allure.
Praise from Critics and Scholars: Called "the definitive statement on the subject," the book has been lauded for its compelling narrative and cultural insight by music historians and fans alike.
A Must-Read for Music Lovers: Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, history buff, or curious reader, this is a fascinating exploration of music’s power to inspire, unite, and endure.
Michael Cooper
Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park
$50.00
Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park is available EXCLUSIVELY from our site.
In the 1960s, Michael Cooper was a successful photographer working in the London music scene. His photographs were the foundation of album covers from the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request. He was a fashion photographer for Vogue London, and collaborated on an early film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange featuring the Rolling Stones. He was as much a part of the culture of 1960s London as he was its chronicler.
Michael photographed many of the icons of the counterculture movement of that unique period. But it was his close friendship with the Rolling Stones that formed the foundation for his extraordinary career.
Brian Jones was the multi-instrumentalist band leader who arranged and designed the Rolling Stones’ musical direction, crafting a music fusion which has defined their sound and attitude ever since. He was the musical genius who created a cultural and musical phenomenon.
Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park collects over 120 images chronicling Brian Jones’ career, his life, and in many ways his relationship with Michael Cooper, who was ever at Brian’s side with his camera, ready to record Brian’s magical presence.
Adam Cooper and his wife Silvia have opened the Michael Cooper Collection archives to bring us an insider’s view of Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones in the recording studio, live on stage, at play with their friends in Ireland and Morocco, on the cover photo shoot for Their Satanic Majesties Request, and so much more.
With an introduction by Paul Trynka, and new contributions from Donovan, Linda Lawrence Leitch, Andee Nathanson, Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola, Brian’s son Julian, and his grandson Joolz Jones, Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park offers a unique insight into one of the most enigmatic and influential musical figures of the 1960s, as some of Brian’s friends recount their own personal experiences in nearly 9,000 words.
Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park comes in softcover, full color, 8.5x11, 154 pages.
ISBN: 978-1-947521-31-5
Media one sheet. Download here.
Jim Dawson and Steve Propes
What Was the First Rock N Roll Record?
$17.95
“The blues had a baby and they called it rock ‘n’ roll,” said the great Muddy Waters.
But what was the firstborn? What was the first rock ‘n’ roll record?
Using this question as their starting point, writer Jim Dawson and DJ Steve Propes nominate 50 recordings for that honor. Beginning with a 1944 Jazz at the Philharmonic recording, “Blues,” and ending with Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? Profiles some of the most important and influential recordings in rock’s history.
For each nominee, Dawson and Propes provide chart positions, labels, recording information, and an explanation as to why it might qualify as the first. Lesser known milestones like “Open the Door, Richard” and “Rocket 88” appear here alongside acknowledged classics like “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and “Rock Around the Clock,” and many forgotten artists are restored to their rightful place in rock’s pantheon. The result is a provocative and entertaining guide to the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll.
This 30th anniversary updated and revised edition brings to light new and surprising details about the songs, albums, and artists that are vying for the honor of being the first rock ‘n’ roll record.
Steve Propes
Those Old School Records
$18.50
Ever wonder about who the backing musicians were on Jackie Brenston’s 1951 classic, “Rocket 88”? Or how Joe Turner’s “Honey Hush” got its title? Or what legendary blues songwriter and bass player Willie Dixon had to say about Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley joining Chess Records’ lineup? And what about the story behind how “My Boyfriend’s Back” was written? Maybe you didn’t know the origins of Marlow Stewart and His 4 Guitars “Riptide”.
Those Old School Records takes you through the history of rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and more from 1946 to 1987 through the lens of top-charting 45 RPM singles. With over 1,000 songs, labels, release dates, suggested pairings, remakes, answers, and other detailed information, Those Old School Records leaves no musical stone unturned.
At over 400 pages, Those Old School Records will answer many of your questions about the origins and history of these chart-topping songs.
Jim Berkenstadt
Mysteries in the Music
$17.95
"Mysteries in Music: Case Closed" is a book that uncovers the hidden, strange, and fascinating stories in the history of rock and roll. Jim Berkenstadt, known as The Rock And Roll Detective®, has spent years digging into these mysteries.
You'll travel back to the 1950s to find out who really discovered Elvis Presley. In the 1960s, a famous folk musician tried to create a supergroup with members from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones—what happened? Learn how some big-name artists used fake names to hide who they were. Explore a mysterious CIA situation in Jamaica in 1976, involving an election and the reggae legend Bob Marley. Did The Beach Boys really steal a song and its copyright from the infamous cult leader Charles Manson, keeping all the money? And dive into the secrets behind Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, which many consider the most influential rock album of the 1990s.
These mysteries have fascinated rock and roll fans for a long time because no one has asked the right questions or looked deeply into the evidence—until now. After many years, the untold stories of pop and rock music history are finally uncovered, revealing the truth in "Mysteries in Music: Case Closed."
See the review of Mysteries in the Music on CultureSonar.
Dub Taylor
Monk's Music
$34.95
Monk’s Music, Thelonious Monk: An Illustrated Discography is the definitive and up-to-date guide to the recordings of one of the most important jazz composers and performers of the 20th century. A feast for the eye with the full color reproductions and a carefully researched and informative text, Monk’s published recordings are documented here in chronological order, from the earliest days of 1941 through his last known recorded performance in 1975.It’s all here for the Monk fan, Jazz lover, collector and anyone interested in music and recordings. Included on these pages is all the info about Thelonious Monk’s audio and video recordings released through the years on 78rpm, LP records, compact disc, video laser disc, DVD and Blu-ray. Album covers and labels are reproduced in full color. Also included is complete information about the studio and live recording dates, musicians, track listings, record labels, producers, recording venues, bibliography and classic quotes from the High Priest of Bop himself.From sideman pianist in the nightclubs of Harlem to world famous and iconic musical genius, this is the story of Thelonious Sphere Monk as told through his many recordings.
Mike Stark
Black Sabbath: An Oral History of the Heavy Metal Band
$14.95
Black Sabbath in their own words
Just one year after Woodstock and the Summer of Love, a new kind of music made its way onto the airwaves and into the hearts of millions of fans. The sound was dark, brooding, and overpowering, like the music of industrial machinery, with a banshee in the lead who shrieked out lyrics from the darkest parts of our souls. But the melodies had meaning, and the words pointed their finger at the injustices and corruption of the world, in the finest tradition of the music of the 1960s. This sound, this phenomenon became known as “heavy metal.”
In Black Sabbath: An Oral History, Mike Stark brings us into the world of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and of course, John “Ozzy” Osbourne, four young men from England who changed the world with their music. Through their own words, Stark presents firsthand accounts of the history of the quintessential British heavy metal band, who influenced later bands as diverse as Metallica, Van Halen, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, and others, right up to today.
With a supporting cast of characters that includes Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Eric Singer, Tony Martin, Cozy Powell, and Neil Murray, Black Sabbath: An Oral History also provides a detailed timeline of the band from 1970 to 2017, as well as an annotated album discography.
Ted Prichard
Head Bangin' Radio
$14.95
Every hero has a beginning, and for Ted Prichard, his was on a tiny 10-watt college radio station in Southside, Virginia. Known to his fans as Thrashpie, Thrasher, Rock ‘N’ Roll Ted, Uncle Lee, or the Dream Merchant, Ted’s career led him from overnight weekend air shifts broadcasting to the “night people” of the deep South to standing on stage at the Los Angeles Coliseum in front of 80,000 screaming metalheads as one of the most beloved radio personalities in the 1980s and ‘90s.
Head Bangin’ Radio is an exciting memoir of the era of FM rock radio at Los Angeles’s flagship heavy metal station, KNAC-FM, through the days of Pirate Radio and beyond. For fans of heavy metal, those nostalgic for the great days of rock radio, or anyone who wants a good laugh at the absurdity of show business (and Thrasher himself!), Head Bangin’ Radio delivers. If you ever wondered what it was like to be on the radio, or just what the heck those people were really doing “in there” as you listened, Ted lets it all hang out, blemishes and all, with humor and love for a medium that is all but gone today.
Sarah Sharaf-Eldien
Mālama Maui
$55.00
100% of the profit from each sale is donated to the Maui United Way Fire Disaster Relief Fund.
MĀLAMA: The value of stewardship. To take care of. To serve and to honor, to protect and care for.
“If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you.” —Joseph Campbell
Sarah Sharaf-Eldien arrived in Maui in 2015 searching for purpose in her life and career as a photographer. A chance encounter with the manager at Mick Fleetwood’s restaurant, Fleetwood’s on Front Street, landed her the kind of job most photographers dream of. For seven months she worked alongside Mick Fleetwood, legendary drummer of the band Fleetwood Mac, documenting the day-to-day life at his restaurant and the intimate, electrifying concerts he held there.
From live performances by Hawaiian musical legend Uncle Willie K and the most talented local musicians on the island to internationally renowned rockstars like Steven Tyler and Sammy Hagar, Fleetwood’s was a vibrant musical oasis like no other anywhere in the world.
Mālama Maui is a story of self-discovery, synchronicity, and Hawaiian spiritual values, vividly illustrated with photographs that reflect her unique experience. Along the way, she learned from iconic music photographer Henry Diltz, who deeply influenced her artistic vision.
With a collection of over 100 captivating photos celebrating the island and the musicians who played there, Mālama Maui serves as a visual and cultural tribute to the island and Lahaina Town, preserving it for future generations to come.
Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick
Great White Wonder Discography Poster
$25.00
This beautiful, full color poster includes all 16 albums in the Great White Wonder discography from Trade Mark of Quality.
The poster is 18x24 inches, and is available for shipping most places in the world.
Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!!
Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles from A-Z (AM Radio to Zappa)
$30.00
It’s time to get “Happy Together” again! Discover the songs and the history of one of the most successful pop rock bands ever, The Turtles, who had many, many Top 40 hits including “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Let Me Be,” “You Baby,” “She’d Rather Be with Me,” “You Know What I Mean,” “She’s My Girl,” “Elenore,” “You Showed Me” and of course, the iconic “Happy Together!” All of their Golden Hits!Authors Mark Arnold (Long Title: Looking for the Good Times; Examining The Monkees Songs, One by One and Headquartered: A Timeline of The Monkees Solo Years) and Charles F. Rosenay!!! (The Book of Top 10 Beatles Lists and The Book of Top 10 Horror Lists) have joined forces to cover the entire careers of The Turtles from their early days as The Crossfires, through their hit-filled years, into their break-up that led to most of The Turtles’ members joining forces with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, to Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan’s years as solo artists under the guise of Flo & Eddie, and even their forays into children’s records. Arnold and Rosenay!!! have reviewed every song and album, and interviewed many of The Turtles’ friends and associates along with most of The Turtles themselves, who have given startling new revelations that will surprise even the most hardcore fan.Open the doors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to your library to add this book. This definitive Turtles compendium is as unique as The Turtles themselves.
Harold Sherrick
Stolen Moments: The Photography of Harold Sherrick
$40.00
"If you see something about to happen, get it. Put the camera up and click. Two seconds later you won't have the chance again. You have to look for those stolen moments."
Harold Sherrick is a career photographer, capturing musicians and concerts for almost 40 years. He has photographed everyone from Neil Young to Robert Smith, Dave Grohl to Joe Walsh, Tom Petty to Tori Amos. In Stolen Moments, Sherrick has included some of his most iconic photos, including rare images from his extensive body of work.
Joel Strauss
Noble Sounds
$18.95
Noble Sounds offers a friendly journey into the world of jazz and blues. Author Joel Strauss shares his love for these uniquely American musical styles, guiding readers through their rich history and cultural impact. The book introduces key artists and important recordings, helping newcomers understand what makes this music special.
Strauss writes in a clear, conversational style that's easy to follow. He explains musical concepts without getting too technical, making the book accessible to those without formal music training. Personal stories and experiences add color to the narrative, bringing the music to life.
From Louis Armstrong to B.B. King, readers will meet the legends who shaped jazz and blues. The book explores how these styles evolved over time and influenced other forms of music. Strauss also offers listening recommendations, allowing readers to experience the sounds firsthand.
Noble Sounds is more than just a history lesson. It's an invitation to discover soul-stirring music that has moved people for generations. Whether someone is curious about jazz and blues or wants to deepen their appreciation, this book provides a welcoming starting point for exploring these enduring musical traditions.
Ted Clark
Reverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate
$22.95
Reverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate is a journey through the golden age of rock and roll. This book dives into the stories behind twenty-one iconic songs from the 1950s that have left a lasting impact on music and culture.
From the rebellious energy of "Hound Dog" to the infectious rhythm of "Rock Around the Clock," these tracks defined a generation and continue to inspire artists today. You'll discover how "Tutti Frutti" brought Little Richard's flamboyant style to the forefront and how "Johnny B. Goode" became a rock and roll anthem thanks to Chuck Berry's groundbreaking guitar work.
The Beatles, in their early days, played almost all these songs, showcasing their timeless appeal and influence. Ted Clark's meticulous research and insight offers a fresh perspective on these classics, revealing their origins, the numerous subsequent artists who covered these songs and/or included them on their concert set lists, the movie soundtracks they have appeared on, and why they still resonate with listeners around the world.
The book explores in detail the tremendous impact that songs like “Rock Around the Clock,” “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Summertime Blues” had in the UK. And Clark explains why the artists who sang these songs—Bill Haley, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and Eddie Cochran respectively—are more revered across the pond than they are in the U.S.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of 1950s rock and roll or new to the genre, this book provides a rich and engaging look at the music that started it all. With each chapter, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the songs that shaped the course of popular music and continue to reverberate through the decades.