Growing up in the age of Woodstock and Jimi Hendrix the name Melanie fits right in. Listening to her music I knew the name but not her backstory. Growing up and not knowing where she fit in Melanie also grew up with a mom who really did approve of her daughter. She herself having her own dreams, went along with her daughter’s ambition to sing. Coming from a divorced family Melanie always felt like an outsider. Never knowing how her songs would be accepted. Will she be able to trust anyone.
Even when she met her husband Peter whom she thought would take her career the top level did she start to trust. Little did she know that even the people you love can hurt you. Money was lost money was made and lost again. All she cared about was making music, good music. This lead to argument's ,poor sales and Melanie turning a blind eye. Besides preforming which bought her much joy, it was preforming with her kids bought her the most joy. Not caring about money or fame it was her children that made her shine.
As I said before I always knew the name Melanie and of course her music. I didn’t know Melanie the woman, the mom and what she had to do to survive. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves music and the people who made it happen. Glad I read it.
Than you NetGalley and Roman and Littlefield Publishing for the ARC. A very enjoyable and interesting read.

Back in the day I was a big fan of Melanie’s music, so I enjoyed previewing this biography. The author was thorough in detailing her family background, rise to fame, and her accomplishments as a record company owner while she continued performing till late in her life. While I found the writing style a bit dry, I enjoyed learning more about this talented artist.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of The Musical Life of Melanie.
Melanie’s journey is one of perseverance amidst an industry that can be glorious and harsh. Her decision to create her own
record label and to remain true to who she was and what she believed was unheard of. Life is not always saccharine sweet and her thoughts, beliefs and experiences are equally reflected in her music. Melanie stood firm and from that helicopter ride to Woodstock and throughout her career she was always true to her art. This is a journey of strength and one to be savored.