The Examiner, April 2, 2014
http://www.examiner.com/article/new-...tivity?cid=rss
New book, It's Not Only Rock 'N' Roll, reveals source of artists creativity
The ex-wife of drummer Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac spent four years interviewing 75 world famous musicians asking them questions referencing how they create hit songs and what they're muses, including the writing process are. She has now published her findings in an exclusive new book, It's Not Only Rock 'N' Roll: Iconic Musicians Reveal the Source of Their Creativity.
Jenny Boyd grew up in 60s London, at the peak of rock 'n' roll, and her sister Pattie, ended up marrying Beatle legend, George Harrison, and then later, guitar legend Eric Clapton. Even later, she would marry drummer, Mick Fleetwood, of Fleetwood Mac. While living in Los Angeles, Boyd gathered these interviews as part of her Ph.D. dissertation, that resulted in a book about musicians and their process of creating music and lyrics. This particular book came out in the US and Japan in 1992. The book has since ben updated, with new candid photographs, and is available through John Blake Publishing in the UK and the US as it's present titled, It's Not Only Rock 'N' Roll.
In this unique and original collection, 75 of the world's most recognizable musicians reveal-many for the first time-their thoughts on creating music. Psychologist Jenny Boyd has probed the minds and souls of these artists and has delved into the drive to create, the importance of nurturing creativity, the role of unconscious influences and the effects of chemicals, alcohol and drugs on the creative process. Among the music legends who contributed exclusive interviews include Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Julian Lennon, Don Henley, Hank Marvin, Keith Richard, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell.
An early review from Publishers Weekly said: "An often-fascinating glimpse into the inner lives of performing artists." In revisiting this extraordinary material, the book shines a light on the creative process of several artists who are no longer with us, among them Harrison, Ravi Shankar and Warren Zevon.
"Most of my life had been spent with musicians," explains Boyd. "My sister Pattie had married Beatle George Harrison, and then later guitarist Eric Clapton. I had been married to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac (twice!) and knew what it meant to be the wife of a musician."
It's Not Only Rock 'N' Roll is published by John Blake Publishing in the UK and the United States and available from both traditional and internet retailers.
Dr. Jenny Boyd is a psychologist with many personal ties to the music world. (She inspired folk-rock singer Donovan to write the 1960's hit "Jennifer Juniper"). Jenny is the founder and director of Spring Workshops, organizing psychotherapeutic groups for people in need of personal development. She lives in London.
Holly George-Warren is a GrammyŠ-nominated writer, editor, producer and music consultant who has written and edited more than 40 music-related books, many as the editor of Rolling Stone Press from 1993-2001. She lives in New York.