So Many Unexpected Songs

This very short autobiography contains more than many others ten times its length and is funny, touching, informative and a joy from start to finish. I cannot recommend it too highly.

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Great read about a fascinating life. A must.

Don Black is a good narrator and his book makes much of his search for brevity and economy.  It is refreshingly brief and non-boring for an autobiog (I once tried to read Paula Radcliffe's and fell asleep!).  Full of interesting accounts of his very interesting body of work and life.  Fascinating insight into the world of lyric writing and collaboration and some heartfelt thoughts about losing his dear wife.


Told with a good pace and an entertaining style, even though there is some sadness in his voice, which must stem from his loss and having nearly died with covid.  The final words about the NHS angels that saved him are brief but profound.


The only criticism I have is that the reading out of the song lyrics is rather flat, as songs without music are not poetry and need the musical context in the main.  Audible has missed a huge opportunity not to put the actual songs in.  I had to youtube them all, which I would recommend doing, as it is a superb body of work.

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What a 'Sapient', 'Protean' man.

Being a 17 year old jazz musician, this was an invaluable insight into the wonderful world of a time that I'd wish I'd experienced and lived in (Now even I'm sounding nostalgic!?), but boy does Mr Black create a portal for you, personally, into this time. You really get a sense of the true craftsmanship of Don and those that he worked with (too many greats to list) something, although perhaps just not as obvious to me, that is seemingly less apparent these days.

There was one chapter in particular that I couldn't agree more with, about the knowledge, or rather the lack of, about The Great American songbook and that era amongst my generation. I do think, like Don, that its so important to teach/expose young kids to these incredible works and magical world. Its a tragedy how so few my age know about any of these people or songs.

Hearing about his marriage is enough to make anyone realise how special one person can mean to you. If you want to know about love read this book. Or don't, its a bit long so maybe listen to some of the Gershwin Brothers instead.

Anyway, I'm rambling and I can imagine Don/Shirley saying stick to the bloody point or keep it concise! Well I guess I'll have to work on that.

Thanks for such a lovely read - I highly recommend this to all.

Arran :)

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1 person found this helpful

A memoir from a great.

This isn’t one of those self-serving chronological autobiographies. It’s more like a chat, a natter, as if Don Black and you are having a game of snooker and he’s regaling you with some of the best anecdotes of his career and some side thoughts.
However, the thing that comes across here most is not the Lloyd Webber musicals, not the Bond songs, not the Oscars and not the many hits he has written. What comes across is the love letter this is to his beloved wife Shirley. His description of coping with loss and grief is so true and so heartfelt. In the final analysis, and in his own words, Love Changes Everything.

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Some enjoyable stuff

This is a rambling series of anecdotes rather than an autobiography. Nothing really earth-shattering but quite enjoyable.

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