Nothings Bad Luck, C. M. Kushins
Nothings Bad Luck, C. M. Kushins
List: $38.99 | Sale: $27.30
Club: $19.49

Nothing's Bad Luck
The Lives of Warren Zevon

Author: C. M. Kushins

Narrator: Fleet Cooper

Unabridged: 16 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Da Capo Press

Published: 05/07/2019


Synopsis

Biography of legendary singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, spanning his nomadic youth and early recording career to his substance abuse, final album, and posthumous Grammy Awards

As is the case with so many musicians, the life of Warren Zevon was blessed with talent and opportunity yet also beset by tragedy and setbacks. Raised mostly by his mother with an occasional cameo from his gangster father, Warren had an affinity and talent for music at an early age. Taking to the piano and guitar almost instantly, he began imitating and soon creating songs at every opportunity. After an impromptu performance in the right place at the right time, a record deal landed on the lap of a teenager who was eager to set out on his own and make a name for himself. But of course, where fame is concerned, things are never quite so simple.

Drawing on original interviews with those closest to Zevon, including Crystal Zevon, Jackson Browne, Mitch Albom, Danny Goldberg, Barney Hoskyns, and Merle Ginsberg, Nothing's Bad Luck tells the story of one of rock's greatest talents. Journalist C.M. Kushins not only examines Zevon's troubled personal life and sophisticated, ever-changing musical style, but emphasizes the moments in which the two are inseparable, and ultimately paints Zevon as a hot-headed, literary, compelling, musical genius worthy of the same tier as that of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

In Nothing's Bad Luck, Kushins at last gives Warren Zevon the serious, in-depth biographical treatment he deserves, making the life of this complex subject accessible to fans old and new for the very first time.

About C. M. Kushins

C. M. Kushins is the author of Nothing’s Bad Luck: The Lives of Warren Zevon and Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin. He has been a freelance journalist for over fifteen years and his work has appeared in High Times and The Daily Beast, among others.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Greg on December 21, 2024

It’s not who you are, it’s what you don’t become that hurts the most. ~ Oscar LevantWarren Zevon was a rock musician’s rock musician. He once said, “I got be Jim Morrison a lot longer than he did,” referring the late frontman of The Doors who died of a suspected heroin overdose in Paris at the age of......more

Goodreads review by Tommy on June 13, 2019

For fans of Warren Zevon, this is the book most of us have been waiting for. It's not definitive by any means, but it is well researched and gives a thorough, balanced glimpse into Warren's professional and personal lives. I say "lives" (plural) because within the context of, both, his life as a mus......more

Goodreads review by Harry on June 17, 2024

Those readers seeking the "dirty life and times" of Warren Zevon should look for the oral history compiled by his ex-wife Crystal Zevon, which foregrounds the bad behavior, with the apparent encouragement of her late ex-husband and lifelong friend. Reading first-time author C.M. Kushins' biography, y......more

Goodreads review by Ann on November 20, 2022

A very informative biography of an extraordinarily talented songwriter and performer whose addictions came close to sabotaging his career. The book lovingly describes the details of Warren Zevon's records and tours and the many collaborations he forged over the years. Alas, as with most biographies......more

Goodreads review by Jay on June 03, 2019

49-2019. I really enjoy Mr. Zevon’s music, and I’ve even learned three or four tunes to sing at jam sessions. This biography showed me that the real people behind one’s favorite music can often be true jerks to those around them. Zevon’s well documented struggles with drugs and alcohol are discussed......more


Quotes

Amazon, "Best Books of the Month in Biographies and Memoirs"
Amazon, "Best Books of the Year So Far in Humor and Entertainment"

"Nothing's Bad Luck is a riveting, definitive, and exhaustive account of the suspenseful and eventful life of one of rock's most gifted and eccentric singer-songwriters, and one of the best rock and roll biographies of the past decade."
Jay McInerney, author of Bright, Precious Days and Bright Lights, Big City

"The best of the books written thus far about Warren Zevon is Nothing's Bad Luck. C.M. Kushins follows the legendary singer/songwriter down streets mostly Californian and mean; like a good detective, he sifts through the relationships and songs left behind. What he uncovers makes for compelling reading."
Kevin Avery, author of Everything Is an Afterthought: The Life and Writings of Paul Nelson

"Kushins's energetic writing and his deep dive into Zevon's life and music offers a rounded and complete portrait of an enigmatic musician."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This book will have you pulling out records, or launching your streaming app of choice, and digging into Zevon's exceptional catalog."—Brooklyn Rail

"[A] deep, rewarding and insightful biography... an embarrassment of riches on the Excitable Boy, Mr. Bad Example, and a howling L.A. werewolf."—The Houston Press

"[A] straightforward account, including a comprehensive discography, of Zevon's fascinating creative life."—Booklist

"Chad Kushins has delivered a nuanced, in-depth, loving look at this complicated figure, one that helps cement him as one of the most complex and captivating musicians of our times."—NPR.org

"[An] absorbing, compelling biography."—Shelf Awareness

"[An] appreciative but honest biography."—Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel