The Seekers, John Densmore
The Seekers, John Densmore
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The Seekers
Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists)

Author: John Densmore, Viggo Mortensen

Narrator: John Densmore

Unabridged: 5 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Da Capo Press

Published: 11/17/2020


Synopsis

The iconic drummer of The Doors investigates his own relationship with creativity and explores the meaning of artistry with other artists and performers in this compelling and spellbinding memoir.

Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance, many of us have experienced art so pure-so innovative-that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately for us, this book is here to offer us a bridge.

In The Seekers, John Densmore—the iconic drummer of The Doors and author of the New York Times bestseller Riders onthe Storm—digs deep into his own process and draws upon his privileged access to his fellow artists and performers in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past fifty years, this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking journey into the soul of the artist. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmore ultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning.

Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir Meetings with Remarkable Men, this book is fueled by Densmore's abundant collection of transformative experiences—both personal and professional—with everyone from Ravi Shankar to Patti Smith, Jim Morrison to Janis Joplin, Bob Marley to Gustavo Dudamel, Lou Reed to Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis to his own dear, late Doors bandmate Ray Manzarek. Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists of the past century—but a way for readers to identify and ignite their own creative spark, and light their own fire.

Reviews

Goodreads review by *TUDOR^QUEEN* on November 28, 2020

I'm not a huge Doors fan, but recently enjoyed a biography touching upon the early days of Jim Morrison, then naturally navigated over to this one. This offering is from The Doors' drummer John Densmore who has authored other books- including about The Doors. It focuses on the musical and spiritual......more

Goodreads review by Simon on February 15, 2021

Densmore is a frustratingly bad writer - but he's had some experiences, met some people, done some things. And there's a joy he brings in celebrating all of that. So this is a fumble of a read but enjoyable nonetheless. Light on insight but high - and giddy - on the joy of celebration.......more

Goodreads review by Yuri on July 24, 2021

Since artists and musicians are the de facto priests of the secular world, it makes sense that aging rockers who've ascended into the firmament get to play the role of wizened sages. John Densmore made his bones playing drums for The Doors, but as he enters his golden years, he's turned his attentio......more

Goodreads review by Jim on November 29, 2023

I’ve just read Densmore’s two memoirs and I’m on a roll. I like reading what and who artists - musicians, visual, acting - draw inspiration and influences from. And who they like to listen to (Neil Peart surprised me some.) So this is a cool ensemble and I learned some history. Snippets I highlighte......more

Goodreads review by Tracy on December 05, 2020

3.5 stars. I did enjoy the unique point of view and experiences John Densmore brought to this book, and his ability to relate the principles of sound and silence. I do wish that he would have spent a bit more time introducing us to his inspirations. While the short chapters made for a fast moving, e......more


Quotes

"John Densmore wrote this book about great artists he's known in the same fashion that he plays drums and lives his life. He understands and demonstrates the value of both silence and sound, space and statement. All the while, he brings us backstage to the parties and personalities that have inspired greatness and been cautionary tales of excess. He proves that it's never too late to grow and these are teachable moments from the life of a master."—JohnDoe of X, and co-author of Under the Big Black Sun and More Fun inthe New World

"I really enjoyed getting John's unique and insightful view of such an eclectic group of inspiring people."—BonnieRaitt, musician and activist

"John Densmore has the heart of a seeker. Always aiming, not for the sparrow, but for the eye of the sparrow in his search for meaning. His compass took him straight to the core of the moment and of the people he was drawn to by his uncanny ability to divine wisdom throughout his fairly frenzied life. It is reaffirming and gratifying to those of us who shared some of the same friends to revisit those unique and original souls."—OliviaHarrison, author of George Harrison: Living in the Material World