Some might make a lot out of the fact that almost none of Steve's immediate family agreed to participate in the making of this book, that only his daughter Jessie agreed to be interviewed. But rather than look at that as a slight against the book or the author, I see that as a way of the family respecting Steve's desire never to put himself before his music and never to spotlight his illness.
For those of us who knew and appreciated the wonderful music of Steve Goodman when he was alive, and continue to do so long after he's left, Facing The Music is a treasure trove that you will continually want to delve into. If you were unfamiliar with Steve before reading this book, by the time you work your way through he will be forever engraved into your memory.
It seems that as the years have passed Steve Goodman's legacy continues to grow. The past year has seen the release of concert footage packaged into a DVD and the restoration of a club date he did at his favourite bar in Chicago, The Earl Of Old Town. It was at this bar that he told one of Chicago' most notorious mob bosses off to his face in song and... well, read the book and you'll find out what happened.
Included in with each book is a copy of a CD of music recorded by folk musicians whose lives were touched by Steve Goodman's, either through song or personal contact. You might not have heard of any of these people, but that just shows how far and wide Steve's net was cast. The songs are originals written in his memory and honour.
Facing The Music by Clay Eals is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man, and will hopefully help keep the name of Steve Goodman alive for many years to come.
Article comments
1 - June Moore
Thank you. I enjoyed your review. sounds like an exhaustive book. I saw Steve open for Steve Martin in Lubbock in the 70's and he just blew us away, especially "20th Century." Then we couldn't move for laughing so much at Martin. What a great night. June Moore, Austin, Tx