Jeff Buckley

His Own Voice

By: Mary Guibert, David Browne

Narrated by: Reeve Carney, Robert Petkoff, David Browne

The journals, notebooks, musings, and early song drafts of Jeff Buckley, the late singer best-known for the definitive version of "Hallelujah" and his classic album Grace, including dozens of evocative photos of his personal effects and ephemera.
After the release of his acclaimed debut album, Grace, in 1994, Jeff Buckley quickly established himself as one of the decade's most defining talents in pop music: a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with a multi-octave range whose tastes took in rock, blues, jazz, hardcore, Qawwali music, and even show tunes. Hailed by the likes of Bono, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, Grace showcased Buckley's voice, passion, and influences and pointed to an inordinately promising future. Three short years later, at the age of thirty, he tragically drowned in Memphis. But his legend and stature have only grown since; in recent years, everyone from Adele to Coldplay to Radiohead has spoken of the impact Buckley's music had on them.
For much of his life, Buckley diligently kept journals recording his goals, inspirations, aspirations, and creative struggles. These diaries amount to one of the most insightful life chronicles any musical artist has left behind. Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice marks the first-ever publication of Buckley's handwritten account of his journey from his days in Los Angeles in the late '80s through shortly before his passing. Combined with reproductions of other memorabilia--including letters, notes, and unpublished lyrics--this book takes readers and fans deep into Buckley's mind and life.

Critic reviews

"Manages to summon the singular spirit of the late chanteur and songwriter. ... In His Own Voice, Buckley's humanity, humility and humor are always at the fore. ... Buckley's journals and letters reveal him to be just as fans hoped him to be: romantic, warm, funny, insightful, poetic and truly spectacular company."—People

Los Angeles Times, "11 highly anticipated music books"
Amazon, "Holiday Gift Picks: Unique and Unusual Gift Books"
Associated Press, Holiday Gift Guide

"A self-portrait of an artist as a wide-eyed young man, it's inspiring to read and, thanks to Mary Guibert and David Browne, a privilege to hold in our hands."—Pop Matters

Sheer beauty

Don’t read this book unless you wish to be moved, shuttered, and caused to pause - often forced to hit pause on any background activity or extraneous thought.

It’s worth it.

Mr. Buckley was a radiatingly beautiful man whose reflections cannot fail to alter your vision - including, perhaps mostly, of yourself.

For his tragedy, sadness becomes me. For the grace Mr. Buckley left to us, I am grateful. Grateful for grace, and for sadness - which only betrays love in this humanity of ours.

I could only give four stars on ‘Story’ because the authors barely touch on “Hallelujah” and on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Buckley’s passing (although they’re probably covered elsewhere).