Jo-Ann Geffen, co-author and editor of the fascinating book Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song - The Exclusive Personal Stories Behind Your Favorite Songs was enough was kind enough to answer a few questions about this fine book.
Jo-Ann Geffen shared her reasons for becoming part of the Chicken Soup group of books, and how this book became a reality.
Thanks to Jo-Ann Geffen for her time and her answers.
What was the background to writing this book Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song?
Jo-Ann: I have been in the entertainment industry for many years. I was at a meeting at which Mark, one of the founders of the “Chicken Soup…” brand and Bob Jacobs, president of the publishing company, were discussing the various titles – I was frankly taken aback! I had no idea how expansive the subject matter was. It occurred to me that there had not been a book exclusively with celebrities or about music. Thus, the idea sprang forth.
What attracted you to becoming part of the Chicken Soup book series?
Jo-Ann Geffen: The brand has an immediate identity and the combination of their winning formula and what I believed to be a good idea, seemed a natural.
How were the contributors and songs included in the anthology selected?
Jo-Ann Geffen: Several are friends, clients or former clients. Many I know through various events or bookings I’ve done. The majority, however, were based on popular opinion, and I was very conscious of crossing all genres of music, from classic rock to country, pop, hard rock and even rap and children’s. I hope that people will realize how similar we all are and that basic human emotions and experiences are universal.
Jo-Ann Geffen (photo left)
Songs are very evocative of memories, people and places. Were you conscious of tapping into this special power that music holds?
Jo-Ann Geffen: Definitely -- and of how many songs reflect history and pop culture, in more general terms. Jerry Cantrell, for instance, of Alice in Chains, in “Rooster” speaks to his father and how being a part of the Vietnam War changed each of their lives and the entire family dynamic. It was through this song that they each realized each other’s pain and were able to forge a strong relationship that prevails. On a lighter side, Ray Stevens’ ”The Streak” refers to the famous ‘70s fad of people streaking across public areas, specifically the Academy Awards on national television.
I recognized about three quarters of the songs in the book. Did you find yourself, as I did, remembering where you first heard each of the songs in the book?
Jo-Ann Geffen: Absolutely – and the person with whom I either sat at the concert or was driving with when it played on the radio.
I think the book will help many people discover many new songs and rediscover older ones, and with the story behind the music as a guide, it will lead to greater appreciation of the writers and artists. Do you expect the book will achieve that purpose as well?
Jo-Ann Geffen: I hope so – that was actually a large part of the goal.
What is next for Jo-Ann Geffen?
Jo-Ann Geffen: I still have my “day job” as a publicist for people like Lamont Dozier, David Cassidy, Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson), and some entertainment companies and hopefully this book will lead to other similar opportunities. Thank you!
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My book review of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song: The Exclusive Personal Stories Behind Your Favorite Songs edited by Jo-Ann Geffen.
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