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Testimony

Written by: Robbie Robertson
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
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Publisher's Summary

New York TImes best seller

On the 40th anniversary of The Band's legendary The Last Waltz concert, Robbie Robertson finally tells his own spellbinding story of the band that changed music history, his extraordinary personal journey, and his creative friendships with some of the greatest artists of the last half-century.

Robbie Robertson's singular contributions to popular music have made him one of the most beloved songwriters and guitarists of his time. With songs like "The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "Up on Cripple Creek", he and his partners in The Band fashioned a music that has endured for decades, influencing countless musicians.

In this captivating memoir, written over five years of reflection, Robbie Robertson employs his unique storyteller's voice to weave together the journey that led him to some of the most pivotal events in music history. He recounts the adventures of his half-Jewish, half-Mohawk upbringing on the Six Nations Indian Reserve and on the gritty streets of Toronto; his odyssey at 16 to the Mississippi Delta, the fountainhead of American music; the wild early years on the road with rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks; his unexpected ties to the Cosa Nostra underworld; the gripping trial-by-fire "going electric" with Bob Dylan on his 1966 world tour and their ensuing celebrated collaborations; and the formation of The Band and the forging of their unique sound, culminating with history's most famous farewell concert, brought to life for all time in Martin Scorsese's great movie The Last Waltz.

This is the story of a time and place - the moment when rock 'n' roll became life, when legends like Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley crisscrossed the circuit of clubs and roadhouses from Texas to Toronto, when The Beatles, Hendrix, The Stones, and Warhol moved through the same streets and hotel rooms. It's the story of exciting change as the world tumbled through the '60s and early '70s and a generation came of age built on music, love, and freedom. Above all it's the moving story of the profound friendship between five young men who together created a new kind of popular music.

Testimony is Robbie Robertson's story, lyrical and true, as only he could tell it.

©2016 Robbie Robertson (P)2016 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"Robbie Robertson's Testimony is a book of memories and wonders, a personal testament of a magical time in American music from someone who was there, at the center of it all, playing and casting spells and writing songs that helped define those great lost years." (Martin Scorsese)
"Well, once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is such a well-paced, well-structured narrative. Robertson's voice is powerful and strong. He has harnessed vivid language to a clean, elegant, writing style, and the sense of honesty, openness, and completeness makes it so very compelling." (Jann Wenner)
"Nobody tells a story like Robbie Robertson. I can't think of a memoir that is more compelling, fascinating, or rich in history. Across every page you can feel his love, passion, and musical genius." (David Geffen)

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What listeners say about Testimony

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OUTSTANDING

Their albums were as great to listen to the day they were released as they are today…all your solo work, movie scores …you were a one of a kind
Gunna miss ya Robbie

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Very easy listening and well narrated

This autobiography was very detailed and informative. I learned a lot about this Canadian icon. From his humble beginnings to incredible stardom. It also helps that the narrartor sounds a lot like Robbie. High marks from me!

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Enjoyable but wanted more

I enjoyed this book and did find out many things about The Band I was not aware of. However the story ends at the Last Waltz concert. I really wanted to know how Robbie handled the tragic deaths of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko, and his emotions as Levon battled cancer which eventually took his life.

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He lived it, thru thorough recollection we live it

Both the writing and the narration of this remarkable account of a musical life well-lived are superb. I would give Robbie a ten out of ten for this compelling work. The narrator almost got a ten from me except for his ill-researched attempt at a George Harrison accent. The remaining cast of characters seemed to flow effortlessly from him and his vocal tone was a perfect match for the story telling talents of Robertson. Robbie has a right to drop names left right and center - half the fun for the listener cause his music had a profound effect on the likes of the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Brian Jones, Dylan, Hendrix - all who appreciated the Band's rough around the edges sound and homegrown approach to music - partly breaking with tradition and partly preserving it. This book gets my highest recommendation. One of the best biographies. Ever.

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I cannot say enough about this audiobook,.

This audiobook is real, and a true testament to the era, I grew up there and I know.

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Band life...life was like a box of chocolates

Gained understanding of 60's music industry and icons, tied into milestones. And the rest of the guys?

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Not great, but so good

Robbie writes what he knows, which is mostly music and the music world, specifically sixties and seventies rock & roll with roots in the American south. The book’s good-natured tone belies his critics. Best read alongside a viewing of Scorcese’s The Last Waltz. You will be amazed at how much he packs into the first three decades of his life.

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I am sooo great!!!

A good listen for any fan who lived through that era. Robertson’s enormous ego and penchant for name dropping don’t quite spoil the experience but come close. He’s a great talent but a little more generosity in sharing the spotlight with his bandmates wouldn’t have hurt.

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The First Waltz

Dynamite presentation of the great life and times of the BAND! Never again will we witness such a Testimony to the genre of Rock and Roll.

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Great Autobiography

Learned a lot. Crazy remarkable story. Wished it continued past it's conclusion. Regardless, thoroughly enjoyed the listen. Good stuff!

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