Who was Nicholas Dean des Barres? Nicholas Dean des Barres (born September 22, 1944) is an American rock and roll biographer, historian, musician, and radio host. He is best known for writing the 1973 "tell-all" I Only Want to Say, which chronicled his experiences with 1960s rock stars including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page
Des Barres was born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles. He began his career as a musician, playing in several bands before joining the Byrds in 1968. He left the Byrds in 1969 and began writing I Only Want to Say, which was published in 1973. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it has been credited with helping to popularize the rock and roll memoir genre.
Des Barres has since written several other books about rock and roll, including "Rock and Roll High School" and "Demolition Derby." He has also hosted several radio shows and was a regular guest on VH1's "Behind the Music."
Nicholas Dean des Barres
Nicholas Dean des Barres is one of the most respected and well-connected figures in the rock and roll world. He has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Jimmy Page. Des Barres has a unique perspective on the rock and roll lifestyle, and he is not afraid to share his opinions. He is a gifted writer and raconteur, and his books and interviews are full of fascinating stories and insights.
Des Barres's work has helped to shape the way we think about rock and roll. He has shown us that rock and roll is more than just music; it is a way of life. Des Barres is a true rock and roll insider, and he has given us a glimpse into a world that most of us can only dream of.
Personal Details of Nicholas Dean des Barres
| Birth Name | Nicholas Dean des Barres |
|---|---|
| Born | September 22, 1944 |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Genre | Rock and roll |
| Occupation | Musician, writer, radio host, historian |
| Years Active | 1960s-present |
Key Contributions of Nicholas Dean des Barres
Des Barres's key contributions include:
- Wrote several best-selling books on rock and roll, including "I Only Want to Say" and "Rock and Roll High School".
- Hosted several radio shows on rock and roll, including "The Nicholas Dean des Barres Show" and "The Roots of Rock and Roll".
- Was a regular guest on VH1's "Behind the Music".
Des Barres's work has helped to popularize the rock and roll memoir genre, and he has given us a unique glimpse into the world of rock and roll.
Nicholas Dean des Barres
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a respected rock and roll biographer, historian, musician, and radio host. He is best known for writing the 1973 "tell-all" I Only Want to Say, which chronicled his experiences with 1960s rock stars including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page.
- Rock and Roll Insider: Des Barres has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, giving him a unique perspective on the rock and roll lifestyle.
- Storyteller: Des Barres is a gifted writer and raconteur, and his books and interviews are full of fascinating stories and insights.
- Musician: Des Barres was a member of the Byrds in 1968, and he has continued to play music throughout his career.
- Historian: Des Barres has written several books about rock and roll history, including "Rock and Roll High School" and "Demolition Derby."
- Radio Host: Des Barres has hosted several radio shows on rock and roll, including "The Nicholas Dean des Barres Show" and "The Roots of Rock and Roll".
- VH1 Regular: Des Barres was a regular guest on VH1's "Behind the Music".
- Memoir Popularizer: Des Barres's work has helped to popularize the rock and roll memoir genre.
These key aspects highlight Nicholas Dean des Barres's unique contributions to the world of rock and roll. He is a respected insider, a gifted storyteller, and a passionate historian. His work has helped us to understand and appreciate the rock and roll lifestyle, and he has given us a glimpse into the world of some of the biggest names in music.
Rock and Roll Insider
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a rock and roll insider in the truest sense of the word. He has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page. This has given him a unique perspective on the rock and roll lifestyle, and he is not afraid to share his opinions.
Des Barres's experiences have given him a deep understanding of the rock and roll world. He has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, and he is able to speak to the realities of life on the road, the pressures of fame, and the challenges of addiction.
Des Barres's insider knowledge is evident in his writing and his interviews. He is able to provide insights into the creative process, the personal lives of rock stars, and the behind-the-scenes stories that most people never hear.
Des Barres's work is important because it gives us a glimpse into a world that most of us can only dream of. He shows us the real side of rock and roll, and he helps us to understand the people who make it.
Storyteller
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a gifted storyteller. His books and interviews are full of fascinating stories and insights into the world of rock and roll. He has a unique ability to capture the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle, and he brings his subjects to life with his vivid descriptions and his insightful observations.
Des Barres's storytelling ability is evident in all of his work. His books are full of stories about his experiences with some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page. He writes about the creative process, the personal lives of rock stars, and the behind-the-scenes stories that most people never hear.
Des Barres is also a gifted raconteur. He is a natural performer, and he loves to tell stories. He has a knack for making his stories come alive, and he always keeps his audience engaged.
Des Barres's storytelling ability is a valuable asset to the world of rock and roll. He helps us to understand the people and the music that have shaped our culture. He is a true rock and roll insider, and he has given us a glimpse into a world that most of us can only dream of.
Musician
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a musician in his own right. He was a member of the Byrds in 1968, and he has continued to play music throughout his career. His musical experiences have given him a unique perspective on the rock and roll world, and they have helped to shape his writing and his work as a historian.
Des Barres's musical career began in the early 1960s. He played in several bands before joining the Byrds in 1968. The Byrds were one of the most popular bands of the 1960s, and Des Barres played on their album "Sweetheart of the Rodeo." After leaving the Byrds, Des Barres continued to play music. He has released several solo albums, and he has worked with a variety of other artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Keith Richards.
Des Barres's musical experiences have given him a deep understanding of the rock and roll world. He has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, and he is able to speak to the realities of life on the road, the pressures of fame, and the challenges of addiction.
Des Barres's musical experiences have also helped to shape his writing and his work as a historian. He is able to write about rock and roll with authority and insight, and his books are full of fascinating stories and insights.
Des Barres is a true rock and roll insider. He is a musician, a writer, and a historian. He has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, and he has a unique perspective on the rock and roll lifestyle. His work is important because it gives us a glimpse into a world that most of us can only dream of.
Historian
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a respected rock and roll historian. He has written several books about the history of rock and roll, including "Rock and Roll High School" and "Demolition Derby." These books provide a unique insight into the development of rock and roll music, and they are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the genre.
- Rock and Roll High School: This book is a history of rock and roll music from its beginnings in the 1950s to the early 1970s. Des Barres provides a detailed account of the major events ands in rock and roll history, and he offers his own insights into the music and the culture.
- Demolition Derby: This book is a history of the Los Angeles rock and roll scene in the 1970s. Des Barres was a participant in this scene, and he provides a firsthand account of the music, the drugs, and the sex. "Demolition Derby" is a fascinating look at one of the most important periods in rock and roll history.
Des Barres's books are important because they provide a unique perspective on the history of rock and roll. He was a participant in the events he writes about, and he has a deep understanding of the music and the culture. Des Barres's books are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of rock and roll.
Radio Host
Nicholas Dean des Barres's work as a radio host has played a significant role in his career and has contributed to his recognition in the rock and roll world. His shows have provided him with a platform to share his knowledge and insights on rock and roll music, reaching a wider audience and further establishing himself as an authority on the subject.
Des Barres's radio shows have also allowed him to connect with other musicians, industry professionals, and fans, fostering a sense of community and contributing to the preservation and celebration of rock and roll culture.
Furthermore, his shows have served as a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, providing them with access to exclusive interviews, rare recordings, and in-depth discussions on the history and evolution of rock and roll.
Overall, Des Barres's work as a radio host has been an integral part of his career, helping to solidify his reputation as a leading figure in the rock and roll community and to promote his passion for the music to a global audience.
VH1 Regular
Nicholas Dean des Barres's regular appearances on VH1's "Behind the Music" significantly contributed to his recognition and established him as a prominent figure in the rock and roll community. The show's popularity and wide reach provided a platform for Des Barres to share his insights and expertise on rock and roll music, reaching a vast audience and solidifying his reputation as an authority on the subject.
Des Barres's presence on "Behind the Music" allowed him to delve into the lives and careers of iconic rock and roll artists, offering unique perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories. His contributions to the show not only entertained viewers but also provided valuable historical and cultural context to the music and its creators.
Furthermore, Des Barres's regular appearances on "Behind the Music" helped to legitimize the rock and roll genre and its cultural significance. The show's focus on the personal struggles, creative processes, and lasting impact of rock and roll artists contributed to a greater appreciation and understanding of the music and its role in popular culture.
In conclusion, Des Barres's regular appearances on VH1's "Behind the Music" played a crucial role in his career, establishing him as a leading voice in rock and roll and contributing to the broader recognition and appreciation of the genre.
Memoir Popularizer
Nicholas Dean des Barres played a significant role in popularizing the rock and roll memoir genre through his groundbreaking book, "I Only Want to Say." This 1973 tell-all chronicled his experiences with legendary rock stars, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page. Des Barres's candid and intimate account of the rock and roll lifestyle captivated readers and provided a unique glimpse into the world of these iconic figures.
The success of "I Only Want to Say" inspired other rock and roll musicians to share their own stories, leading to a surge in rock and roll memoirs. These memoirs have played a vital role in preserving the history of rock and roll, providing firsthand accounts of the creative process, the personal struggles, and the cultural impact of this genre.
Des Barres's contribution to the rock and roll memoir genre is immense. His work has not only entertained readers but also provided valuable historical and cultural context to the music and its creators. By popularizing the rock and roll memoir, Des Barres has helped to ensure that the stories and experiences of these iconic musicians will continue to be shared and appreciated for generations to come.
FAQs on Nicholas Dean des Barres
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nicholas Dean des Barres, along with their respective answers:
Question 1: What is Nicholas Dean des Barres best known for?
Answer: Nicholas Dean des Barres is best known for his 1973 tell-all book "I Only Want to Say," which chronicled his experiences with legendary rock stars, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page.
Question 2: What is the significance of Nicholas Dean des Barres' work?
Answer: Nicholas Dean des Barres' work has played a significant role in popularizing the rock and roll memoir genre and providing valuable historical and cultural context to the music and its creators.
In addition to these FAQs, here are some key takeaways about Nicholas Dean des Barres:
- He is a respected rock and roll biographer, historian, musician, and radio host.
- He has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page.
- His work has helped to popularize the rock and roll memoir genre.
- He is a regular guest on VH1's "Behind the Music".
Conclusion
Nicholas Dean des Barres is a respected rock and roll biographer, historian, musician, and radio host. He is best known for his 1973 tell-all book "I Only Want to Say," which chronicled his experiences with legendary rock stars, including Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons, and Jimmy Page. Des Barres's work has played a significant role in popularizing the rock and roll memoir genre and providing valuable historical and cultural context to the music and its creators.
Des Barres is a true rock and roll insider. He has known and worked with some of the biggest names in music, and he has a unique perspective on the rock and roll lifestyle. His work is important because it gives us a glimpse into a world that most of us can only dream of. Des Barres is a gifted storyteller, and his books and interviews are full of fascinating stories and insights. He is also a passionate historian, and his books about rock and roll history are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the genre.
