I am an avid reader. I don’t usually read fiction because I am so guilt ridden I feel like I should be constantly learning. I usually read books based on fact that can be written using a fictional scenario to explain the facts. Books about music legends are not my usual cup of tea but I am finding I do actually like them.
I read a book Luke suggested called, EFFORTLESS MASTERY by Kenny Werner.
It was about playing any instrument but had such great life lessons in it. Recently there have been several posts referring to the idea that if you are not prepared to fail you can never succeed. This book is really all about that and the idea that creativity comes from some weird place you go when you just let lose and feel the music. Luke’s recent YOUTUBE mentions Dylan thought his great songs came from some “magical” place.
I then got another book for Christmas called. BIG ROAD BLUES by Mark Hummel.
It’s about being on the road as a musician. Very gritty but so interesting.
I am now reading NO SERIOUSLY , I PLAY HARMONICA by Roly Platt.
Also great but I haven’t finished it yet.
SO, I thought I would start a topic, BOOKS TO READ ABOUT HARMONICA PLAYING, PLAYERS, OR BOOKS THAT WILL ENSPIRE YOUR PLAYING.
If you reply to this post tell us the book you have read, title and author and a very short description of the content. Then I will create a list and keep adding to it. If the book is not about music or the inspiration for it I will not include it. Maybe you can put those books in a list of books you just like, in the LOUNGE category.
If anyone in the forum who is a contributor objects to a book for any reason, as I cant possibly read them all, I will take it out of the list.
I hope this works because I am always looking for stuff to read that is enlightening, educational or funny and uplifting.
Let the list begin!
Sorry I can’t help much Toog. I am an avid reader of non-fiction, but I haven’t read any about harmonica or music. There’s only the memory one that you have read also and would probably agree, has some synergy but it probably doesn’t fall within your criteria. I hope you get some suggestions from others.
I can’t remember the title of the book, it wasn’t specifically about music, but it had a story about Dave Mustaine (sp?) the multi-platinum lead artist of Megadeth. He was formerly with Metallica and was removed from the band. He was asked if he thought himself as successful in an interview and replied, “no”. When asked why he said he didn’t believe himself as successful as Metallica and therefore not a success. I believe he made himself quite wealthy and made great music and many thought him as successful but alas, he did not. That is what I recall anyways.
Ok. I’ll try and find it.
I have added to the list thread
Yeah @toogdog there is a biopic of Little Walter “Blues with a Feeling” very academic and thorough. Much more enjoyable read about that time period is “Machers and Rockers” about Chess Records.
There’s a great book called Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers with is a cursory look at a very broad range of harmonica players.
I’m reading Adam Gussow’s second Memoir “My Family & I A Mississippi Memoir” which is a fun read and makes me want to read his first one “Mr. Satan’s Apprentice.”
There is a William Clarke biography that I haven’t read yet, but intend to.
Hope that helps.
Rock on! 
Oh and The Music Lesson by Victor Wooten if you haven’t read it. Fun fictional semi-autobiographical book. Kind of like “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” but related to music. Lots of musical/metaphysical cool concepts to consider.
Just finished Beyond Breath by Shane, it’s great.
I’ve enjoyed Roly Platt, Howard Levy, and Adam Gussow books.
Others:
Chromatic harp method books by Max de Aloe and Jim Hughes
The Harp Handbook
Turbocharge your harmonica
The Art of Practicing
David Baker jazz education books
Jamie Abersold red book (it’s free). Think of this as a jazz theory book.
Any book on orchestration. I seem to recall reading Forsyth in high school.
Any music theory book used in a college music theory class. Carl Schacter is what I have. There may be others that are easier to digest.
The book harmonica For dummies is very comprehensive. It cover just about every aspect of the harp.