For those of us born at least a half-century ago, the memory burns bright of listening to AM radio in the dark of night, when the big stations could boost their transmission power and beam music and news far beyond their daytime range. It feels as distant from today’s hyper-connected world as crossing the prairie in a covered wagon, yet tuning in to Chicago’s WLS from Florida was as close to the internet as we had—think Elvis Costello’s “Radio, Radio.”
Stephen T. Lewis has written a biography chronicling the life and times of Richard Manuel, the musical genius behind The Band. The story opens in rural Ontario, where a young “Beak” (Richard) tuned in to American radio to hear the “new” music that was changing the world—memories from an era now largely forgotten.
As the book progresses, Lewis draws on interviews, firsthand accounts, and periodicals to craft a portrait of Manuel’s experiences that feels faithful to both the man and his life. He places us in a temperamental car kicking up dust in 1960s Arkansas. It’s all here in gritty detail: from go-go clubs and roadside dives to early radio success, the narrative pulls you in. Along the way, we trace Manuel’s long path to stardom—from his days with the Revols and Ronnie Hawkins, through breakthroughs with Dylan, to the triumphant heights of his time with The Band.
Lewis’s style deftly weaves intricate storylines, blending private recollections with public records to complete the picture of musicians who formed one of modern music’s most influential groups. The reader is plunged into the world of a blossoming talent, emotionally invested in people whose inevitable failures make them feel achingly real. One might not expect a single troubadour’s journey to evoke such empathy, but the writing compels you to dive in and keep reading. There are no dead spots or meandering tangents; the work remains focused on letting us rediscover the past through Richard Manuel’s life events.
The book brims with period details and excerpts from contemporary articles that bring each era to life. Lewis writes in an accessible, unpretentious style—clear without being condescending. Though the subject matter turns dark at times, the reader feels guided rather than merely informed. By the end, you gain newfound respect for the musician, the man, the father—Richard Manuel. The narrative leaves you immersed, never overwhelmed.
Richard Manuel, an extraordinary talent who captivated a generation, deserves our attention. For young and aspiring artists, the book offers both a testament to the hard work and dedication required for success and a cautionary tale about fame’s pitfalls. A wonderful read, well worth your consideration.
To order and learn more about Stephen T. Lewis’ Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from The Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band, please visit Amazon (https://a.co/d/2PShi4p) or Barnes and Noble (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/richard-manuel-stephen-t-lewis/1146228…).
