Who Wrote the Book of Love?: The Stories Behind the Hits-from Chuck Berry to Chumbawamba

Jack S. Broumpton is an assistant professor of music at Huntington
College, Laurentian University.

Who Wrote the Book of Love? comprises profiles of selected radio hits of
the 1950s through 1990s. The choices, which represent the author’s
personal favorites, include “Leader of the Pack,” “Mony Mony,”
“Fame,” “Oh Pretty Woman,” and “Tears in Heaven.”

Among the artists profiled are Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Paul Simon,
Alice Cooper, Bob and Doug Mackenzie, Public Enemy, Alanis Morrissette,
and Eric Clapton. The stories behind the hits are as multifaceted as the
artists themselves. In some cases, the song had a special meaning for
the composer (e.g., Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”). Some songs were
the result of an inspired collaboration (e.g., “Fame” by David Bowie
and John Lennon); others came about almost by accident (e.g.,
“Maniac” by Michael Sembello). Interestingly, there are no
selections by the Beatles.

This book’s solid bibliography and index make it a good reference
source.