Louise Harrison, “My Kid Brother’s Band”
With word that George Harrison’s sister, Louise, has died, here’s a conversation I had with her when she published a book called “My Kid Brother’s Band.”
Laraine Newman’s Fascinating Memoir
I just finished listening to an audiobook by Laraine Newman, who was one of the original stars of “Saturday Night Live” and is now among the most successful voice artists for animated movies and TV shows. Here’s my review.
Walter Yetnikoff
When I heard that former Columbia Records president Walter Yetnikoff died Sunday (just days before his 88th birthday), I remembered the conversation I had with him in 2004 — one of my all-time favorites. You can listen to it here.
Book Review: “Mike Nichols — A Life”
My review of the new biography of a showbiz legend who directed a huge number of classic productions on stage and screen — while struggling with cocaine addiction, multiple marriages, and Walter Matthau.
Book Review: “We Had A Little Real Estate Problem”
My review of a new book by comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff about Native American comedians, sketch performers, and teams which covers their successes and struggles against stereotypes, racism, and promoters.
Norton Juster
I was sad to hear of the death at 91 of Norton Juster, author of what I consider the greatest book of all time, “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Here’s my little tribute to him and his classic work.
Book Review: “Weird”
Here is my review of a fascinating book by Olga Khazan, “Weird: The Power of Being An Outsider In An Insider World,” which includes a great story about The Beatles.
Book Review: “Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother”
A review of the autobiography of the moviemaker who gave us “Get Shorty,” 2 Addams Family movies, 3 Men In Black movies, and more — after overcoming an unbelievably troubled childhood (and an adulthood that wasn’t all that smooth, either).