Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - September - 2007 Issue
Literature and Entertainment from Waverly Books
Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. (left), and singer Smokey Robinson, from the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
Item 172 is the autobiography of one of the most influential names in the music business, though not a recording artist himself. The writer is Berry Gordy, Jr., a songwriter who founded Motown Records, creating stars such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. He sold his empire in 1988 for over $60 million and published his autobiography in 1994. The title is To Be Loved, also the title of a song he wrote in the 1950s for Jackie Wilson, long before he became a mogul. This copy is signed by Gordy. $100.
Item 173 is an autobiography of one of Gordy's Stars, Smokey: Inside My Life, by Smokey Robinson with David Ritz. Smokey's group, the Miracles, were Motown's first stars, and Robinson would enjoy great success both with the group and on his own. Robinson inscribed this copy to producer Bill Royce. $100.
Here is a book by a man who has certainly not retired: Why Courage Matters. The Way to a Braver Life, by John McCain with Mark Salter. McCain has inscribed this copy of his 2004 book to William Aldrich, son of Hollywood director Robert Aldrich. McCain, naturally, is the Arizona senator currently running for president. One can assume the value of this book will rise if he is successful in this endeavor. Item 158. $75.
Waverly Books may be found online at www.waverlybooks.com, telephone 310-393-4593.
