The juiciest celebrity memoirs and biographies always come out in the fall and winter — and 2024 is no exception.
This season, many of the biggest releases are centered around musicians. Cher, for example, is dropping her long-awaited autobiography, which will be divided into two parts. (The second part is expected to hit shelves in late 2025.)
When the memoir was announced in July, Cher’s publisher described her life as “too immense” for just one book. “With her trademark honesty and humor, Cher: The Memoir traces how this diamond in the rough succeeded with no plan and little confidence to become the trailblazing superstar the world has been unable to ignore for more than half a century,” HarperCollins wrote in a statement announcing the project.
Cher’s memoir, however, is just one of many new music books hitting shelves this fall and winter. Keep scrolling for a full list:
‘Over the Influence: A Memoir’ by Joanna ‘JoJo’ Levesque
The pop star — who landed her first record deal at just 12 years old — chronicles her early life, career and relationships, revealing a “full-blown addiction to love and validation” and how it felt to watch her contemporaries skyrocket to fame. (Out now)
‘Life in the Key of G’ by Kenny G
The smooth jazz saxophonist explains how he became one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with a sense of humor that hints he knows how to laugh at the absurdity of his fame. (Out now)
‘A Thousand Threads’ by Neneh Cherry
The singer-songwriter opens about her unusual childhood — including her time spent living in Stockholm, New York City and London — sharing snapshots from her teen years with punk band the Slits as well as her early days as a solo artist. (Out now)
‘Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell’ by Deryck Whibley
The Sum 41 frontman details his rise to punk stardom, while revealing the realities of alcohol abuse that led to numerous health issues. Whibley also pulls back the curtain on the harrowing experiences he had as a young teen new to the music scene. (Out now)
‘Da Baddest’ by Trina
The groundbreaking rapper covers everything from her childhood in Miami to her hip-hop stardom, which began when the industry was even more of a boys club than it is now. Bonus: There’s a foreword by Missy Elliott. (Out now)
‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ by Elton John
John has retired from the road, but fans can relive his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with this glossy photo book featuring sketches, posters and never-before-seen snaps from the iconic singer’s last 330 shows. (Out now)
‘Who’s That Girl’ by Eve
The first lady of the Ruff Ryders recounts her upbringing in West Philadelphia and her journey to the highest echelons of the male-dominated hip-hop world, sharing stories from both the music industry and Hollywood. (Out now)
‘Brothers’ by Alex Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen’s older brother pays tribute to his late sibling in a moving (but still juicy) memoir. The book details the pair’s lives together, from their childhood to their years touring the world as rock stars. (Out now)
‘The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.’ by Peter Ames Carlin
Carlin, who previously authored a biography of Bruce Springsteen, turns his eye to R.E.M., the college band who started out in Athens, Georgia, before becoming a global sensation while still maintaining the idiosyncrasies that defined them. (November 5)
‘Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music’ by Rob Sheffield
The Rolling Stone critic (and Swift superfan) goes deep on the pop star he calls “an all-time great on the level” of icons like the Beatles, Prince and David Bowie. (November 12)
‘Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis’ by Douglas K. Miller
Featuring a foreword by poet Joy Harjo, this comprehensive biography chronicles the life of Davis, an undersung guitarist who played alongside everyone from Bob Dylan and John Lennon to Cher and Taj Mahal. (November 12)
‘Cher: The Memoir, Part One’ by Cher
The pop icon finally invites readers into her life with the first of two memoirs chronicling her rise to legendary status. Part One will cover Cher’s childhood as well as her marriage to — and subsequent divorce from — Sonny Bono. (November 19)
‘Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie’ by Lesley-Ann Jones
Jones, who was friends with McVie before her 2022 death, tells the story of the woman who kept Fleetwood Mac together during their darkest moments and while writing some of the band’s most iconic songs. (November 19)
‘High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul’ by Marcus J. Moore
Music journalist Moore dives into the history of pioneering hip-hop group De La Soul while weaving in stories of his own coming-of-age journey, which was soundtracked by the band’s hits. (November 19)
‘The Harder I Fight the More I Love You’ by Neko Case
The singer-songwriter draws on painful memories of her childhood in rural Washington for her first book, bringing an artistry to her prose that will be recognizable to fans of her signature lyrical style. (January 28)
‘Protecting Whitney: The Memoir of Her Bodyguard’ by David Roberts
Roberts, who worked as Whitney Houston’s real-life bodyguard at the height of her fame, remembers life with the late singer and recalls being with her during some of the most challenging periods of her life. (January 28)
‘Wild West Village’ by Lola Kirke
Kirke’s debut book is notably billed as “not a memoir” — it’s a series of essays — but she still delves into her childhood as the daughter of a rock star and her journey to Hollywood alongside her famous sisters, Jemima and Domino. (January 28)
‘Eternal Flame: The Authorized Biography of The Bangles’ by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike
Bickerdike tells the definitive (and first authorized) tale of the iconic ’80s band, incorporating interviews with founding members Debbi Peterson, Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson. (February 18)
‘Heartbreaker: A Memoir’ by Mike Campbell
Campbell, who was the lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 1976 through Petty’s 2017 death, recalls his Florida youth, the early days of the band and the ups and downs that come with lasting rock stardom. (March 18)
