Corn Flakes With John Lennon – Book Signing and Q&A – November 11th, 2009 Vromans Bookstore Pasadena, CA

This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of sitting in on a Q&A session and book signing with Robert Hilburn, author of Corn Flakes with John Lennon in Pasadena, CA. Not familiar with the name? What about Bono, John Lennon, Johnny Cash, or Michael Jackson? These are just some of the big names that Robert Hilburn got to repeatedly interview during his 30+ year career as one of the most respected and influential rock critics in the world. I spent over an hour sitting on the edge of my seat while Hilburn answered question after question on what it was like to be close to some of the biggest names in rock history. I asked Robert how he was able to remember all these events that happened decades ago and if he kept a journal. He said no, he didn’t, and there are certain things he probably has forgotten with time. However, the significant things (like those items in the book), he’ll never forget. It makes sense – who could forget Johnny Cash playing you songs on his acoustic guitar in his living room, or watching cartoons with Michael Jackson in his bedroom? Memories like that tend to stick.

What immediately charmed me about Hilburn is how honest he comes across in talking about his experiences. This isn’t a guy trying to sound like he’s best friends with all the rock stars. He said it best himself when he explained that if Springsteen (whom he talks about in the book at length) was in town he wouldn’t call Hilburn, and Hilburn wouldn’t call him. Their relationship is purely professional. You listen to Hilburn tell you this, whilst at the same time noting that the introduction to the book is written by Bono and you wonder if Hilburn, if anything, isn’t overly modest.

Some of my favorite stories Hilburn shared were about:
- His late night meetings with John Lennon while they talked about Elvis and Lennon indulged in one of his guilty pleasures from room service – corn flakes with milk.
- How he helped Bob Dylan change his set-list for a concert in Jerusalem.
- How Bruce Springsteen peeked at Hilburn’s notes while he was in the bathroom and discovered what letter grade he’d given all the songs and his reaction.
- What it was like being the only journalist to visit Folsom prison during Johnny Cash’s famous recording session and concert.

As somebody who spent about 5 years working in the music industry, I’ve read all kinds of books about rock music. Some were good, while most others were written to make a quick buck. Robert Hilburn doesn’t need me to tell you he’s for real. His career speaks for itself; however, I highly encourage anybody out there who loves music to pick up a copy of this book. For me, reading Corn Flakes With John Lennon, and listening to Robert Hilburn speak, brought back what it feels like to truly love music.

To read my full review of Corn Flakes With John Lennon click here.

Corn Flakes With John Lennon is the first book by Robert Hilburn, former rock critic for the LA Times. After a nice introduction by U2′s Bono, Hilburn narrates his way through his amazing career as one of the best rock critics of our time. Hilburn does an excellent job of peppering in details of his own life and love for music with his experiences interviewing rock stars. You’ll learn about his late-night hangouts with John Lennon during his famous ‘Lost Weekend’ phase, watching cartoons with Michael Jackson, his visit to Folsom Prison with Johnny Cash, and much, much more.

There are many books in this genre out there, but to me, Corn Flakes With John Lennon has nailed it. This book gives you a true sense of what these rock stars were like behind the scenes, without it feeling contrived. Hilburn, who claims to drink nothing stronger than diet coke, may have been the only person sober enough in the 70s to relate any reliable information on these topics. Thank god for that. Some of the bands and artists that are talked about the most are: U2, Elvis, John Lennon, Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. These are some of my favorite artists of all time, so for me, this book was pure heaven. I’m giving Corn Flakes With John Lennon a 5 out of 5 because it’s honestly the best book in this genre that I’ve ever read.
If you don’t want to take my word for it, read some quotes from what some others have said about the book:

So many great memories came flooding back to me when I read Corn Flakes With John Lennon. A must read for genuine music lovers. –Elton John

On behalf of the musicians of the 60′s on, I thank you for having been the communicator of our music with love.–yoko ono

I never gave a damn for rock criticism until I read Robert Hilburn. –Bernie Taupin

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | Publisher: Rodale Books | Pages: 296 | Buy on Amazon