A quietly spoken, true English eccentric with something of a rebellious streak, Tony Stratton Smith initially charmed and blustered his way into the music business as a manager during the early 1960s and a few years later, when the record labels stopped playing by what he believed to be the rules, he simply went and formed his own -The Famous Charisma Label - and set about spinning the record business on its head. An independent label like no other, it is fair to say that without Strat's total belief and unwavering long-term support there would be no Genesis - Phil Collins has said as much - and a long line of artists owe Tony a similar debt of gratitude, from Monty Python to Malcolm McLaren, Lindisfarne to Sir John Betjeman, Vivian Stanshall to Julian Lennon. A former sports journalist and close friend to Jimmy Greaves and Sir Matt Busby (Strat narrowly missed a seat in the Munich Air crash) he later became a popular figure in the horse racing world. But making money was never very high on Tony's agenda, simply a means to an end that enabled him to fund the music and mayhem that brought him so much enjoyment. Strat was never happier than when the artists that he had so carefully nurtured were fulfilling their creative potential, delighting in working with the talents of Peter Gabriel, Alan Hull, Clifford T. Ward, Howard Werth and Peter Hammill. Ultimately, what he really cared about were the people, the creativity, about imagination, inspiration and risk, and the sheer joy to be had in bringing all those elements together, lighting the Charisma-pink touch paper and standing back, glass in hand, to watch what might happen when the sparks began to fly.

Caught in a Trap draws back the veil of secrecy on the most dramatic event in the life of Elvis Presley. In October of 1975, Elvis was abducted and spirited away to a cabin in the Kentucky mountains where he was made to sing for his supper. After a week in captivity, a ransom was paid to ensure his release, a bizarre episode that was hushed up on orders from the White House, no less. This psychological thriller not only reveals the dramatic details of how Elvis was snatched but also delves into the innermost thoughts of the King of rock'n'roll. How does Elvis react when he is treated like an ordinary person, told to sweep floors and chop wood? How does he interact with his kidnappers? Will his songs grant him his freedom? And how do those close him, among them ex-wife Priscilla and manager Colonel Tom Parker, respond to the crisis? Caught in a Trap is so believable you'll be asking yourself why it has taken so long for the story to get out.

During the 1990s Omnibus Press published a series of books under the genetic title "The Complete Guide to the Music Of...". They were written by experienced rock critics whose brief was not just to be objective about the music but also to offer background information about the circumstances in which the album was recorded. In the end Omnibus published almost 50 books on artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to The Sex Pistols. From Elvis Presley's Sun Sessions to Radiohead's OK Computer, here is the very best of rock and pop music of the Twentieth Century. A consumer's critical guide to the music, enabling the reader to select the very best of an artist's repertoire before making a buying decision.

Wrestler turned rock manager, the late Peter Grant made his name as the manager of Led Zeppelin, helping to turn them into rock's biggest attraction by the mid 1970s. Author Chris Welch tells Grant's story from his childhood in war-torn London, to him becoming a bouncer, doorman and wrestler known as Prince Mario Alassio. He became tour manager of Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers and Gene Vincent and The Animals before taking on The Yardbirds who eventually became Led Zeppelin. The book reveals the facts about his suspended prison sentence, his dispute with the group over unpaid royalties and his retiring from the music industry a rumoured heroin addict. Written with the full co-operation of Grant's family and friends to give an insight into the most fabled and feared man in the music business.

His fans adore him, the critics hate him and Barry Manilow just keeps going on! But the career of the man "Rolling Stone" dubbed "a giant among entertainers" and "the showman of our generation" had the weirdest of beginnings. Biographer Patricia Butler unravels the strange stories behind Manilow's Brooklyn upbringing, his shortlived marriage, his cautious career change from youthful executive to freelance musician and his dramatic partnership with Bette Midler formed in the gay Continental Baths in Manhattan. Manilow's private life has always been the subject of speculation, and here the many sides of his personality are explored along with his rise from Seventies hit maker to timeless showbiz legend.

Despite their subject's almost obsessive privacy, the authors present a complex, living biography of the working-class girl from Aberdeen who has become a pop legend. From ex-lovers to stylists were interviewed to present the full story from childhood to the reformation of the Eurythmics. This updated edition of 2001's biography includes details of her split with her manager and her musical activities since 1999.

A revised edition of this bestseller, originally published 4 years ago. A revised edition of this bestseller, originally published 4 years ago. From the days when the staff wore white coats, through the rock 'n' roll years to today's big stars, Abbey Road's fascinating history is brought to life for everyone who's ever wondered what goes on behind the graffiti-covered walls.