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Lonely Avenue: The Unlikely Life and Times of Doc Pomus Paperback – February 26, 2008

by Alex Halberstadt (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
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One of the most original, influential, and commercially successful American songwriters, Jerome Felder, aka Doc Pomus (1925-1991), gave the world a dazzling legacy of musical hits during rock 'n' roll's first decade. A role model for generations of writers and performers, Doc was renowned for his mastery of virtually every popular style, from the gutbucket rhythm and blues of "Lonely Avenue" to the symphonic soul of "Save the Last Dance for Me" to the pure pop of "Viva Las Vegas." His songs-"This Magic Moment," "A Teenager in Love," "Hushabye," "Little Sister," "Turn Me Loose," and many others-have been recorded by everyone from Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and B. B. King to Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Bruce Springsteen, with sales exceeding 100 million. Doc was ready-made for literature. His collaborator Mort Shuman once described him as an "entire rollicking soul neighborhood rolled into one man." Garrulous, profane, hilarious, and Rabelaisian, Doc was never inhibited about offering his opinions and his friendship. His confidants, collaborators, and discoveries included Duke Ellington, John Lennon, Dr. John, Jimmy Scott, Bette Midler, and Lou Reed. In the words of renowned producer Jerry Wexler, "If the music industry had a heart, it would be Doc Pomus." Despite, or more likely because of, his successes, few acquaintances knew that this writer of jukebox hits led one of the most dramatic and unlikely lives of his time. Spanning extravagant wealth and desperate poverty, suburban domesticity and the depths of New York's underworld, worldwide fame and near-total obscurity, enduring love and persistent loneliness, Doc's story remains one of the great untold American lives. Its chapters comprise a back-room history of rock 'n' roll, touching on more than a half-century of American popular music-from the blues Doc performed with Lester Young to his collaborations with the luminaries of New York's punk scene, shot through with vivid portraits of virtually every major player. Lonely Avenueis the first biography of this American original, so elegantly rendered that it reads like a novel, and fortified by full, exclusive access to Doc Pomus's family, friends, voluminous journals, and archives.
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  1. Print length
    254 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 26, 2008
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.73 x 8.25 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0306815648
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0306815645
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Lonely Avenue

Boston Globe, 10/26/14
“How one great artist converts feelings—love, jealousy, worry, willfulness—into a great song, resonates through Alex Halberstadt's Lonely Avenue.”

Stereophile, May 2016
“A vivid, multidimensional, flesh-and-blood portrait…A lively chronicle of a singular musical figure who was as tough as he was tender.”

About the Author

Alex Halberstadt's writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, GQ, Los Angeles Times, Salon, the Oxford American, and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo; Illustrated edition (February 26, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0306815648
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306815645
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.73 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

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Alex Halberstadt

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
123 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and inspiring. They describe the characters as interesting and talented. The book paints a picture of pop music's golden age and describes the seamy music business. Readers appreciate the crisp yet evocative prose and vivid writing style. The book has an emotional range, from laughter to tears.

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Enlightened contentCharacter developmentMusic historyPacingEmotion level
19 customers mention "Enlightened content"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and interesting. They say it provides useful guidance about music, with fascinating stories and characters. The book is described as moving, inspiring, and heartfelt, providing depth into the inner workings of the music industry. Readers mention learning about Doc Pomus and his life.

"...the emotion and pacing of a good novel, thanks to the brilliantly selective narrative style...." Read more

"...Fascinating stories and characters. Hard to put down!" Read more

"...The book was insightful and provides lots of useful guidance about the music industry in general and songwriting in particular...." Read more

"...Just an amazing story of how a short fat crippled Jewish kid could rise to the top of his profession--writing songs we'll cherish forever...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and enlightening. They say it's about an interesting character and their lives.

"...Fascinating stories and characters. Hard to put down!" Read more

"...A vivid and original take on an original character." Read more

"...Highly recommended if you want to know about an interesting character and interesting times." Read more

"...It was a wonderful and enlightening book about a very wonderful person." Read more

6 customers mention "Music history"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's music history. They find it well-written and informative, describing the golden age of pop music. The book charts Pomus's ups and downs, describing the mostly seamy music business. It includes inspiring songs like "Save the Last Dance" and "Lonely Avenue".

"...for any music-lover who appreciates the history and back-story of the modern music industry. Fascinating stories and characters. Hard to put down!" Read more

"...His mark on my life is indelible, with inspiring songs, such as "Save The Last Dance For Me" by the Drifters, as well as teen hits..." Read more

"Dr. Pomus was an amazing songwriter, whose songs formed the soundtrack to generations...." Read more

"...The author charts Pomus' ups and downs, describes the mostly seamy music business, and brings in a lot of well-known names without dropping them..." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing and vivid prose. They find it engaging, vivid, and well-written. The book connects many eras and grand figures, providing a beautiful, melancholy snapshot of an increasingly forgotten time.

"...The crisp yet evocative prose is on par with that of the acclaimed Peter Guralnick, who contributed the Introduction and sounds like he could have..." Read more

"...The writing is outstanding, unpretentiously solid and seemed the capture the spirit of the man without being melodramatic...." Read more

"...A vivid and original take on an original character." Read more

"...Held up well to a second read. If I had a time machine I'd certainly make my way to one of the hotel lobbies where Doc held court." Read more

3 customers mention "Emotion level"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional range. They find it humorous and poignant, describing it as a beautiful snapshot of an increasingly forgotten time.

"...I couldn't put it down. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and parts of it will make you want to jump out of your chair and cheer..." Read more

"...If you're into music or not this is one book that will make you laugh, cry and just revel in one man's life and times." Read more

"Beautiful, melancholy snap-shot of an increasingly forgotten time. Held up well to a second read...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ken Kardash
    5.0 out of 5 stars An unforgettable song of a life
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This was the best biography I’ve read in years. The story of a polio-stricken kid who through sheer force of will manages to become one of the most successful songwriters of all time is remarkable in itself. How he channeled anger and self-doubt into passion for his art makes it inspirational. He was obviously a force of nature who had an indelible effect on those around him. All this comes through with the emotion and pacing of a good novel, thanks to the brilliantly selective narrative style. Unlike many biographies of performers, the reader is not subjected to obsessive listing of all his accomplishments. Instead, it feels like we are reading his thoughts and emotions at defining points in his life. This is probably due to the author’s extensive consultation of Doc’s diaries, as well as family and friends. Just like his songs, raw feeling is conveyed without any filter. The crisp yet evocative prose is on par with that of the acclaimed Peter Guralnick, who contributed the Introduction and sounds like he could have written his own book on this subject. I’m sure it would be worth reading, but no one can beat this one!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • SLR3410
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Exceptionally well-written. A must read for any music-lover who appreciates the history and back-story of the modern music industry. Fascinating stories and characters. Hard to put down!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • P Holmes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Call the Doctor
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I had previously purchased a Doc Pomus tribute cd on Amazon and wanted to learn more about this talented songwriter. I read the book and less than three days. Here's the confession part... I fancy myself a songwriter and often wonder where others get their inspiration. The book was insightful and provides lots of useful guidance about the music industry in general and songwriting in particular. I admire people with the ability to turn a phrase or combine words to touch my heart. Doc Pomus (Jerome Felder) has this ability. Listen to his songs, hear his words feel his pain!
    Helpful
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  • S. E. Morris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Doc Pomus Bluesmaster and Hitmaker
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Doc Pomus has been gone for some years now. When I was a boy I would
    see his name on my records as writer, along with Mort Shuman.
    Little did I know. Alex Halberstadt crafted an autobiography that is well
    rounded and it seems honest and complete.
    "Lonely Avenue" fills a void in music history. There are many biographies
    and autobiographies for creators in the music business. Doc Pomus was a
    remarkable man in many ways and his story is unique.
    His early music years involved performing the blues, writing for notable
    singers such as Big Joe Turner and many others. He was famous early
    on for writing and performing a radio jingle for a New York Clothing Store.
    His mark on my life is indelible, with inspiring songs, such as
    "Save The Last Dance For Me" by the Drifters, as well as teen hits
    for singers Dion, Fabian, Jimmy Clanton, Elvis and many others.
    He liked people and crossed paths with many notable characters.
    This book portrays his day to day life artfully.
    Doc Pomus was a giant. Tom Dowd, famed sound engineer at Atlantic records
    spoke of Doc Pomus with respect and love. To know the story of rock
    and roll, you have to know about Doc Pomus.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • JayB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Doc Never Did Surrender!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Nearly every time I picked up this book and glanced at the cover, I started humming the Pomus-penned Ray Charles hit. Just an amazing story of how a short fat crippled Jewish kid could rise to the top of his profession--writing songs we'll cherish forever. I teared up over the story of how "Save the Last Dance For Me" came to be, but was in awe most of the rest of the story, as it describes how he and Mort Shuman created all their masterpieces. A great companion read along with "Always Magic In the Air", "Tearing Down the Wall of Sound", and "Hound Dog". If you don't know who those titles refer to, look 'em up, get the books and read all about masters of pop song writing.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • J C
    5.0 out of 5 stars great bio of an increadable life
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    if you like music& have a soul you need this book
    Helpful
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  • MotoJoe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent bio.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very well-written biography of the songwriting legend. I didn't know his story but it is a fascinating one. He lived a difficult life with a severe disability but probably squeezed more out of it than most able-bodied people do. The writing is outstanding, unpretentiously solid and seemed the capture the spirit of the man without being melodramatic. I would read more of this author.
    Helpful
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  • Bore Vidal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't say enough about it...
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    "Lonely Avenue" is one of the most moving books I've read in a long, long time. It's so good, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and parts of it will make you want to jump out of your chair and cheer for its hero (and a new hero of mine), Doc Pomus, a true American orginal if there ever was one. Even if you don't know anything about him or his music, do yourself a favor and buy this book.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ronald G Gardiner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn`t put it down
    Reviewed in Canada on July 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I started this book at 8pm one night. Finished it in one reading 11 hrs later. Amazing biography.
    Report
  • Stephen Murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars I was always a fan of the great songs of Pomus and Shuman so this book was ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I was always a fan of the great songs of Pomus and Shuman so this book was a must. I was expecting an interesting life story most certainly but this was a well chronicled; lovingly researched; immensely readable and at times incredibly moving story of a force of nature.
    Report
  • G. E. Harrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars What's up Doc?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was vaguely aware of Doc Pomus's name as the writer of some classic R&B songs but didn't really know anything about him. I was therefore surprised to learn that he was a Jewish kid from Brooklyn who was crippled by polio as a child and spent his life on crutches or in a wheelchair but despite this he became a blues singer as a teenager in black clubs around New York in the late 1940s. The book tells Doc's story in the third person, it reads like a novel as we learn not only what Doc did but also what he thought and at first this annoyed me as I presumed that these thoughts were just supposition on the part of the author. However, despite never having met Doc, Alex Halberstadt wrote the book with access to Doc's extensive diaries and journals, as well as interviews with Doc's many friends and family so I think that we can take these 'thoughts' as pukka.

    I did really enjoy reading about Doc, his early career as a blues singer and then his conversion to a song writer, first of blues material and then rock and roll songs. We meet an endless parade of picaresque characters who Doc befriended, many of whom are straight out of a Damon Runyon story, indeed one of them is Runyon's son. We also learn of Doc's writing partners Mort Shuman, Mac Rabernnack and Willy Deville and the way that the music business changed throughout his career, the rise and fall of the Brill Building and the coming of the singer/songwriters. The book also includes an index, acknowledgements, discographical notes and credits and an afterword.
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  • M Baker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Great insight into the life of one of rock and roll's greatest writers.
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  • Tapio Turpeinen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great writing.
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