10 Memoirs by Musicians That Give You a Glimpse Behind the Music

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Musicians connect with their listeners through lyrics, which often provide an intimate insight into their personal lives. But when it comes to the world's most famous pop stars and rock musicians, there's a hunger to know more about the person behind the song. From where they came from to how they built such a successful career, the best memoirs can offer that extra insight into a singer's life.

From music superstars like Elton John to pop queens like Britney Spears, a plethora of musicians have embarked upon writing an autobiography, hoping to take fans behind the scenes of an extraordinary life. Rock legends like Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen have chronicled their respective paths to fame, while singer-songwriter Alicia Keys decided to get candid, opening up about everything from her childhood to what it means to be a woman in the music industry. Here, we round up 10 of the best memoirs by musicians available to read in 2023.

'The Meaning of Mariah Carey' by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis

Most of us are well acquainted with Mariah Carey's music career, but in her revealing memoir, the "Fantasy" singer takes fans behind the scenes of her private life. From her difficult childhood growing up in Long Island, New York, to her allegedly abusive marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola, Carey's book is a frank account of her incredible rise to fame.

Carey also offers readers a glimpse of her songwriting process while exploring her identity as a biracial woman in the music industry. Not to be missed.

'The Woman in Me' by Britney Spears

Following the end of Britney Spears' 13-year conservatorship, fans have been waiting to hear the superstar's story in her own words. With The Woman in Me, due October 24 from Gallery Books, Spears explores her rise to fame, her journey with motherhood, and her experiences breaking free from conservatorship, which became worldwide news.

Catapulted to fame with 1998's "Baby One More Time," Spears has had an incomparable career, and she's finally ready to share her truth with readers everywhere.

'Me' by Elton John

Having been born as Reginald Dwight in London on March 25, 1947, Elton John started making a name for himself in the '70s thanks to his iconic glam rock persona. In Me, John gets candid about his childhood, how he broke into the music industry, and how he overcame a decade-long drug addiction.

From his friendships with fellow musicians like Freddie Mercury and John Lennon to his marriage to David Furnish, John's memoir chronicles the life of one of the world's most noted singers.

'The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music' by Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl has had one of the most unbelievable careers in rock, from his early days drumming for Nirvana to his role as lead singer of the Foo Fighters. In The Storyteller, Grohl shares anecdotes from throughout his life, coming face-to-face with music royalty like Paul McCartney and Iggy Pop and building a family outside of fame.

From his childhood as an aspiring musician to what it was like working with Kurt Cobain, Grohl's memoir is a fascinating insight into an inimitable career.

'Chronicles: Volume One' by Bob Dylan

Chronicles: Volume One is the first memoir from Bob Dylan, one of America's most important singer-songwriters. The book gives readers snapshots of three specific moments in Dylan's career, starting in 1961, jumping to 1970, and ending in 1989.

Each segment charts Dylan's creative process, delving into unexpected moments from his life and sharing insight into how an icon came to be. Since its 2004 release, fans have been eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the celebrated memoir, which Dylan is rumored to be writing.

'I Put A Spell On You: The Autobiography Of Nina Simone' by Nina Simone with Stephen Cleary

First released in 1992, I Put a Spell on You: The Autobiography of Nina Simone was re-released in 2003 following the singer's death. As well as charting her incredible recording career and exemplary singing voice, the memoir also covers her personal life, exploring her failed marriages, serious health issues, a suicide attempt, and challenging business decisions.

Ultimately, Simone's book is a testament to her strength in the face of adversity and a celebration of her unforgettable musical career.

'Born to Run' by Bruce Springsteen

In his acclaimed biography, Bruce Springsteen opens up about his youth in New Jersey and explains the inspirations that led him to pursue a career in music. From the founding of the E Street Band to the successes that followed, Springsteen doesn't hold anything back.

He followed up his memoir with a Broadway tenure in which he read extracts from Born to Run and performed songs from throughout his career. Overall, Born to Run is an important insight into a quintessential American musician.

'More Myself: A Journey' by Alicia Keys with Michelle Burford

Alicia Keys has connected with listeners all over the world with her jaw-dropping voice and personal lyrics. In More Myself: A Journey, Keys takes readers back to her early childhood in Harlem and Hell's Kitchen, exploring difficult familial relationships alongside the events that led to her starting a singing career.

As well as being a biography, Keys' memoir explores what it means to be a woman in the public eye and the journey she's been on to discover her true self away from the spotlight.

'Open Book' by Jessica Simpson

In Open Book, Jessica Simpson candidly talks about her climb to the top, from her disastrous Mickey Mouse Club audition to competing with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the charts. Simpson doesn't hold anything back, detailing her struggle with alcoholism, her failed marriage to Nick Lachey, and romantic dalliances with John Mayer and Johnny Knoxville.

Following forays into acting, fashion, and business, Simpson reckoned with her career and herself, exposing the positives and the negatives of a life in the public eye.

'Decoded' by Jay-Z

Decoded takes Jay-Z fans on a journey from Shawn Carter's early days to the creation of a hip-hop legend. By combining biographical details from throughout his life with the dissemination of his own lyrics, Jay-Z builds a picture of how he rose to fame and what it took to get there.

An important look at hip-hop artistry, creatively written in an innovative format, Decoded provides a unique insight into one of music's most lauded figures.

You Might Also Like

• Nicole Richie’s Surprising Adoption Story

• The Story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Her Mother

• Queen Camilla's Life in Photos