BookmarkedSinger Don Amero recommends book on Randy Bachman

Bachman's work ethic is second to none. He made some courageous and bold moves in the music industry that inspire me to be fearless.

—Don Amero, singer/songwriter

Singer/songwriter Don Amero lives and breathes music. His work has won national and international awards and he will be appearing at Aboriginal Music Week 2012. His latest album, Heart on my Sleeve, is out and he's heading out on tour to support it. 

SCENE wanted to know what this new father is reading during his spare time:

Right now I am reading the Randy Bachman autobiography Still Takin' Care of Business. Written by Bachman and Winnipeg writer John Einarson.

I have never really known much of Bachman other than his involvement with The Guess Who. I had no idea the kind of trials he endured to become the first band out of Canada to achieve international success. I love reading life stories from musicians who have made it. It gives me a lot of insight into how it worked for others. I also love reading about Winnipeg in the '60s and '70s, and in this book you get a great view of Winnipeg in that era through Bachman's eyes.

Bachman's work ethic is second to none. He made some courageous and bold moves in the music industry that inspire me to be fearless. I never knew of the sacrifices Bachman had to make to do what he did, but it opened my eyes to see what it took to make it in this industry in those days.

I am now a family man with a 10 month old son named Oscar (we caught this funny picture of him with one of Mama's books). Reading how Bachman spent so much time on the road and away from his family in pursuit of fame, it really occurred to me that I don't want that to be me. I feel there can be a better balance between home and work. I hope I can achieve that balance.

From his younger years as a teen growing up, to his triumphant rise to fame, to his latest endeavours in music and radio, this book is a great read for any music lover. I highly recommend it to all musicians as a guide book of sorts. There are do's and don'ts all throughout. I may even read it to Oscar as he gets a little bit older, but maybe he's ready for it now considering what he's already been into.

The digital worldwide launch of Don Amero's new album takes place on October 24th at 8 p.m. This concert is available to all, anywhere in the world.