Harper Collins, 2005
At the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's tragic passing, his partner Yoko Ono recruited a distinguished group of people who had known John or had been profoundly influenced by his music and art to write their reminiscences. Among the contributors were Bono, Ray Charles, John Fogerty, Peter Gabriel, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John, Carlos Santa and author/journalist Ritchie Yorke. It makes for a very meaningful book
Click here to buy Memories of John Lennon
Virgin Books, 2001
Ritchie Yorke was the first media person to predict Led Zeppelin's awesome North American success. He enjoyed an intimacy and access to the band unrivalled in media circles. Manager Peter Grant recruited Yorke to write a definitive biography of the band in 1975. The book he wrote focuses on the band's brilliant musicianship rather than backstage hijinx for which Zep became notorious. Robert Plant has described Yorke as being "one of us from the bloody beginning." This book enjoys deep support from genuine Zep enthusiasts and has sold more than a quarter million copies in various languages.
Virgin Books, 1991
Ritchie Yorke was the first media person to predict Led Zeppelin’s awesome North American success. He enjoyed an intimacy and access to the band unrivalled in media circles. Manager Peter Grant recruited Yorke to write a definitive biography of the band in 1975. The book he wrote focuses on the band’s brilliant musicianship rather than backstage hijinx for which Zep became notorious. Robert Plant has described Yorke as being “one of us from the bloody beginning.’’ This book enjoys deep support from genuine Zep enthusiasts and has sold more than a quarter million copies in various languages.
Following the death of John Lennon in 1980, Rolling Stone editors began to assemble a special tribute issue and book to commemorate his outstanding life. The issue came out in January 1981, this book the following year. It is a celebration of John’s life with Yoko featuring the journalists most closely associated with the Lennons including Jonathan Cott, Jann Wenner, Ralph J. Gleason, Chet Flippo, Robert Christgau and Ritchie Yorke. The Oral Appreciation section features the thoughts of key characters such as Gerry Marsden, Peter Fonda, Joan Baez, Carly Simon, Norman Mailer, Chuck Berry, David Geffen, Frank Sinatra and Ritchie Yorke.
The History of Rock `n’ Roll was based on an unprecedented award-winning radio doco series called The Evolution of Rock (The Music That Made the World Turn ‘Round). The program was widely syndicated throughout the U.S. and around the world. Featuring many exclusive color and black and white photographs, the book documents the period from the birth of rock `n’ roll in 1955 through its first two decades. It offers some rare insights into the rock culture.
Iconic Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison is legendary for his lack of desire to talk about his music and its lyrical meanings and inspirations. In this book which takes Van enthusiasts from the beginning until his 1974 classic, Veedon Fleece, the songwriters opens up about the origins of his music. Van himself regards this book as one of the few efforts to adequately and honestly reflect his tumultuous career. He paid author Yorke the ultimate compliment by naming his album Into the Music (1979) after the book.
Original edition - Ritchie Yorke was the first media person to predict Led Zeppelin’s awesome North American success. He enjoyed an intimacy and access to the band unrivalled in media circles. Manager Peter Grant recruited Yorke to write a definitive biography of the band in 1975. The book he wrote focuses on the band’s brilliant musicianship rather than backstage hijinx for which Zep became notorious. Robert Plant has described Yorke as being “one of us from the bloody beginning.’’ This book enjoys deep support from genuine Zep enthusiasts and has sold more than a quarter million copies in various languages.
Axes Chops & Hot Licks was published to coincide with the emergence of the Maple Music industry after the introduction of local content legislation on Canadian radio stations. This book details the origins and evolution of rock music in Canada and spotlights many of the artists associated with the country's musical output. This includes such internationally-known artists as the Guess Who, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, The Band, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Edward Bear and David Clayton-Thomas. Yorke is regarded as one of the pioneers of the MapleMusic scene.
With a foreword by Spencer Davis, this book features color and black and white photos and short biographies on a flock of British rock acts including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Procol Harum, the Yardbirds, Cream, Stevie Winwood, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. "The cover features an alternative shot from The Beatles" Sgt. Pepper photo session.
