Dream Brother: The Lives and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley

By David Browne

Book Overview

When Jeff Buckley drowned at the age of thirty in 1997, he not only left behind a legacy of brilliant music -- he brought back haunting memories of his father, '60s troubadour Tim Buckley, a gifted musician who barely knew his son and who himself died at twenty-eight. Both father and son made transcendent music that mixed rock, jazz, and folk; both amassed a cadre of obsessive, adoring fans. This absorbing dual biography -- based on interviews with more than one hundred friends, family members, and business associates as well as access to journals and unreleased recordings -- tells for the first time the intriguing, often heartbreaking story of these two musicians. It offers a new understanding of the Buckleys' parallel lives -- and tragedies -- while exploring the changing music business between the '60s and the '90s. Finally, it tells the story of a father and son, two complex, enigmatic men who died searching for themselves and each other.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038080624X
• ISBN13: 9780380806249
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Dey Street Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Captures his grace and spirit

Being a huge JB fan, I mourned his passing and the loss of any future gifts he had to give. Now reading the book nearly 6 years later, I mourn him all over again. But this time not just as a voice, but as a relentlessly creative, humorous, mooody, beautiful person as well. Although you do get the sense that a lot of pieces are missing about Jeff's erratic behavior and scattered personality, you are able to connect with his music in a much more profound way, knowing from which place this art emerged.

very well done

I have to admit I was wary of this book at first. Having known Jeff Buckley a bit from 'round the neighborhood during that magic Sin-e summer of '93, I knew that a dual-bio with his father Tim would have been among his worst nightmares. But Browne has artfully woven their stories together with an admirable degree of distance and sympathy. Though Browne is very even-handed in his treatment of the elder Buckley, Tim's actions speak for themselves: often a fearless and innovative musician, he was also horribly self-centered, indulgent, and selfish. Jeff comes off as the sweet one, which (mostly) he was. His loss was immense and breaks my heart to this day, and I'm glad that Browne has avoided the bottom-feeder approach of his contemporaries (like Victor Bockris) and written a book that is caring, accurate, and moving. If you like either or both Buckleys, this is a bracing read that will enrich the experience of listening to their music.

A Very Good Book

I have been a fan of Tim Buckley for about six months(not long at all!). But I wanted to learn more about his life, and of Jeffs when I found out he had a son... It satisfied my curiosity of Tim and Jeffs life. I have also recently become a fan of Jeff as well. This book gave a whole lot of details on their childhoods and such. I particularly like the interviews mixed into this book from family members and friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a really good read. I don't think you'll be disappointed for buying this book.

Very Insightful and informative

I absolutely love this book. I am a recent 'convert' to the music of Jeff Buckley and he possessed a passion that I haven't heard in any other music. David Browne has done an excellent job of showing who Tim & Jeff Buckley were & why their music touched people in such a unique way. I would recommend this book and their music to anyone!

Dream Brothers indeed

I have waited a long time for a book such as this one, but was worried about the integrity of the author of a topic so dear to my heart. My reservations were, as it turns out, unfounded, particularly when I discovered that Jeff's mother, Mary Guibert had been consulted and had given the author numerous interviews and access to her most private life, and her most precious son's memory. David Browne approaches the life stories of Tim and Jeff Buckley with the utmost respect and reverence. I am so grateful for this insight into Jeff's life in particular, although reading the book just brings home all over again how much of a thorough tragedy his loss has brought - both to the music world, and the world at large.I get the distinct inpression that Jeff Buckley was always IN this world, but not OF this world. I just thank the higher powers that he left behind his most precious gift to us - his music.