cover image You Gotta Be Bad Before You Can Be Good: Talent Shows - Career-Building Advice for the Stars of Tomorrow

You Gotta Be Bad Before You Can Be Good: Talent Shows - Career-Building Advice for the Stars of Tomorrow

Cliffie Stone, Joan C. Stone. Cliffie Stone's Showdown, Incorporated, $16.95 (200pp) ISBN 978-1-880152-01-0

Stone serves up practical advice and encouragement for aspiring musicians, country style, in this amiable, posthumously published meditation on talent shows. Known throughout the country music business as a tireless promoter of emerging artists, Stone (Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Songwriting but Didn't Know Who to Ask) was historian of the Academy of Country Music for many years; since 1969, the ACM has awarded its annual Pioneer Award (the ""Cliffie"") to people who have made unique contributions to country music. Drawing on his experience as a musician, songwriter, publisher, booking agent and producer of radio and television programs that launched careers for a number of well-known performers, Stone and his coauthor/wife provide guidance along with anecdotes and homespun humor. From overcoming stage fright and hiring a manager to avoiding a major pitfall for performers--alcohol and substance abuse--the Stones cover all of the bases from beginner to seasoned pro. Novices will find much of the material useful, although those past the open mike stage may find the book somewhat repetitive. Likewise, Stone's easygoing, conversational tone will help take the edge off newcomers' anxiety and self-doubt, but some readers will find the jokes hokey and the quality of the writing less than melodious. Despite the focus on talent shows, it is Stone's exuberance as a cheerleader for fledgling artists that will likely remain in readers' minds. (Feb.)