Deep into July, the Al Jarreau biography is not yet out for the public — but it’s getting close. Just a few days ago I received one of the “advance copies” in the mail (probably the only one I will see before September). But just having this copy in my hands and leafing through the pages is a rewarding experience, and an indication of just how close this almost four-year journey is to fruition. The book looks great; the Wisconsin Historical Society Press has done it again! I’d like to think that Al Jarreau’s compelling musical and life stories are represented in a way that will renew interest in him as an important cultural figure and inspirational human being. This comes as there is already a revival in interest about him in his hometown — a movement in Milwaukee to rename a public park after him (https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/07/21/park-being-renamed-after-milwaukee-jazz-legend/), with an associated mural (https://wtmj.com/news/2023/07/10/work-on-mural-honoring-al-jarreau-underway-on-milwaukees-north-side/).

After the release of the book I’ll be doing some book talks around the state. While details are still being ironed out, dates in Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha are already booked, with a date in hometown Ripon in negotiation. I’ll be posting those events on the “Coming Events” page of this site soon.

And while it’s not my favorite place to have you buy the new book, Never Givin’ Up is already listed for pre-order at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Givin-Up-Music-Jarreau/dp/1976600197/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1E6QDNW2DCKYT&keywords=Never+Givin%27+Up&qid=1684617463&sprefix=never+givin%27+up%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-2

I can’t wait to share this book with all of you!