The Real Things - by Brent Bourgeois (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This is a book about my fifty years as a survivor, even a thriver in the music business. Fifty years as a keyboardist, bandmember, background singer, lead singer, songwriter, solo artist, music director, producer, orchestral arranger, A&R executive, worship leader, sideman, main man, playing funk music, Christian music, Devil's music, jazz, rock, writing music for the biggest tech company in the world, and never working an honest day in my life. This is a nuts-and-bolts, warts-and-all look at a lifetime in music. There are plenty of famous people in it. There are club gigs, theatre gigs, arena gigs, and stadium gigs, European tours, North American tours, bus tours and flights on Lear jets, basketball with a Prince, close encounters with a Princess and a Beatle, Todd and more Todd, altar calls with Billy Graham, management by rock royalty, and finally, working for tech royalty. It is about temptation, and the pitfalls of being an addict and a local hero at the same time. It is about my talent being way ahead of my brain for a long while. And finally, my struggle with religion in general, and Christianity in particular, is detailed within these pages.

Review Quotes

"Speaking with humor and insight, this is a fascinating glimpse into Brent's heart and what makes him tick"- Jude Lemons

"This is a book for the ages, a must-read...inspirational, entertaining, heart wrenching at times, and authentic in its delivery and emphasis. It is a history book, a hymnal, an exercise in humility, and a must read for people of all ages."-Taj Artis-Parsons

"The Real Things is not just a great book by a great musician. It is a roadmap to reality-how to build a sustainable artistic life-and how to recover from both your victories and your failures, with grace and humility."- Charlie Peacock