The Seekers - by John Densmore (Paperback)

About the Book

"Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance, many of us have experienced art so pure-so innovative-that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately for us, this book is here to offer us a bridge. In The Seekers, John Densmore-the iconic drummer of The Doors and author of the New York Times bestseller Riders on the Storm-digs deep into his own process and draws upon his privileged access to his fellow artists and performers in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past fifty years, this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking journey into the soul of the artist. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmore ultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning. Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir Meetings with Remarkable Men, this book is fueled by Densmore's abundant collection of transformative experiences-both personal and professional-with everyone from Ravi Shankar to Patti Smith, Jim Morrison to Janis Joplin, Bob Marley to Gustavo Dudamel, Lou Reed to Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis to his own dear, late Doors bandmate Ray Manzarek. Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists of the past century-but a way for readers to identify and ignite their own creative spark, and light their own fire."--Amazon.com

Book Synopsis

The iconic drummer of The Doors investigates his own relationship with creativity and explores the meaning of artistry with other artists and performers in this compelling and spellbinding memoir.

Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance, many of us have experienced art so pure-so innovative-that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately for us, this book is here to offer us a bridge.

In The Seekers, John Densmore--the iconic drummer of The Doors and author of the New York Times bestseller Riders onthe Storm--digs deep into his own process and draws upon his privileged access to his fellow artists and performers in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past fifty years, this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking journey into the soul of the artist. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmore ultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning.

Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir Meetings with Remarkable Men, this book is fueled by Densmore's abundant collection of transformative experiences--both personal and professional--with everyone from Ravi Shankar to Patti Smith, Jim Morrison to Janis Joplin, Bob Marley to Gustavo Dudamel, Lou Reed to Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis to his own dear, late Doors bandmate Ray Manzarek. Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists of the past century--but a way for readers to identify and ignite their own creative spark, and light their own fire.

Review Quotes

"A special kind of book... [this] easy-read is nothing short of magnificent."--LA YOGA

"I really enjoyed getting John's unique and insightful view of such an eclectic group of inspiring people."--Bonnie Raitt, musician and activist

"John Densmore has the heart of a seeker. Always aiming, not for the sparrow, but for the eye of the sparrow in his search for meaning. His compass took him straight to the core of the moment and of the people he was drawn to by his uncanny ability to divine wisdom throughout his fairly frenzied life. It is reaffirming and gratifying to those of us who shared some of the same friends to revisit those unique and original souls."--Olivia Harrison, author of George Harrison: Living in the Material World

"John Densmore wrote this book about great artists he's known in the same fashion that he plays drums and lives his life. He understands and demonstrates the value of both silence and sound, space and statement. All the while, he brings us backstage to the parties and personalities that have inspired greatness and been cautionary tales of excess. He proves that it's never too late to grow and these are teachable moments from the life of a master."--John Doe of X, and co-author of Under the Big Black Sun and More Fun in the New World

"John Densmore is a beautiful human being and a gift to us all. His lessons are profound and his eloquent words and voice touch us deeply."--Ron Kovic, Vietnam Veteran and author of Born on the Fourth of July

"John Densmore is a true seeker, a force of good in the universe."--Jack Black, actor and musician

A Best Classic Bands' "Best Music Book of the Year"

"[It's] fascinating it is to read this veteran musician's thoughts... these reflections should strike a resonant chord in any aficionado of the arts."--All About That Jazz

"A joyful history lesson for music geeks."--SPIN

About the Author

John Densmore is an original and founding member of The Doors. In 1993, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and since then, he has earned a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to his bestselling book, Riders on the Storm, his writing has also been featured in the Los AngelesTimes, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Nation, and Chicago Tribune, among others. He lives in Los Angeles.