Rock ‘n Roll and cool cars have been linked together from the very beginning. If fact, the 1951 song “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenson is considered by most experts to be the first Rock ‘n Roll song ever recorded. Fast cars and loud music go together like a chopped top on a ’50 Merc: born to be cool. A new book by Tom Cotter and Ken Gross titled Rockin’ Garages highlights the passion many Rock artists have for the automobile. Rockin’ Garages lifts the garage door up and offers a rare chance to see the private collections of some of the biggest names in the music business.
Some collectors covered in the book like Billy Joel and Brian Johnson (AC/DC), are well known for their car and motorcycle appreciation. Others, such as Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Keith Urban have some cool rides tucked away in their garages that most us have never seen. It is interesting to learn how much some of these guys know about cars. They get enthusiastic when discussing their cars, just like any other Gearhead. As the book states in its preface: “Gearheads and rockers were joined by a common “Born to Be Wild” bond”. They may be famous in the music world, but when it comes to cars and motorcycles, they are just like bumping into another car nut at a car show talking about cars.
Large, crisp, creative photography by Michael Allen Ross make this a really fun book to look at as well as to read. The kick-ass forward by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is not to be missed. Presented in a 11”x10” hardback edition with 192 pages, it rocks! Find it on Amazon or on the Motorbooks website.
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