Dream Brother: The Lives and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley

By David Browne

Book Overview

Jeff Buckley drowned in a branch of the Mississippi River on May 29,1997 -- the same day his band was to join him in Memphis to begin recording his eagerly anticipated second album. With his death, a rock legend died stillborn, leaving behind scattered musical works in progress, a reputation for electrifying performances, and memories of a voice that flowed effortlessly up and down five octaves in a style that made even other musicians' lyrics and melodies uniquely his own. He also left behind Grace, a recorded collection of ten songs whose power, range, and haunting beauty were equal to anything that had been put on vinyl or CD in decades. Jeff Buckley was thirty years old on that final, tragic day -- just two years older than was the errant father whom Jeff rejected for rejecting him, whose heart was stopped by heroin more than twenty years before: the brilliant, troubled troubadour of the sixties Tim Buckley. Based on interviews, many exclusive, with more than a hundred associates of both men, and letters, journals, and unreleased recordings, Dream Brother is a true story of twisting roads and bizarre parallel destinies. A double portrait of the musical life, it offers a fascinating and illuminating look at two eras of popular sound -- and explores the alluring starmaker machinery that aged Jeff and betrayed Tim. It is the story of the music, capturing in words the aural magic, the virtuosic experimentation, the wild, exhilarating rush. But first and foremost, it is the intimate, heartbreaking, and unforgettable story of two musicians blessed with consummate ability, each poised on the brink of stardom when the maelstrom dragged him down-a son searching for his father, a father searching for his soul, each pursuing the same demanding and dangerously seductive muse. Alternately sad and elating, riveting and revelatory, Dream Brother offers a stunning new understanding of the Buckley tragedies and legacies while brilliantly humanizing the Buckley myth. And it stands as a clear-eyed yet loving and compassionate memorial to the conflicted, self-effacing genius of Jeff and his wild rebel father, Tim, both of whom, for the briefest of moments, blazed brighter than all the other stars in the rock heavens.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061076082
• ISBN13: 9780061076084
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: It Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Captures his grace and spirit

Being a huge JB fan, I mourned his passing and the loss of any future gifts he had to give. Now reading the book nearly 6 years later, I mourn him all over again. But this time not just as a voice, but as a relentlessly creative, humorous, mooody, beautiful person as well. Although you do get the sense that a lot of pieces are missing about Jeff's erratic behavior and scattered personality, you are able to connect with his music in a much more profound way, knowing from which place this art emerged.

very well done

I have to admit I was wary of this book at first. Having known Jeff Buckley a bit from 'round the neighborhood during that magic Sin-e summer of '93, I knew that a dual-bio with his father Tim would have been among his worst nightmares. But Browne has artfully woven their stories together with an admirable degree of distance and sympathy. Though Browne is very even-handed in his treatment of the elder Buckley, Tim's actions speak for themselves: often a fearless and innovative musician, he was also horribly self-centered, indulgent, and selfish. Jeff comes off as the sweet one, which (mostly) he was. His loss was immense and breaks my heart to this day, and I'm glad that Browne has avoided the bottom-feeder approach of his contemporaries (like Victor Bockris) and written a book that is caring, accurate, and moving. If you like either or both Buckleys, this is a bracing read that will enrich the experience of listening to their music.

A Very Good Book

I have been a fan of Tim Buckley for about six months(not long at all!). But I wanted to learn more about his life, and of Jeffs when I found out he had a son... It satisfied my curiosity of Tim and Jeffs life. I have also recently become a fan of Jeff as well. This book gave a whole lot of details on their childhoods and such. I particularly like the interviews mixed into this book from family members and friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a really good read. I don't think you'll be disappointed for buying this book.

Very Insightful and informative

I absolutely love this book. I am a recent 'convert' to the music of Jeff Buckley and he possessed a passion that I haven't heard in any other music. David Browne has done an excellent job of showing who Tim & Jeff Buckley were & why their music touched people in such a unique way. I would recommend this book and their music to anyone!

Dream Brothers indeed

I have waited a long time for a book such as this one, but was worried about the integrity of the author of a topic so dear to my heart. My reservations were, as it turns out, unfounded, particularly when I discovered that Jeff's mother, Mary Guibert had been consulted and had given the author numerous interviews and access to her most private life, and her most precious son's memory. David Browne approaches the life stories of Tim and Jeff Buckley with the utmost respect and reverence. I am so grateful for this insight into Jeff's life in particular, although reading the book just brings home all over again how much of a thorough tragedy his loss has brought - both to the music world, and the world at large.I get the distinct inpression that Jeff Buckley was always IN this world, but not OF this world. I just thank the higher powers that he left behind his most precious gift to us - his music.