"Sitting on a corn flake... waiting for the van to come..."
    I Am the Walrus
    (Lennon/McCartney)

If John Lennon had lived, he would have made a great disc jockey, probably in satellite radio like Dylan. And an excellent name for his show would have been 'Cornflakes with John Lennon', the title of Robert Hilburn's new book on various musical artists. Hilburn is the long time music critic for the Los Angeles Times, and over the years, has become one of the most respected writers in all of Pop music. Unlike many younger pop writers, Hilburn actually grew up in the Elvis Sun Records era and has always held various styles of music close to his heart. Starting out writing on Country music, Hilburn eventually moved to Pop music. His early columns on John Prine and Kris Kristofferson helped both artists as they struggled to find an audience.

Perhaps his most amazing association was with John Lennon. During Dr. Winston O'Boogie's 'lost weekend,' Harry Nilsson, Hilburn and John became good friends. His story of John sneaking chocolate in the recording studio and not wanting Yoko to see him in the act is priceless. Hilburn was also granted the only interview with Bob Dylan during his 'born again' period. His strange encounters with Bob are revealed in these pages. Speaking of strange, Robert Hilburn was invited by the late Michael Jackson to watch cartoons with him in bed.

Like many of us, Hilburn was totally enthralled with a young Bruce Springsteen and his dynamic live show. So close did they become, that Bruce actually took Hilburn's advice about altering his set list after Robert told him he was playing too many old hits.

Few musical artists truly respect the press and for good reason. Most writers lock into the 'next big thing'. Robert Hilburn has made his career by traveling the less known road, seeking out artists with a unique vision and style. Bono, in an amazing reflection, confesses that Robert Hilburn's criticisms actually helped in a positive way to alter his development as a musician.

Rarely has a Rock writer ever gotten as close to some of the greatest musical acts in this lifetime as has Robert Hilburn. And for this, all music lovers should rejoice.

"It's impossible to read this book and not encounter passages that surprise, sadden, and hearten. It's also impossible to read 'Corn Flakes with John Lennon' and not recognize Robert Hilburn as the greatest interviewer in rock & roll history."
    - Mikal Gilmore, author of 'Night Beat: A Shadow History of Rock & Roll'

Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life
By Robert Hilburn
Introduction by Bono
Rodale

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Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life

Review by Scott Acton:
Host of My Back Pages - airs Sundays 3-4 PM Eastern Time U.S. and Things We Said Today - airs Wednesday 8-9 PM Eastern Time U.S. - airs Sundays 8-9 AM Eastern Time U.S. on 91.9 WNTI & www.wnti.org