Robert Hilburn's storied career as a rock critic has allowed him a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of the most iconic figures of our time. He was the only music critic to visit Folsom Prison with Johnny Cash. He knew John Lennon during his lost weekend period in Los Angeles. Bob Dylan granted him his only interviews during his "born-again" period. Michael Jackson invited Hilburn to watch cartoons with him in his bedroom. When Hilburn scolded Springsteen for turning his legendary concerts into oldies revues, Springsteen changed his set list. In this unique account of the symbiotic relationship between critic and musical artist, Hilburn reflects on the ways in which he has changed and been changed by the subjects he's covered. It's more than one man's adventures in rock and roll: it's the story of how popular music helps to define the modern American character.--From publisher description.… (more)