BMG Publishes First Book With 'The Odessey: The Zombies in Words and Images'

Up next are titles by Wanda Jackson, Metal Blade's Brian Slagel and Barney Hoskyns.

BMG is diving into the world of music book publishing with its first publication out today celebrating
the 50th anniversary of The Zombies’ 1968 classic album Odessey and Oracle. It is the first in a series of music-related hardcovers, softcovers, e-books, photo books, audio books and associated projects from BMG that will explore the intersection between music and culture.

Upcoming books include memoirs by Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel and songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, an autobiography by rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson and the publication of Barney Hoskyns’ out-of-print "Say It One Time For The Brokenhearted: Country Soul In The American South."

“This latest extension of BMG’s service to artists is about seeking out every opportunity to serve our clients’ needs, as well as open new conversations within the BMG framework," said Zach Katz, BMG US president, repertoire & marketing, in a statement. "It’s about putting our clients at the center, deepening our relationship and working together with them to figure out the best strategy for realizing their creative ideas. It’s also about publishing great books.”

Coordinating BMG’s new books list is LA-based Scott B. Bomar, an award-winning author who penned Southbound, a definitive history of Southern rock, and earned a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best Album Notes.

 “Most artists and songwriters have a story to tell, whether in words or pictures," Said Bomar in a statement. "We aim to give them the opportunity to do just that.”

The “Odessey: The Zombies in Words and Images," was assembled by the four surviving original members of the seminal British Invasion band and features a foreword from Tom Petty as well as reflections from  an array of people, including: Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, Susanna Hoffs, Paul Weller, Graham Nash, Patti LaBelle, Al Kooper, Clive Davis, Cage the Elephant, Beach House, and Nate Ruess of FUN.

Further titles due out through BMG this year include:

- "For the Sake of Heaviness," a memoir by Metal Blade Records founder and CEO Brian Slagel in celebration of the label’s 35th anniversary (foreword by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich).

- Wanda Jackson’s autobiography "Every Night is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" (foreword by Elvis Costello).

-"Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout," a memoir by Billy Edd Wheeler best known for writing Johnny Cash and June Carter’s ‘Jackson.’

- Out-of- print titles including British music journalist Barney Hoskyns’ first book "Say It One Time For The Brokenhearted: Country Soul In The American South" (30th Anniversary edition and first U.S. publication).