SONGS IN URSA MAJOR
SONGS IN URSA MAJOR by Emma Brodie is the sort of book that you can read in one sitting (and I mean that as a compliment!). It’s a sweeping love story inspired by the real-life romance between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. That’s not to say it’s overly frothy – writer Emma Brodie explores themes of addiction (again drawn from Taylor’s real life) and mental illness. It’s the perfect summer read, both for fans of the 1970s music scene and for anyone who likes stories about heartbreak (and if you think that’s a spoiler, have you really never heard of Carly Simon??).
—Julia Hammer, Director of Production
Editor’s Note: Joni Mitchell’s seminal album, BLUE, turned 50 this week, and this roundup of musicians speaking about their favorite songs on the album is fantastic. The submission from James Taylor is a highlight and adds a little more color around their relationship too—whether or not it’s revisionist history, only Joni can say.
