The Wall of Fame: New York City's Legendary Manny's Music

Photos and stories from the world-famous store where The Beatles, Hendrix and The Who bought gear. Even before the popularity of the electric guitar or the invention of the wah-wah pedal, Manny's Music in New York City was providing the hardware for swing stars and big bands, and establishing itself as the place to go for musicians in the know. This book is not only for anyone who has ever bought a guitar or played in a band, but also for fans and music history buffs who want insight into a side of the music world hardly ever seen by non-musicians. It's also for anyone whoever wondered where Buddy Holly got his Stratocaster ... or where Jimi Hendrix got his. * Manny's Music is quite literally the store heard 'round the world. Turning the pages of this book, you'll enter a world of Strats and Les Pauls, of Dyna-Sonic snare drums, fuzz boxes, wah-wahs and much more. * A lavishly produced must-have book that includes testimonials and anecdotes from music's biggest stars, and the participation of every major musical instrument company.

In the foreword to this tribute to New York City's Manny's Music, Paul Simon recalls accompanying his father to the store at age 14 to pick out his first guitar. By that time Manny's had already established its reputation among swing and big band greats, and was soon to sell instruments to pioneers of the electric era including Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend, and the Beatles. Amid over 100 b&w autographed photos from famous customers, proprietor Henry Goldrich remembers visits from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder, among others. Also included are Manny's Music anecdotes from customers (including Carlos Santana), family, and friends. No table of contents or index is provided. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Before the popularity of the electric guitar and before every teenager with a rock 'n' roll dream had a band in their garage, Manny's Music in New York City was providing the hardware for swing stars and big bands, and establishing itself as the place to go for the musician in the know. Besides being a garden of delight for musicians looking for the latest gear, Manny's became a center of activity where stories and tips were swapped among superstars and budding musicians alike. The Wall of Fame is not only for anyone who has ever bought a guitar or played in a band, but for fans and music history freaks who want insight into a side of the music world hardly ever seen by non-musicians. It's for whoever wondered where Buddy Holly got his Stratocaster . . . or where Jimi Hendrix got his. "Manny's was a place where you could almost feel the spirit of those musicians whose photos adorned the walls. I treasure my experiences in this wonderful place."--Carlos Santana