"Tuned In is a fantastic read! Fascinating insider stories. World traveler, gifted artist, and his knowledge of all things piano is incredible. Great job with all you've accomplished!"
- David Foster, 16-time Grammy-winning producer"I adore this memoir so. Tuned In is a truly fascinating tale by a fascinating man. I can't wait to re-read it with the television off."
- Martin Short, actor, comedian, singer, writer"Tuned In is so much more than I expected. Jim shares his adventures and experiences with some of the world's greatest music icons, filling every page with humor and insight. But more than that, his story is both inspiring and relatable, and will resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity in pursuit of their goals. Highly recommended."
- Ray Romano, Emmy-winning actor"... a wonderful story that will encourage the reader to follow their dreams."- Alan Bergman, lyricist with 3 Oscars, 4 Emmys & 2 Grammy awards"I don't trust just anyone to care for my pianos. Jim has been the man to do that for me for over 35 years! His story's enlightening and inspiring, especially for anyone trying to make it in music.
- Diane Warren, Grammy, Emmy, & Oscar-winning songwriter"Not only has Jim Wilson made my life more harmonious for the past 30 years, but he used his amazing gift to enhance the work of many a musical legend. He shares this long and amazing career with us in Tuned In. I could not put it down! Brilliant, funny and touching."
- Ed Begley Jr., author, actor, environmentalist"Jim is a genius technician, musician, and a dynamite piano tuner! Tuned In is fascinating. Who knew? Congratulations, Jim!"
- Barry Manilow, Grammy, Emmy & Tony-winning Hall of Fame artist with 85 million albums sold"...Jim's book is filled with wonderful stories and anecdotes of his adventures in our musical world. I recommend it highly."
- Carole Bayer Sager, Grammy & Academy Award-winning songwriter"Who'd have thought the story of a piano tuner could be so enthralling? Tuned In, Jim Wilson's beautifully-woven tale, gives an emotional, creative, and revealing insight to the world of music from bar bands to superstars. Deeply honest and personal, occasionally heart-rending, often hilarious and enlightening about what makes music and musicians tick. Little wonder so many musical heroes took him to their hearts."
- Neville Farmer, author, music journalist, filmmaker
2024-01-17
Wilson’s memoir chronicles an aspiring artist’s life in the music industry.
The author grew up in Amarillo, Texas, in the 1960s. He got involved in some youthful hijinks, like stealing beer with friends, but he had long set his heart on making music. He eventually settled in Los Angeles in the late 1970s, but how would he survive in such an expensive city overflowing with talented people chasing similar dreams? The answer: piano tuning. Prior to his time in L.A., he attended a six-month program in Cleveland learning piano tuning, and the training paid off—with diligence, he obtained a reputation in L.A. as a dependable technician. When MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology came around, he established himself as an installation expert. This work, along with the tuning gigs, brought him into the orbit of mega-stars such as Carole King, Elton John, and Paul McCartney (the book includes photos of the author posing with various musical heavyweights). Despite the success of his efforts, the author still wanted to pursue his own musical career; he put together an album of music described as “folk-meets-Celtic-meets-classical-meets-whatever” and began the meticulous task of building a name for himself. This memoir shines a light on the figure of the entertainment industry technician. Even celebrities need their pianos tuned, and, when something goes wrong, it can be disastrous—Wilson recounts an Elton John performance in which, due to some complications with a MIDI device, Elton was ready to leave the show early. While many of the stories concern famous names (rest assured, McCartney is a “great dude”), the book is at its best in grittier moments; even with the author’s connections, his career as an artist started very much at the bottom, performing and selling CDs in shopping malls. Such hardships help make the book an endearing, well-rounded reflection.
An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit.
