Quotes from Joel Selvin

When I first called Jerry Wexler, the man everybody most associates with Berns's career, and told him I planned to work on this book, Wexler's affable tone disappeared. "I'll tell you this," he said. "I don't know where he's buried, but if I did, I would piss on his grave.

The story of Bert Berns lies buried under layers of history. Much of his music has gone unheard since its original release.

Berns made fifty-one pop chart singles in seven years;

To these old hands, rock and roll sounded like musical illiteracy, the undignified, untutored keenings of woebegone Negroes, hicks, and juvenile delinquents.

Seskin has the gift of song...his voice has a natural lilt that can't be learned. The combination of musicianship and repertoire make for a rich and satisfying musical experience.