Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989 Audiobook By Steve Lee cover art

Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

The History and Trivia Behind the Top 100 Hits of the 80s

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Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

By: Steve Lee
Narrated by: Nick Paras
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About this listen

Relive the Magic of the 80s: Discover the Untold Stories Behind the Decade's Biggest Chart-Toppers! Step into a time machine and relive the golden era of music with “Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989.” This captivating book takes you on a journey through the biggest hits of the 80s, unraveling the secrets, inspirations, and untold stories behind the top 100 chart-toppers that defined a generation.

Remember when the radio was your lifeline, and those unforgettable tunes on your favorite FM station became the soundtrack of your life? Each chapter of this book delves into the fascinating backstory of the decade's most iconic songs, from the electrifying beats of “Call Me” to the rebellious spirit of “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”.

Have you ever wondered:

•Who was the muse behind the song "Jessie's Girl," and was Jessie her real name?

•In the "Coming Up!" music video, Paul McCartney portrayed how many different characters? And who did those characters represent?

•What was the inspiration for Steve Miller conjured up the magic of the song "Abracadabra?"

•What is the real story behind Dire Straits' song "Money For Nothing" and who performs the song's trademark falsetto opening?

•What country banned the song, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" by Pink Floyd? And what was the song really about?

Not only does this book provide answers to these questions, but it also reveals the hidden treasures that lie behind the music that continues to reverberate in our times.

his book is perfect for anyone who wants to relive the magic of the 80s, discover new trivia, or simply celebrate the era that brought us some of the greatest hits ever recorded. This is more than just a book—it's a time capsule that will transport you back to the days of neon lights, big hair, and the unforgettable sound of the 80s.

©2024 Steven Lee (P)2024 Steven Lee
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What listeners say about Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

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Stories behind the songs

When you learn the story behind any song, it makes it that much better. This is a really cool history and trivia behind some of the world's best music to ever grace this planet. The 80's was an amazing time with so many great things that happened, the music being one of those great things!

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A Nostalgic Journey Through the 80s

If you're an 80s kid like me, "Smilin' Don's STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS: 1980-1989" is a must-read. It's like having a backstage pass to the greatest hits of the decade. I was immediately hooked, diving into stories I knew and discovering new ones.

Steve "Smilin' Don" Lee has a real knack for storytelling. He takes you behind the scenes of iconic songs, revealing the inspiration, the recording process, and sometimes, the drama. I was particularly fascinated by the inside scoop on "Jessie's Girl" and the real-life story behind it. And who knew that Paul McCartney played so many different characters in the "Coming Up!" video?

This book is a treasure trove for 80s music fans. It's not just about the facts and figures; it's about the emotions and memories that these songs evoke. Whether you're a casual listener or a die-hard fan, you'll find something to love in this book. So grab a can of soda, put on your favorite 80s tunes, and get ready for a nostalgic ride.

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Such a unique book!

This book was so interesting I’m glad I picked it up! This book covered so many fascinating songs that I’ve listened to my entire life but have never thought twice about. Now I know the backstory to a lot of these things and other interesting facts I never would have known otherwise.

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The 80s Come Alive with Heart and Fun


This book is a joy to read. The author takes you back to the 80s with stories that feel so real and close, like you’re hearing them from an old friend. The way each song is explained is clear and easy to follow, but also so exciting.
One part that really stayed with me was the story of Blondie. It brought back a memory from years ago when I was in my classroom with my little ones. One day, a child started singing and dancing to a song from that time. They didn’t know all the words, but they sang with so much happiness. It reminded me that music doesn’t need to be perfect to touch the heart.
The author captures that feeling—the way songs bring us together, no matter how young or old we are. What I really loved was how the stories showed that even famous artists started small, dreaming big. It teaches us that hard work and a little faith can take us far.
Reading this book felt like a gift. It makes you want to dance, sing, and remember all the good times. The author wrote everything so clearly that even someone who doesn’t know much about music will enjoy it. And if you lived through the 80s, it’s even better.
I think anyone who loves music or just good stories will find this book special. It’s a reminder to hold onto the things that make us smile.

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Nostalgic

Nostalgia--that's what you get when you listen to this audiobook, especially for those who love 80s music. It's cool listening to the behind-the-scenes stories of these songs. The mix of trivia and history keeps it interesting, and it made me appreciate those iconic hits even more. If you grew up with 80s radio or just love the music from that era, you will enjoy listening to this audiobook. It is entertaining, fun, and full of little surprises that make you want to share what you learned with everyone. A must-listen for music lovers!

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Like a time machine back to the 80s!

I grew up in the 80s listening to all these amazing songs, so it's really cool to hear the stories behind the songs ("Every Breath You Take" blew my mind). Narrated wonderfully by Nick Paras, it has the right amount of information, style, and fun to keep you listening for hours. I recommend it to anyone who loves this music and wants more background trivia knowledge to stuff in their brain! Highly recommended!

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Crazy interesting stories!

I was really suprised to learn more about some of these songs I love and some more that I forgot about until hearing this audiobook! There are some truly great songs to learn about and some truly cool things going on behind the scenes that you never could have guessed.

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Backstage Pass to the 80s!

This book is like cracking open a time capsule full of neon, big hair, and epic tunes! Smilin’ Don’s Stories Behind the Songs is pure 80s gold. Every page is packed with fun trivia and wild stories behind the biggest hits of the decade. Totally a must-read for any 80s music lover!

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FUN AND INFORMATIVE

i really like the idea of the author doing something like this for his wife and kids. It’s sweet. But other than that knowing the background of those songs back in 80s is really cool. I love artists and i love all kinds of arts , such music.The Narration is good too and the voice fits perfectly to this kind of theme. Thank you for making this!

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Great Stories Surrounding the Best Songs

I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook! There is so much back story to the songs we’ve been listening to for decades. Every song has a surprising way or reason it came to be. I’ll listen to these songs with a greater appreciation after listening to this audiobook. Highly recommend!

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