What I Was Listening To When ...: A Memoir Set To Music

The way the moments and the music connected over his life in literature and the law is author Jack L.B. Gohn's subject in this literate and revelatory memoir.

Charting his evolution from a 1950s preschooler absorbing a misleading sense of security from a children's record to a retiree deriving pandemic solace from watching musicians collaborate remotely on a Sondheim overture over YouTube, Gohn vividly evokes the times and astutely interprets the songs. Along the way, Gohn scrutinizes the work of performers from universally -known icons like the Beatles and Dylan to world musicians like Pietra Montecorvino and San Telmo Lounge, from country stars like the Chicks to orchestral composers like John Adams.

Partly confessional, partly poignant reminiscence, partly an interrogation of the music that structured Gohn's thoughts and feelings over seventy years, What I Was Listening to When... explores a varied life and a unique sensibility.

And the reader can come along for the ride streaming free shared playlists on Spotify and YouTube that track the songs considered in the book.