LAUREL CANYON—I was on Lookout Mountain with Harvey Kubernik, and I introduced him to a paparazzo. They started to trade “Did you know?” stories. Who lived where, what part of Laurel Canyon the lyrics to a ”˜70s song referred to and so on. Did I know the lyrics of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” refers to ripping down the Garden of Allah? Did Mitchell live on Lookout Mountain Road when she wrote the song? Little quizzes pop up all the time. Did I remember Glen Campbell was one of the Beach Boys?
Apparently, Harvey was a writer, historian and in-depth interviewer of emerging and established rock stars in the ’60s and ’70s. He also wrote about the “behind the scenes people” such as managers and muses to these stars.He wrote for Mojo Music Magazine out of the UK. He’s written, co-authored or contributed to over 100 books and stories about rock ”˜n roll.
Harvey has now focused his craft on Laurel Canyon. In his book “Canyon of Dreams, The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon,” he describes Laurel Canyon as “that deep green crease that runs through the Hollywood Hills”¦there was always something spiritual about that slice through the green earth.” This book must weigh in at over five pounds, but it’s magical. It is part prose, matched by unbelievable photos which capture the most important people of his generation in serious and playful moments. It is truly funny, witty and sensitive.
One look at this book and you think, “It must have taken years to pull this information together.” Open it up to any random page and you will be mesmerized. Harvey’s prose transports you as if you are at the sit-down with the person he is interviewing. It’s magical. It’s an amazing work of art complete with a compilation of interviews. It’s a testament to rock ”˜n roll.
“Canyon of Dreams” lets you in on the back story of the cultural revolution that played out through its music, and all of it in our back yard. Treat yourself. You’ll have no regrets, just small sighs as you think, “I remember that.”
