Rocking Toward a Free World

When the Stratocaster Beat the Kalashnikov
by András Simonyi
$28.00

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From renowned diplomat and musician András Simonyi -- whom Stephen Colbert calls "the only ambassador I know who can shred a mean guitar!" -- comes a timely and revealing memoir about growing up behind the Iron Curtain and longing for freedom while chasing the great power of rock and roll.
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Published By Grand Central Publishing

Format Hardback

Number Of Pages 336

Publication Date 06/04/2019

ISBN 9781538762219

Dimensions 6.4 inches x 9.3 inches


"Around 2004, it came as a great surprise to me that my band, Traffic, was one of the first western rock bands to play in Hungary after the uprising, which took place there in 1956. András was at the show I did in 1968, and although we were kept separated by the audience, András made brief contact with us. Since that time, he has become a friend, a champion, and an ardent believer in music as the universal world language of peace."—Steve Winwood

"A fascinating and very personal account of how rock and roll conquered communism. I felt like I was right there as music took the stage, witnessing a man and country change before us."—Stephen Colbert

"András Simonyi was a great ambassador from Hungary to the United States. Now, he's a great ambassador for rock n' roll, showing readers how American music penetrated through the Iron Curtain and inspired a generation."—Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright

"Whether through the skillful practice of diplomacy or guitar, András Simonyi understands better than most how the power of music can unite cultures and countries the world over. This stunningly detailed and inspiring personal account will entertain revolutionaries and rockers alike."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.7px Helvetica; color: #212121; -webkit-text-stroke: #212121}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and New York Times bestselling author of Promise Me

"Simonyi's memoir serves as an urgent reminder that we should not take freedom for granted."—Financial Times

 
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