Lowside of the Road: A Life of Tom Waits by Barney Hoskyns

"Lowside of the Road: A Life of Tom Waits" is a biography of the American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, written by Barney Hoskyns. Published in 2009, the book delves into Waits's life, music, and career, offering insights into his unique style, which blends elements of rock, blues, jazz, and vaudeville. Waits is known for his raspy voice, poetic lyrics, and distinctive sound, as well as his private life away from the public eye.

Barney Hoskyns, a respected music journalist and author, compiled the biography through extensive research, including interviews with people close to Waits and reviews of his musical and theatrical works. However, it's important to note that Waits himself and his wife Kathleen Brennan did not participate in the making of the book, making it an unauthorized biography. Despite this, "Lowside of the Road" is considered a comprehensive and enlightening read for fans of Tom Waits, offering a glimpse into the life of one of music's most enigmatic figures. The book covers Waits's evolution as an artist, his personal transformation over the years, and the development of his career from the 1970s onwards, exploring how his work has influenced the music industry and artists worldwide.