Local Heroes

Price: $23.95  

Subtitle: The Asbury Park Music Scene
Author: Anders Mårtensson, and Jörgen Johansson
Subject: Music, New Jersey and the Midatlantic Region
Paper ISBN 978-0-8135-4294-2
Pages: 240 pages, 99 photographs

During the 1950s and 1960s, Asbury Park, New Jersey, was the place to be-to stroll along the boardwalk, to sunbathe, and, most importantly, to listen to live music. But since the city fell into ruin, culminating in the race riots of the 1970s, many were left to wonder if the former rock 'n' roll mecca had been silenced forever. In Local Heroes, author Anders Mårtensson and photographer Jörgen Johansson revisit the myths, legends, and romantic visions of the music scene in a town that is striving to make a comeback.

While the story of Asbury Park is inseparable from widely popular artists, such as Bruce Springsteen, Steven van Zandt, and Southside Johnny Lyon, Local Heroes pays tribute to these musicians alongside the many other talents who stayed behind, playing in local clubs, helping to forge what became known as the "Jersey Shore sound." In a series of original interviews, readers will hear first-hand from the people who wrote, performed, and lived the music. Accompanied by exclusive photographs, musical personalities such as Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg, Danny Federici, Bill Chinnock, Vini Lopez, Pete Yorn, and many others are brought to life.

Whether the redevelopment efforts underway in Asbury Park today will someday serve as the stage for music legends of tomorrow is a story that has yet to play out. But for now, rock 'n' roll fans can delight in a stunning tribute to a city and its talents whose music continues to play on.

Anders Mårtensson is a Swedish author and journalist who grew up listening to Bruce Springsteen.

Jörgen Johansson is an award-winning photojournalist and a long-time follower of the Asbury Park music scene.