The 2nd Penderyn Music Book Prize is nearly upon us. Memoirs from musicians Patti Smith, Elvis Costello and Grace Jones have been long-listed, while biographies of John Peel, Sandy Denny and Tubby Hayes have also made the list.
The judging panel is made up of DJ and critic, Stuart Maconie; broadcaster, Annie Nightingale; journalist, Mark Ellen; musicians Green Gartside and Eliza Carthy; actor and writer, Robin Ince and music critic, Jude Rogers.
Last year’s inaugural winner, Mark Lewisohn, said: “It was a personal thrill when ‘Tune In’ won, because it was the inaugural award, because Penderyn is a good company – going about its business the right way – and because the award is announced at the annual Laugharne festival, a weekend full of music, poetry and literature.” Lewisohn won for his biography – The Beatles: All These Years: Volume One: Tune In.
The shortlist will be revealed in March 2016, and the prize of £1000 and a bottle of Penderyn Single Cask single malt will be presented to the winning author at the Laugharne Weekend on 3rd April 2016.
Stephen Davies, Penderyn’s MD, said, ‘This year’s long-list looks very competitive. As a music fan myself, I’m really looking forward to the presentation of 2nd Penderyn Music Book Prize. May the best book win!’