The Music World Mourns the Loss of Stanley Booth

Artistic representation of Memphis music scene with instruments

News Summary

Stanley Booth, a renowned author and music historian, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of influential writing on music and culture. His contributions, especially about the Rolling Stones, have shaped music journalism for decades. The Memphis community is now planning a memorial for this beloved figure, whose storytelling continues to inspire many.

The Music World Mourns the Loss of Stanley Booth at 82

Memphis has lost one of its most beloved figures, Stanley Booth, a noted author, music historian, and vibrant cultural critic, who passed away late Thursday night at the age of 82. His daughter, Ruby Booth, shared the somber news, revealing that Stanley spent his final days at the ACH Harbor View nursing home in Memphis, where he had been receiving hospice care after struggling with health issues for several years.

A Storied Career in Music and Writing

Stanley Booth wasn’t just an author; he was a storyteller in the truest sense, known for his colorful and compelling writing style that drew readers into the heart of the music scene. He is particularly famous for his extensive documentation of the Rolling Stones during their tumultuous 1969 American tour, which notably included the infamous Altamont concert tragedy. His passion and dedication culminated in a 15-year-long project—a biography titled “The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones,” published in 1984 by Random House. This masterpiece was initially set to be called “Dance with the Devil,” and it has since been hailed as one of the finest music biographies ever.

Early Life and Influences

Born as Irvin Stanley Booth Jr. on January 5, 1942, in Waycross, Georgia, Stanley grew up close to the Okefenokee Swamp. His upbringing in this “heavily Protestant area with many blacks and many white racists” would go on to influence his understanding of the racial and musical landscapes he would later explore in his writing. From a young age, his knack for storytelling was evident; he was reading by age three and even penned a mystery novel by age nine. As his family relocated to Macon, Georgia, and then Memphis towards the end of the 1950s, his passion for narrative only intensified.

The Memphis Experience

Studying at Memphis State University, where he delved into English and art history, Booth began experiencing the vibrant tapestry of life in Memphis—a city rich in musical history. A defining moment came when he attended a Ray Charles concert; his removal for sharing a table with black classmates profoundly shaped his understanding of racial dynamics. After a short stint at Tulane University in New Orleans, Booth returned to Memphis in 1964, where he dabbled in martial arts and briefly worked for the Tennessee Department of Welfare. However, growing frustrated with government inefficiencies, he decided to chase his true passion—writing.

A Journey into Journalism

Stanley’s storytelling gained traction as he began to write for prominent publications like Esquire, Saturday Evening Post, and Playboy, crafting groundbreaking New Journalism-style portraits that focused on Memphis’ vibrant artistic community. In 1968, an encounter with the Rolling Stones changed everything; he started following them on their tours, which placed him squarely within the rock and roll scene. His closeness to the band led to a surreal experience of living with Keith Richards in London.

A Life of Triumphs and Challenges

Returning to Memphis in 1971 came with its challenges—facing drug charges and battling addiction while still raising a family. Nevertheless, he persevered, continually working on his biography of the Stones, which, while receiving only moderate initial sales, eventually turned into a cult classic. Subsequent books, including “Rhythm Oil: A Journey Through the Music of the American South” (1991) and “Keith: Standing in the Shadows” (1995), further solidified his legacy in music literature.

Later Years and Legacy

In the 1990s and 2000s, Booth shuffled between residences in Georgia and Florida while diligently working on unpublished biographies of Johnny Mercer and Gram Parsons. He made a noteworthy public comeback in 2014, dedicating a historical marker for American Sound Studios in Memphis. In his last years, he often participated in readings, including a significant event at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in 2017. His final published work, “Red, Hot & Blue: Fifty Years of Writing About Music, Memphis, and M***s,” hit the shelves in 2019, capping off an extraordinary career.

Remembering Stanley Booth

As the community absorbs the news of Stanley Booth’s passing, plans for his memorial are underway. His indelible mark on the landscape of music writing and criticism ensures that he will never be forgotten. His storytelling will continue to inspire and resonate with many as we celebrate a life well lived in the dynamic world of music.