The Band’s Richard Manuel To Be Subject of ‘His Life and Music’ Book

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Richard Manuel, best known as a founding member of The Band, will be the subject of a new book that focuses on his compositions and performances throughout his career. Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band is by author Stephen T. Lewis and arrives May 28, 2025, via Schiffer Books. The publisher’s announcement notes Manuel’s career will be analyzed with expert commentary while shining a light on his contributions to all of his bands—and on the undeniable impact he had on rock music. The pianist, occasional drummer and one of The Band’s three lead vocalists died by suicide on March 4, 1986. He was just 42.

From the publisher’s announcement: Manuel was a fearless original. Sweetly soulful as a vocalist and endearingly creative as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he was a vital part of some of rock ’n’ roll’s pivotal moments, including Bob Dylan’s controversial move to electric music, Woodstock 1969, and the legendary The Last Waltz.

The book features new interviews with family, friends, and fellow musicians, including Eric Clapton and Van Morrison.

The story traces Manuel’s journey from Stratford, Ontario, to Woodstock, New York, and beyond, beginning with his first band, the Revols, then singing the blues with Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson in the Hawks, the group that would later become The Band.

Listen to Manuel sing lead on an a cappella version of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released”

Manuel’s influence was profound, his distinctive vocals infusing songs with emotion and depth. His songwriting flourished in classics like “Tears of Rage,” cowritten with Dylan, and “We Can Talk.” His keyboard work added a lovable funkiness to The Band’s sound, blending elements of rock, folk, country, and blues into what would become the genesis of Americana. Despite their successes, Manuel struggled with personal demons, battling addiction and inner turmoil.

Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band is available for pre-order in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here where it arrives on July 28, 2025.