In A Life

Steve Goldberger has been a working musician and recording artist for fifty-plus years. In his book In a Life: A Memoir Peppered with Stories of a Lucky Life in Music and Bum Ticker Adventures, Steve shares his personal stories from being in a country rock and bluegrass band called Black Creek in the 1970s and ’80s to playing and working with all kinds of roots-style musicians, both Canadian and international, in the Toronto and Niagara region. He also reflects on his Jewish roots and recounts his experiences working in his family’s business and coping with several health issues.

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Scattered throughout his stories are those from some of his musician friends, including such Canadian award-winning and successful musicians as Bernie LaBarge, Graham Lear, Wendell Ferguson, Jim Casson, Penner MacKay, and so on. Steve was even blogging before blogging was a thing. Back in 1998, after being diagnosed with an enlarged aorta that needed to be replaced, he started the blog The Bum Ticker to chronicle his experience with open-heart surgery, receiving responses from people all over the world. Some of the blog’s humorous and scary excerpts are included in this book.

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Music, friendships, dogs, love, sadness, death, humour, joy, and philosophical outlooks—In a Life has it all.

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Book reviews

 

Gloria Martin

I highly recommend an evening with my friend and neighbour Steve. Just finished his memoir and it’s a refreshingly honest look at his life in music and love of the craft - his joy of “just being in the band.” His insightful “bum ticker” adventures reveal a quiet bravery in the face of illness. Some well-known Canadian musicians add some fun road stories too. Congrats Steve on the new book and album. Rock on!

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Susan Ferrier MacKay

Every Canadian musician of a certain age needs to stroll down memory lane accompanied by the clear voice of bass player Steve Goldberger.

 

David Leprich

Most of the musicians I know, whether full-time or part-time (like me) have back stories that range from mildly amusing to wildly outrageous. However, only one has had the talent and courage to tell his story in a book. Steve Goldberger has just released his book, "In a Life." You should definitely take a look!

 

Joanne Ingrassia

I've been listening to his new CD and reading his book and am just blown away with these new offerings... honest, raw, and brave, mixed in with very entertaining parts about growing up and thriving in the music biz, in his way.

 

Veroncia Clarke-Hanik

Steve, this morning I reached the end of an epic journey…I enjoyed reading your book and being introduced to so many talented people throughout and reading the stories written by your friends as well… I had some good laughs too, with the various shenanigans in your younger days.

There is an important thread that runs through the stories you shared, that speaks to the person you are - talented, kind, humble, caring, courageous, and resilient to name just a few of the words I would use if I had to describe you to someone.

 

Kurt Hagen

I admire how you found your voice here. It’s written in a distinct tone and perspective that feels true to you.

 

Mary DeKeyzer

I’m LOVING it! You've done an amazing job making the reader feel like a valued friend who’s in conversation with you, as you share your wonderful stories. 

 

Bill Colgate

I loved the book. I thought it would be something I would dip into, a chapter at a time, but I ended up devouring it. It's addictive! Your personal journey and the anecdotes of others are a perfect combination. Well written!  Well done

 

Wendy Luise Arcari

So happy to have purchased your book & cd. Wonderful music, easy listening to relax & read by. Enjoying your book too, read the first 50 pages last night. Great memories & an easy read that makes you turn the page to see what's next... Funny how reading your book has brought back some memories for me. Anyhow, just wanted to say thank-you for sharing your story....

 

Liz McElheran

I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your book! I am reading it randomly rather than cover to cover.
Not only is it pretty funny and entertaining but it brought back so many great memories of growing up in Toronto … The clubs, the artists....all of it. While I am a few years younger than you it really took me back… I also like when you told the mortgage bankers to go fuck themselves. I look forward to continuing my read!