I am always at a loss to know how much to believe of my own stories. - Washington Irving
Gimme All Your Lovin’: The Blues, Boogie, and Beard of ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons
Before launching the iconic Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top, a
young Billy F. Gibbons was hustling through the Lone Star State with a band
named the Moving Sidewalks. The small-time band had the chance of a lifetime
when they opened for legendary rock guitar maestro Jimi Hendrix. Over fifty
years later, Gibbons is one of the most recognizable rock musicians in American
history. From ZZ Top’s early work in creating classic rock radio staples like
“La Grange” and “Tush” in the 1970s to becoming a global phenomenon with
innovative music videos in the early years of MTV, Gibbons has been the guiding
hand behind ZZ Top’s evolution from the “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” to pop
culture behemoth with the 1983 album Eliminator,
which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. As the guitarist and main
singer of ZZ Top, Gibbons has gained immense respect among other music
luminaries with guest appearances and collaborations with legends like B. B.
King, Les Paul, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, and Sammy Hagar before releasing solo
albums like The Big Bad Blues (2018),
which was named Blues Rock Album of the Year by the Blues Music Awards. He has
continued to lead ZZ Top in the aftermath of the death of longtime bandmate
Dusty Hill in 2021 and shows no signs of slowing down from bringing his unique
brand of Texas blues to the world.
Amazon (Pre-Order)
Barnes & Noble (Pre-Order)
Somewhere You Feel Free: Tom Petty and Los Angeles
On Best Classic Bands’ list of “Best Music Books of 2020”
Somewhere You Feel Free: Tom Petty and Los Angeles explores the artistic life of Tom Petty through his career-long relationship with Los Angeles and the many colorful characters and venues that inspired him and his music—including his work with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash, Roger McGuinn, Leon Russell, Rick Rubin, and Del Shannon.
Amazon (Paperback, Kindle, Audible Audiobook)
Barnes & Noble (Paperback, Nook)
Can’t Give It Away on Seventh Avenue: The Rolling Stones and New York City
On Best Classic Bands’ list of “Best Music Books of 2019”
Can’t Give It Away on Seventh Avenue is an intense and incredibly fun adventure, stuffed with fascinating trivia and bizarre anecdotes that feels like a virtual den packed with rock-and-roll memorabilia. – The Bowery Boys
…well-written and beautifully researched, and more importantly, the author’s enthusiasm for the subject that this work of his revolves around shines through on every page. – Eternal Terror
McKittrick gives a gift to lifelong Stones fans with this book – Independent Music Promotions
Can’t Give It Away On Seventh Avenue is an essential text for any serious scholar of both popular music and American culture. – Culture Sonar
Can’t Give It Away On Seventh Avenue stands as an object lesson in the craft of summer reading. – All About Jazz
Christopher McKittrick has authored a must have, and a must-read book for anyone who over the years have grown up with “The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Band.” – Boomerocity
While one might connect The Rolling Stones more immediately with London, Chicago, or Memphis, Christopher McKittrick reminds us of the multifarious adventures of the world’s greatest rock n’ roll band in this most musical of municipalities. – Hot Press
An engaging exploration of the connection between the iconic rock band and the city that embraced it like no other. – The Village Beacon Record
Amazon (Paperback, Kindle, Audible Audiobook)
Barnes & Noble (Paperback, Nook)
Other Work
Okun, Jeffrey and Susan Zwerman, eds. The VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures. Burlington, MA: Routledge, 2020. (Christopher McKittrick: Co-Editor) Amazon
“How Comics Helped Save America.” The 1930s: The Reality and the Promise. Ed. J Bret Bennington, Zenia Sacks DaSilva, Michael D’Innocenzo. London: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Inc., 2016. Amazon
“Building Character: The Writers Who Shaped Dick Grayson’s Personality.” Dick Grayson, Boy Wonder: Scholars and Creators on 75 Years of Robin, Nightwing and Batman. Ed. Kristen L. Geaman. London: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2015. Amazon
“Fan phenomena: Batman.” Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. Taylor & Francis. 16 Dec. 2014. Published Online
“Jim Henson,” “John Hughes,” “Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster,” “Howard Stern,” “Billy Wilder.” 100 Entertainers Who Changed America: An Encyclopedia of Pop Culture Luminaries. Ed. Robert C. Sickels. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2013. Amazon
“What Does It Mean When Agents Say They Have Too Many of ‘Your Type’?. Samuel French Actors Guide to Agents (Aug. 2013): 13-14.
“From off the Streets of Poland: Harvey Pekar on History, Israeli Nationalism, and Exploiting the Holocaust.” Graphic History: Essays on Graphic Novels And/As History. Ed. Richard Iadonisi. London: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2012. Amazon
“The Secret History of New York Blues.” Artéfact Magazine 1 (Sept. 2012): 35-43. Available Free Online
“Blasphemy in the Name of Fantasy: The Films of Terry Gilliam in a Catholic Context.” Roman Catholicism in Fantastic Film: Essays on Belief, Spectacle, Ritual, and Imagery. Ed. Regina Hansen. London: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2011. 29-40. Amazon
“Obituary: Ronnie James Dio: Heavy Metal Icon.” Good Times Magazine 1043 (June 8, 2010): 6.