Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella: But Don't Get a Mouthfull of Rain

Joey Reynolds is a comic genius! His insights into the music business and life itself are profound and yet he delivers these with the deftness and gentleness of a man who has gained wisdom from all his wild experience. This is a man who has seen it all in the broadcasting business; the ego rivalries, corporate greed, the disintegration of formats, the pettiness and shear fear driving programing today; and yet he remains true to his deepest beliefs and respects his audience like no one else. Joey is that rare type of entertainer who has remained true to himself while others have chased after fads. I understand he pioneered the kind of "shock jock" kind of approach that is rampant now by simply telling the truth and saying what was on his mind. Those who've come after have lowered the bar by using humiliation as a substitute for real humor or, heaven forbid, actual insight. This trend toward mediocrity may be inevitable for some, but Joey continues to uphold standards that are an example to all who listen to his show. In a world where he who yells the loudest seems to get all the attention, Joey speaks softly and thoughtfully, gradually building his appreciative audience. If you love his show, you'll love this book. If you love this book, you'll love his show. Open and honest, without being exploitative or confessional, this book is a wonderful read. I only wish there was more of it!

About a year ago, I had the distinct pleasure of appearing on Joey's show. What was slated to be a half-hour interview evolved into five hours-I couldn't have been more pleased. Joey is a kind and generous professional who interviews a guest unlike any I've ever encountered. When you're on his show, you feel like family, as though you were a permanent fixture on his show. When I first arrived at the station for my interview, Kenny Kramer (the real Kramer from Seinfeld) popped in without warning and chatted with us on the air. It was as though we were all neighbors sitting on Joey's front porch and telling stories. At one point I asked Joey how Les Paul, a friend of his, came to invent the electric guitar. Damned if Joey didn't call him up and tell me to ask him. Mr. Paul said that it was the first time that anyone bothered to ask him on live radio or television, and then recounted a magnificent story that will stick with me till the day I die. But this is just the way a Joey Reynolds show evolves--naturally and without contrivance. When the show ended at about five that morning, Joey asked how I had gotten to the station and I told him that I had taken the subway from my hotel. He would have nothing to do with it-he drove me to the front door of my hotel in the middle of a downpour. But hey, what do you expect, that's just the way a friendship evolves when your with Joey Reynolds--naturally and without pretense. Buy this book and see for yourself.

Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down. It is one of the more humorous books I have ever read. He has great stories and seemed to have led a hard and interesting life. Good job Joey Reynolds.

In this minor masterpiece, Joey Reynolds outlines his legendary radio career, still going strongly in its fifth decade. He paints not in direct narrative, but through introductions to many of his closest friends. Once a wildman -- an alcoholic famed for his on-air lunacy -- Joey, we discover obliquely, is now a kind, generous, nurturing spirit and a wonderful father. Lest the reader think his lunacy has been totally abandoned, let it be said that in this delightful book he is funnier than Dave Barry. Read it! You *won't* be disappointed. I eagerly await a sequel. So will [email protected]

I have known Joey for over 30 years.I saw him when he was up,when he was down and now when he is a 20 year "Overnight Sensation".This book is not a tell all bio but more of a series of great short stories about Joey.He has had 28 jobs so the book doesn't lack for funny and sad storiesHis book reminds me of "Chicken soup for the Soul Not only is it fun reading but it makes a great gift.I believe it will be a sleeper hit