Yanni in Words

Well-written biography about Yanni. Great composer, and all-around human being. This book is for those are that are not only interested in Yanni, the man, but also wonderful stories about a genuinely decent human being.

Yanni is a genius and you should listen to his "Yanni- Live at Acroplis", "In my time" and "If I could tell you" to believe this. The chapter on creativity is so powerful and revealing. He shows you how he creates music by 'going into the black and surrendering to the unknown' and how you can do the same too. He says you can use the same process to create the life you want. The chapter itself reads like a poem. The author has done a great job understanding Yanni's life and philosophy and putting that into words.

I was fortunate to receive a copy of Yanni's book, "Yanni in Words". I have always enjoyed his music and now I was able to read his story. His story, a truly motivational one: He was born and raised in Greece. His upbringing was a simple one, to quote Yanni, "though our family life was simple, I wasn't aware that we were poor. Maybe we didn't have many possessions, but we never went hungry, were cold, or lacked love." At age 14 he set a national record for breaking the fifty-meter freestyle swim. However, you should be aware that he never had a coach nor did he have any formal personal training. He beat swimmers that had coaches and trained every day for many years. How did he do it? In his book he states, "I believed that anything was possible, or at least because I didn't put together everyone else's 'facts' and believe that winning was impossible." His parents wanted their children to receive an education in the United States. They sold their house and moved into a rental apartment in order to come up with the money to send their children to get a better education. So at 18 years old, Yanni found himself on a plane to the United States. He arrived speaking very little English. He got a part time job as a dishwasher. In university he struggled as he states in his book, "Every fifth word was unfamiliar. I'd never been so frustrated, but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I studied with the book, a notebook, and a Greek/English dictionary". He persevered and graduated with a psychology diploma in 1976. But he then his passion for music took over. While he had his ups and downs, worked with different bands, he had a desire to create his own music. But it was a music that was unlike others. Throughout the book you will read about the challenges he faced. But you will also see his determination. He put it all on the line. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "We are all capable if we have faith and passion." While he did have faith and passion he had many challenges to overcome. It was not an easy ride to success, but his through his faith and a passion he did make it. A happy ending, not exactly! When he reached success, he had a setback. One, which he overcame, but one which made him look at life and all he had accomplished and made him realize he had to take care of himself. The story of Yanni and his success is one, which is motivational and inspiring. Thank you Yanni for putting your experiences "in words" so many of us can learn and be motivated by your experiences!

I've been a fan of Yanni for a while now. I absolutely love his music. So when I heard about this book I had to get it. It's obvious Yanni gives his music 110% and after reading this book I realize Yanni gives everything 110%. The book is very interesting, starting with Yanni has a young boy and progressing through his rock band years, his relationship with Linda Evans, and his struggles putting on the Acropolis and Taj Mahal shows. The book was never boring. If you wonder how he got to where he is today this book is for you. If you think Yanni is "gay" (literal or figurative) and just for women, you'll be pleasantly suprised. If you think he got to be so successful because he was a born natural, you'll be suprised again. So how did he do it? You'll have to read the book to find out but basically it was tons of hard work and lots of passion. And that's what I enjoyed the most about this book, it's very inspirational. After reading it I really felt motivated to work harder at my goals and not to give up. That's why I think this book would appeal to non-fans as well. Everyone can make their dream come true.

Yanni. For as well known as his music is, until now no one has known much about the man. He?s given many interviews over the years but has revealed precious little about the events that have shaped his life and set him on a course to unparalleled success in the instrumental music industry. Let?s face it, Yanni?s success in instrumental music is nothing short of a miracle. There are many other instrumental artists who are just as talented but none have achieved his level of success. Why? Is the music of Constance Demby or David Arkenstone any less moving? Different, yes. But no less moving. Many instrumental artists have the capacity to profoundly affect people in ways that lyrical music cannot. And yet, Yanni is the only one who has reached countless millions around the globe and has even beaten Garth Brooks in concert gross revenue. Whether you love Yanni or find him easy to hate, still you must ask yourself how someone who does primarily instrumental music can reach so many.Yanni In Words is a very moving and extremely candid autobiography. His honesty about who he is and where he has come from is commendable considering how he has been pigeon-holed as such a gentle soul based on the sound of his music. Has anyone who?s seen Yanni perform or heard his uplifting compositions ever pictured him as someone who spent several years in a rock band doing not only original tunes but also ZZ Top cover tunes? Could anyone ever conceive of his having used drugs or of him having been rather promiscuous? Can anyone picture him "bombed", or as a long-time smoker? I?ve met several people who?ve put Yanni on a pedestal to the point of making him a god, less than human. Well, if you read this autobiography, there will be no question in your mind. He?s just another Joe Schmo like the rest of us! His unending drive and determination just happened to thrust him into the spotlight. Yanni in Words is a fascinating narrative of one man?s determination to get his hard-to-classify music heard. He begins with the events of his days in his birthplace, Kalamata, Greece, where he broke the Greek National Freestyle swimming record at the age of 14, without the benefit of professional training. He continues to his immigration to America at the age of 18 to his tinkering with original melodies on a dilapidated piano in a University of Minnesota college dorm where he studied psychology. He elaborates on his struggles with his first record label, Private Music (now owned by BMG), and moves into his coaching from, romantic involvement and eventual break-up with Linda Evans. He goes into detail on the monumental undertakings which were the ?Live at the Acropolis? and ?Tribute? projects. Both of these stories will inspire the most jaded to continue in perseverance of their own dreams no matter the capacity!This autobiography is a poignant and completely moving account of how success can be achieved against all odds. As I read it, I laughed aloud as Yanni re

I wonder why MARY from Long Island have it 2 stars...I've read many biographies, but this one is by far the best. This isn't one of those "I wish this was shorter" or "*Yawn*" type books. In this book, Yanni is very articulate about his emotions, but even more, it's exciting. It covers everything from his childhood in a picturesque seaside village to his historic concerts at the Taj Mahal to his insights on creativity. Words aren't quite my medium either, i'm an introvert, but I feel that people need to know about this book. Even if you're not a Yanni fan, this book teaches many valuable lessons, which has begun to make my life better believe it or not. And more than often, I've laughed my head off at some wonderfully hilarious moments. This truly is the man behind the music, or even more the spirit behind mankind.