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Soul Survivor: The Autobiography

The extraordinary memoir of a music icon

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Soul Survivor: The Autobiography

By: P.P. Arnold
Narrated by: P.P. Arnold
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Longlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize
An Uncut Magazine Book of the Year
A Rough Trade Book of the Year
A Resident Book of the Year

The story of soul legend P.P. Arnold is one of musical highs, personal lows and extraordinary endurance.

From her origins in powerhouse church gospel, the talented singer's performing career began at the age of just seventeen when she joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. But little did the young Ikette know that her world was about to be turned upside-down...

Upon arriving in London in 1966 to support the Rolling Stones, the shy but vivacious teenager caught the eye of frontman Mick Jagger. He would persuade her to stay in the city and record as a solo artist, ultimately leading to a five-decade career working with everyone from Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, the Small Faces, Nick Drake and Barry Gibb to Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, the KLF, Paul Weller and Primal Scream.

However, it has been far from a gilded life for the soul superstar. After being forced into marriage upon becoming pregnant at the age of fifteen, Arnold went on to endure a string of devastating personal traumas. Yet the versatile musician survived it all and has continued to reinvent herself throughout the years -be that as a West End actress, a much-sought-after session singer or a renowned pop vocalist in her own right.

Now, for the first time, P.P. Arnold shares her remarkable adventures. This is the long-awaited memoir of a true soul survivor.

'Jaw-dropping.' - Mojo
'Powerful.' - Woman's Hour
'Explosive.' - Daily Mail Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Memoir Biography
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Critic reviews

'Brutally honest ... this memoir is a sizzler.' (Daily Telegraph)
'Searingly honest account of an extraordinary life ... powerful stuff.' (Radio Times)
'A jaw-dropping memoir. Arnold's resilience sparkles throughout. This isn't just surviving, it's flourishing.' (Mojo)
'An adroit blend of pathos and self-deprecating honesty. Its occasionally shocking and even heart-wrenchingly tragic in places, but ultimately the book's tone is a triumphant one. 4/5' (Record Collector)
'An extraordinary book by an extraordinary artist.' (Lauren Laverne)
'Very powerful.' (Emma Barnett, Woman's Hour)
'Explosive.' (Daily Mail)
'Searingly honest.' (Daily Express)
'Nobody could accuse Arnold of pulling her punches ... but it doesn't read like score-settling either. Absorbing.' (Irish Independent)
'Not long after arriving in England, I met P.P. Arnold. On reflection, she was just like me. Determined, naïve, in a world we did not understand. We spent a lot of hours at IBC Studios in Portland Place recording new songs that still, today, bring back such amazing memories. I will never forget those times. Pat was on the ascent until the terrible moment of her daughter's passing. This brought Pat to her knees. It was the saddest time. What I think I understand now is what real loss means and Pat understood that long before I did. I relish those times we spent together. Those are some of the great memories.' (Barry Gibb)
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Most relevant
I read the book but wanted to hear the voice of PP Arnold take me on her journey which took it to another level with her gorgeous voice and lovely little melodys. I do hope one day its made into a film

What an incredible journey

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I found this book interesting and inciteful. Not only to learn about one of the most publicly underrated singers of all time but how wonderful to see hear hiw PP Arnold was heralded by her peers. As a white person born in 1970's England, I learnt more about the abhorrent racism of the time and before. A brilliant book.

Extremely Interesting

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An essential read for any soul/60s fan. PP’s story is raw, honest and compelling. I finished it within 3 days!

Absolutely fantastic

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This was not the sort of book I would usually choose, but I enjoyed it

Thank you for a great listen.

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