Richard Manuel’s Complex Legacy Explored in New Biography Review

A recent review published in Glide Magazine on June 16, 2025, offers a compelling examination of Stephen T. Lewis’ book, “Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from The Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band.” The biography delves into the multifaceted journey of the celebrated musician, tracing his path from his early days with The Hawks and his significant association with Bob Dylan through the formation and evolution of the iconic group, The Band.

Exploring a Musician’s Journey

Lewis’ book, as highlighted by the Glide Magazine review, provides a vivid depiction of a pivotal era in music history. The narrative captures the atmosphere and circumstances surrounding the musicians’ move to Woodstock, a location that became synonymous with The Band’s creative output and retreat from the burgeoning counterculture spotlight. The review suggests that Lewis effectively transports the reader to this time and place, offering insights into the environment that shaped some of the era’s most enduring music.

Dissecting Iconic Work

A significant focus of the biography, according to the review, is its detailed dissection of The Band’s seminal 1968 album, ‘Music From Big Pink‘, released on Capitol records. This album is widely regarded as a cornerstone of roots rock and Americana, and Lewis reportedly explores its nuances and influences in depth. The review indicates that the book provides valuable context for understanding the creative process and impact of this landmark recording, offering fans and scholars alike a closer look at its construction and reception.

Unpacking Internal Dynamics

The Glide Magazine review notes that Lewis’ account of key events, such as the legendary farewell concert ‘The Last Waltz‘, serves to illuminate the complex internal dynamics within The Band. The book reportedly reflects the strains, triumphs, and interpersonal relationships that characterized the group throughout its career. Furthermore, the review highlights how Lewis traces the narrative thread through these events, ultimately leading to the tragic story culminating in Richard Manuel’s suicide in 1986, presenting a sensitive portrayal of the musician’s later struggles.

Critical Perspectives and Factual Scrutiny

While praising much of Lewis’ work, the review also points out potential areas of criticism. The reviewer observes Lewis’ self-discipline in largely maintaining a focus specifically on Richard Manuel throughout the biography, a choice that helps center the narrative on its subject. However, criticisms are raised regarding the author’s language, including the repeated use of colloquialisms such as “groovy.” More significantly, the review mentions factual inaccuracies found within the text, citing the incorrect statement that musician Rick Roberts was a member of The Byrds. This specific detail underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking in biographical works of this nature.

Wider Cultural Context from Glide Magazine

The June 16, 2025 issue of Glide Magazine, which featured the review of Lewis’ biography on Richard Manuel, also offered readers a broader look at contemporary and historical music and culture. The publication included an album review of Robin Trower’s ‘For Earth Below‘ 50th Anniversary Edition, commemorating half a century since the release of that work. Additionally, the issue provided show reviews highlighting performances from the 2025 Green River Festival, featuring notable artists such as Courtney Barnett, MJ Lenderman, and Mt. Joy. The arts coverage extended to film and DVD, with a film review of ‘Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible‘ and a DVD review of ‘Around The World‘, documenting The Police’s first world tour. This contextualizes the Manuel biography review within a diverse offering of cultural commentary by the magazine.

In conclusion, Stephen T. Lewis’ biography on Richard Manuel, as reviewed in Glide Magazine, appears to offer an insightful, albeit occasionally flawed, look into the life and music of a deeply significant figure in American roots rock. The review underscores the book’s value in detailing Manuel’s journey, the band’s key recordings, and the internal pressures that defined their story, while also prompting consideration of accuracy and authorial voice in musical biography.