TUNED IN
TUNED IN – Listen to the “Meet the Beatle” prologue.
Jim Wilson’s bestselling memoir is available in print, e-book, and now as an audiobook. Jim’s award-winning piano-featured instrumental music is interwoven throughout the audiobook, taking the listener on a deeply personal, unforgettable journey. With 17 soundbite cameos by fans and friends including Martin Short, Ray Romano, Ed Begley, Jr, Lisa Loeb and Rob Morrow.
The unique confluence of Jim Wilson’s two careers – noted piano technician and a successful recording artist – has led to countless one-of-a-kind experiences with some of the world’s most exalted music legends: singing Beatle songs with Paul McCartney, limo rides with Elton John, road trips with Carole King, and horseback riding with Dan Fogelberg.
But beyond this everyman’s unique telling of intimate celebrity tales, Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man offers a message of hope to anyone pursuing a dream against the odds.
– Ray Romano, Emmy-winning actor
“Tuned In is a fantastic read! Fascinating insider stories. World traveler, gifted artist, and his knowledge of all things piano is incredible. Great job with all you’ve accomplished!”
– David Foster, 16-time GRAMMY®-winning producer
“Jim is a genius technician and musician. Tuned In is fascinating. Who knew?!”
To read Jim’s People Magazine article, click here.
Emerging from a troubled childhood in a broken West Texas home, a young man moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a singer-songwriter. He soon strays from his mission when his piano tuning sideline blossoms into a career as piano technician to the entertainment industry’s biggest names. His help in the development of the world’s first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano leads to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes. His front row seat provides him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes.
But when his world is shattered by his dearest friend’s untimely death, he’s forced to question the whole purpose of his life and the true meaning of success. Battling crippling panic attacks, but with the love and support of his musical heroes, he returns to his heart’s purpose, takes a leap into the unknown, and sets out on a solo career, composing, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals.
After four Billboard Top-20 albums, two PBS specials, and surpassing 100 million worldwide streams, Jim reflects on his life in music. He offers us a candid, humorous, insider’s account of the raucous LA music scene and shares engaging tales of his time spent with music legends.
Tuned In is an inspiring story of one man’s relentless pursuit of a dream, and a revealing testimony to the power of music in all our lives.
“Tuned In is enlightening and inspiring, especially for anyone trying to make it in music. Well done, Jim!”
– Diane Warren, GRAMMY® & Oscar-winning Songwriter
“Jim Wilson can do anything with or to a piano, writes music beautifully, out-skis me and now this; a most interesting life recalled with the clarity and flow that a good memoir requires.”
– J.D. Souther, Multi-platinum, Hall of Fame Songwriter
“… Jim’s book is filled with wonderful stories and anecdotes of his adventures in our musical world. I recommend it highly.”
– Carole Bayer Sager, GRAMMY® & Academy Award-winning Songwriter
“I loved Tuned In. It’s a great, fun read and an inspiring story of perseverance and a window into the LA music scene.”
– Steve Porcaro, GRAMMY®-winning Songwriter, Founding Toto Member
“… insightful, humorous stories. Tuned In does not disappoint. Enjoy!”
– Katey Sagal, Golden Globe winning Actress
“… with Jim’s usual affability and good humor, Tuned In gives us an intimate look behind the scenes of his famous, and infamous – clients and friends, a group I’m happy to be a part of.”
– Marc Shaiman, Oscar-nominated, GRAMMY®, Emmy & Tony-winning Film Composer
REVIEWS
More praise for Tuned In:
“An inviting mix of star-studded encounters and an affirmation of a persevering artistic spirit.“
– Kirkus Reviews
“Tuned In hits the right notes, with wit, surprises, and winning enthusiasm.”
– Book Life
“An enthralling glimpse into the world of music and the artists who create it, through the eyes of a globally successful recording artist and confidant to the stars in this fantastic memoir.” ★★★★★
– Explore Authors Magazine
“Tuned In is truly one of the best autobiographies I have read (twice!) and I very highly recommend it!”
– Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano
“…a mesmerizing memoir that offers a unique perspective on the music industry with plenty of heart and soul from cover to cover.”
– K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite
“More than just a great read. At times hilarious, outrageous, and heartbreaking, it’s a lesson to us all to never give up, never to let your fears get the better of you, and to aim high. His hand in the development of the world’s first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano led to him sharing adventures, sessions, meals, and laughs with dozens of his childhood heroes, including Elton John, Carole King, and Phil Collins. His front-row seat provided him with a rare and fascinating view into their creative processes.”
– Bud Carter, Music Insider
“…a riveting and entertaining memoir that reignited my love for music.”
– Christine Nguyen, Readers’ Favorite
“…an addictive read with great characters and engrossing musical stories.”
– Foluso Falaye, Readers’ Favorite
“Jim Wilson’s autobiography is eye-opening, the writing is spectacular. There are moments when the memoir was so vivid that I felt as though I was watching a documentary. Without any hesitation, Tuned In – Memoirs of a Piano Man earns an award-winning recommendation from me. Go out of your way to read this memoir.” ★★★★★
– Elijah B., Explore Authors Magazine
“…a highly enjoyable and candid memoir, so personably written that you feel you could be sitting down for a long chat and story swap with an old friend.” ★★★★★
– Reader Views
PRESS
Interviews and media coverage for Tuned In:
PODCASTS
In-depth interviews about Jim’s book, Tuned In:
Teaflix with The McCartney Ladies
Had a blast gabbing with Ruth and Angie McCartney (Paulâs stepsister and stepmom) about our fave Beatle, Paul. Lots of fun behind-the-scenes stories from Tuned In. (You can also watch the interview on YouTube.)
Composer’s Breakfast Club Live Interview
Watch my dear ol’ pal Richard Gibbs roast me before a live audience!
The Kerri Edelman Show
Kerri’s psychologist background informs her compassionate, in-depth style.
Harvey Brownstone Interviews
Canadian judge-turned-celeb interviewer loved the book / came prepared!
Piano Tech Radio Hour
Live interview, addressing fellow piano techs.
Rewind: The Musician’s Podcast
The focus of Amit’s interview was “How to pursue your dreams in music.” Lovely convo.
Follow Your Dream Podcast
Robert interweaves music throughout. We talked about my project with Arlo Guthrie, then went from there!
The Piano Pod, with Yukimi Song
Besides the book, we talked about classical pianists I’ve worked for. Wonderful, in-depth interview.
Now Hear This Entertainment
Bruce has a very pro, engaging style. Our time flew by!
Hey Amarillo Podcast
Fun interview with Jason Boyett, focusing on memories of my hometown written about in Tuned In.
“Love’s A Secret Weapon” Podcast with Donna Loren
What a joy to converse with the “Swingin’ 60’s” Singer / Actress legend about my book.
Learn From People Who Lived It Podcast with Mathew Blades
As evidenced by the title (“Get the F#$k on With It!”), this was one of the more uncensored interviews! : )
Leland Sklar YouTube Episode
My legendary bass player friend discussed songs of mine he played on. What an honor.
Storyophonic
In 2018, Jim discussed his new release, “Remembrance”, which hit #2 in Billboard for two consecutive weeks.