Long before there was the Rolling Stones, there was a boy: a young Keith Richards, who was introduced to the joy of music through his beloved granddad, Theodore Augustus Dupree, affectionately known as “Gus,” who was in a jazz big band and is the namesake of Keith's daughter, Theodora Dupree Richards.
Gus & Me is a beautiful children's story book offering a rare and intimate look into the childhood of the legendary Keith Richards. A poignant and inspiring story that is lovingly illustrated with Theodora Richards's exquisite pen-and-ink collages.
This unique autobiographical picture book honors the special bond between a grandfather and grandson and celebrates the artistic talents of the Richards family through the generations. It also includes selected photographs from the Richards family collection and an exclusive audio CD featuring bonus content.
Includes an exclusive CD with a reading of the story by a professional actor, James Langton, and a spoken introduction and additional guitar music from Keith.
Gus & Me Reviews
“The story of grandparental attachment and personal growth is beautifully told, and in no way relies for its impact on the fact that we're getting it from the mouth, or keyboard, of Keith Richards…I think this book will resonate with both children and the gatekeepers of children's books.” The New York Times Book Review
“Yes, it's a celebrity book—a very good one. Writing in an intimate, easygoing voice that blends the boyish with the avuncular, rock legend Richards pays tribute to his grandfather and role model, Theodore Augustus Dupree, a veteran musician who lived in a house "filled with instruments and cake.” Gus is a mite footloose—he evades chores and once took young Keith on a ramble that ended so far from home that they had to spend the night under a tree. But he also introduces his grandson to the magic of a musical instrument workshop (“Men tested the guitar strings dinka-plink dinka plink… And right then, right there, I fell in love with instruments”), bestows his prize guitar on Keith, and sets a high bar for musicianship (hearing Keith playing the complex instrumental “Malagueña,” Gus remarks, “I think you're getting the hang of it”). Theodora Richards, Keith's daughter of Richards, contributes fluid, inked sketches and other freestyle graphic elements that exude love and spontaneity. The accompanying CD proves Richards is as adept at telling bedtime stories as he is performing on stage. Ages 3–6." Publishers Weekly
Author Biography
Born in Dartford in Kent in December 1943, Keith Richards continues to compose, play songs and tour with the Rolling Stones. Theodora Richards is a model and artist and the daughter of Keith Richards. James Langton trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He has performed many voiceovers and narrated numerous audiobooks. He is also a professional musician. He was born in England but now lives in New York City.