That's The Bag I'm In - The Life, Music and Mystery of Fred Neil

This is the one and only book dedicated to the enigma that is Fred Neil. Gripping from page 1, this is written in a detailed, exciting way, brilliantly recreating those hot sweaty folk clubs in the Village in the early 60's and telling Fred's story through the words of those who were lucky enough to encounter him. Clearly a labour of love, the Author still criticises where warranted and paints a fascinating picture of one of the greatest, most influencial and oft-overlooked musical geniuses of the 20th century. Highly recommended!

didnt know he started out at the Brill building, lots of interesting information about the people and places in the folk scene in NY in the early 60s. Sounds like he had a difficult life, but his voice is quite amazing if you listen to his songs. If your a Fred Neil fan its a must read, if your not it will probably be boring. Interesting comments by David Crosby, Steve Stills, John Sebastian many other folkies from the early 60s

Although immensely influential and revered by many, Fred Neil's life was mostly coloured in mystery and urban myth however Peter Lee Neff finally uncovers the many secrets of an enigmatic, elusive man. Neff's prose is eloquent and informed while often broken up with remembrances from Fred Neil's family, friends, associates and fellow travelers. The author's research has been remarkable and, as such, chronicles Neil's life from his birth to his sad death in 2001. In the end, Peter Neff has given us Fred Neil devotees a balanced biography that incorporates all the highs, lows and in-betweens of Neil's often fascinating life. No fan of Fred Neil should be without this book.

You remember the mysterious Greta Garbo a thirties movie actress who was most well known for "I want to be alone". If you multiplied her story by twenty you might locate the enigmatic Fred Neil. In this most well researched bio there is joy and sorrow. The author righteously concentrates on the mans music. there are mentions of drug use and human frailty but in a sense every music bio i have ever read has that from Clapton to Paul Butterfield. Are you thinking of addiction when you hear Everybody's Talking? More like Ratso dying in the arms of John Voight. I cried at the end of that movie; in point of fact the grace of that song saved the movie and i still dont know why 52 years later but it did. So it only seems fitting that here was a man struggling mightily to keep his music for himself. A most amazing book and i would give it more stars if I could...

What an incredible read about one of the most amazing musicians ever. I don’t know if anyone will know the real truth on FN life. This book is very in depth and well written. Great details on every aspect of FN life. One review said that this book is a must for fans. That’s so true. If you like FN you’ll love this bio.

Well researched and well written, it provides about as clear a picture as anyone is likely to get of one of the most enigmatic figures of the 1960s folk music scene. Fred Neil was unwilling to accept the Music Industry's approach to recording and preferred to do things his way. That never made him wealthy but he influenced just about everyone who came through Greenwich Village during that era, which is an enviable legacy beyond mere money. This book will stand as a testament to the life and work of a true Original..