Steve, he's the man

Steve Martin, a current day renaissance man (defined by wide interests and success in them), is fascinating. He's humorous, having taken part in several of my favorite comedies (Three Amigos, anyone? What a trio.) both years ago and currently. It's Complicated  was a noted success and it just came out in the past few years.

Couple this talent of acting with his indescribable musical gift and finesse with the written word, and this guy puts nearly everyone to shame.  He's enjoyed commercial success on pretty much all of his endeavors, recently scripting his book Shopgirl: a novella into a fairly successful and received movie and earning a Grammy award for his first full-length Bluegrass album, The Crow. Check out this performance on Ellen from a few years back.

I love this album!

I have yet to read the aforementioned novel, but did read The Pleasure of my Company. I have to say, it was bizarre, but oddly fascinating. I was intrigued by the character and wanted to know how his story ended. While Martin's voice as an author is not my favorite, his grasp of storytelling is clever and delivered fairly well. I mentioned that I had read this book to a friend and she immediately handed me his autobiography, Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life. The man has had quite a life. From his early beginnings on the stage developing characters and playing banjo as part of his act (yeah, had no idea!) to starring in movies, writing plays and novels...this guy just won't quit! Well, he actually did quit...read his autobiography. The man is odd, no doubt. He has no doubt, either. :-)

I posted a photo last week of the album I mentioned earlier, rediscovering its brilliance, and was insprired with the idea to search him on Amazon.com to see if he had any other projects in the works. Lo and behold, I struck gold! The creative and talented musician has done it again, releasing his second Bluegrass album just one week ago, Rare Bird Alert!

Yes, it went directly into my cart. Now, to find something else to tip me over the $25 limit...yes, I know shipping is only $3.99, but it's the principle of it all!

Here are some other fun facts about The Man:
1) He's a born Texan, you betcha! Born in Waco, Texas!
2) He recently released another novel. The guy is a true artistic machine!
3) He truly began his comedic career as a writer.

Read his autobiography, it's amazing how many great projects this man has taken part in! I just can't get enough of him! Enjoy!