“What a fun glimpse into one of the most iconic intersections of time, space, and music through the lens of a young LA native. Lefkowitz will leave you reminiscing on the highs and lows of growing up with his thoughtful elucidation of the firsts of adolescence. A must-read for any rock ’n’ roll fan or LA enthusiast!”
—Colin Willard, Studio Manager, Shangri La Studios
“Welcome to Fabulous Angeles is a Licorice Pizza for LA’s Westside. Lefkowitz’s coming-of-age memoir bursts with colorful and poignant passages centering on a multitude of first loves—Los Angeles, rock ’n’ roll, and his girlfriend. Only the drug-infused 1970s could produce opportunities for a teenager to have unfettered access to rock ’n’ roll royalty aided by lax security and the chutzpah of the author and his friends. It’s always hard to describe the 1970s in LA to those who never lived it, but this book nails it while capturing that immortal feeling of youth of a special era.”
—Paul Haddad, author of Inventing Paradise
“Richard has presented a great snapshot of LA—at a time when the city was the epitome of a great and promised future. It’s a wonderful read.”
—Jeff Greenberg, owner of The Village recording studio
“A vivid and meticulously crafted time-travel adventure that throws you straight into the heart of 1960s and ’70s Los Angeles, alive with sights and sounds of a music revolution. For anyone who has ever longed to experience that era through the eyes of a kid, this book is a beautifully crafted portal—rich with atmosphere, music, and an almost cinematic quality. Reading it feels like stepping into a Spielberg film, if he had been raised on the Doors, Bowie, or the Stones instead of summer blockbusters. I can only hope this story makes its way to the big screen someday—it’s truly meant to be seen and felt.”
—KC Porter, Grammy and Latin Grammy Award–winning music producer
“An entertaining journey through the Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and so many other classic LA scenes! Lefkowitz’s colorful descriptions transported me to a time I could relate to and fondly remember: being a teenager in the ’70s with big dreams, enjoying life to its fullest. The nostalgia woven into each chapter and nuanced references to familiar rock ’n’ roll royalty kept me turning the pages and wanting more. This book is for anyone who loves music and Los Angeles history, especially those who longed to be a part of the rock ’n’ roll scene in the ’70s. I highly recommend this funny, warm, and moving read. You will definitely learn a little something about the history of classic Hollywood rock ’n’ roll.”
—Debi Red, emcee, musician, and songwriter, Debi Red Music
“Welcome to Fabulous Angeles is a memoir of Los Angeles during the 1970s that embraces music, celebrities, and mayhem. It does more than tell a story—Richard A. Lefkowitz embraces the times with a voice that will draw future generations into a ‘you are here’ experience of a bygone era when it wasn’t impossible to share weed with a star.
“Los Angeles culture and personal experience entwine in a memoir that is vivid and personal. Lefkowitz traverses the city’s counterculture and the process of coming of age with equal vividness, drawing readers into explosive realizations and interactions whether he’s dealing with friends, family, or the greater culture and world of Southern California.”
—Midwest Book Review