Publisher's Synopsis
You know her as a former judge on American Idol, but Kara DioGuardi is also one of the music business's most successful songwriters, having composed hits for many of today's best-loved recording artists-Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Santana and Enrique Iglesias to name just a few. - But before she could write the kind of lyrics that speak to all of our hearts, she had to search her own. Throughout this incredibly motivational memoir, Kara confides stories of her travails and triumphs as she consciously made herself into the person she wanted to be-experiences that have given her the resilience and perspective to deal with all that was yet to come. - Because her music is always honest, raw and passionate, it's evident that Kara invests a piece of herself into all her work. Using the stories behind her hit songs as a vehicle, the pieces come together to tell the complete tale of how a girl raised in a conservative household had the courage to shed everyone else's expectations of her so that she could find her own voice. It's the story of how she battled debilitating stage fright, confronted the challenges of a tough male-dominated business, and overcame the eating disorder that was ultimately a reflection of her damaged self-esteem to become the confidant, accomplished, fearless, adventurous, behind-the-scenes hell-raiser she is today. Her true grit and wry humor are evident in the remarkable and often funny stories she tells about how she first came to be known to the power house recording executive, Tommy Mottola; how she ultimately tamed some of the more aggressive male recording stars she's worked with; how she fought and won the ultimate artist's war to retain creative and financial ownership of her work, how she sought and found love with a man who helps provide support and balance in her life, and how she survived the impossible job of being the fourth judge, Simon Cowell and her ultimate departure from Idol with her dignity in tact. This book also tells the story of a healing that came after the devastating loss of Kara's mother to ovarian cancer. Although taking time out to nurse her mother effectively stalled her career, Kara presents this experience as one of the most life-affirming of all. - In addition to recounting how some of the most meaningful songs in her discography were made and what they meant to her and the artists who co-wrote and performed them, A Helluva High Note will include a link to songs specially recorded for this book. - More than a memoir, this book-with all of its humor, power, nerve and intuitive wisdom-shares valuable insight on how we can all soar while still standing our own ground. In the same way that the lyrics to Kara's songs get stuck in your head the moment you hear them, so too will the words in this book! - -
