John Potter’s books include Tenor and A History of Singing. His singing career has included first performances of works by Luciano Berio, Arvo Pärt, and Gavin Bryars, and backing vocals for Manfred Mann and The Who. He records for ECM and was a major contributor to the Hilliard Ensemble’s million-selling Officium album.
“John Potter’s timely and ecumenical meditation on 12 songs explores the enigmatic nature of what constitutes a song, why songs continue to be important, and perhaps how or whether they can survive as a uniquely human undertaking.”—Sting “Erudite, witty, rewardingly provocative and absorbing – this book got me revisiting the songs I used to sing and rushing to seek out the ones I didn’t know.”—Catherine Bott, singer and broadcaster “A richly fascinating take on the enduring power and shape-shifting form of the art song, told with authority and wit by the uniquely qualified John Potter.”—Kerry Andrew, composer, performer and author “John Potter's wide-ranging experience across many styles of vocal music ensures an entertaining and original view.”—John Surman, saxophonist and composer