2016 Nominee - Association for Recorded Sound Collections Awards for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound ResearchA passionate music fan from childhood and much-respected teenage guitarist in his native Birmingham, Jeff Lynne rose through the ranks of various semiprofessional local groups to become front man of the critically acclaimed Idle Race, join the ever-popular Move, and help form the groundbreaking Electric Light Orchestra. After cofounder Roy Wood left in 1972, Lynne turned what had been a struggling fusion of rock and classically inspired music into one of Britain's most consistently successful acts. Following a run of hit singles and albums plus sellout concerts throughout the world, he laid the group to rest in 1986 and combined a solo career with membership of the ultimate super group the Traveling Wilburys. His production credits include George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Del Shannon and above all the Beatles on their two final singles in the mid 90s. In the 21st century he returned to recording and performing under the ELO group name. This is the first-ever biography of one of the most highly regarded rock performers of the last fifty years and includes full details of his spectacular career.