VIA PRESS RELEASE | Leif Garrett has announced that his memoir, Idol Truth, will be released in July 2019 from Post Hill Press (New York / Nashville). The memoir, to be co-written with well-known author/journalist Chris Epting, promises to be a no-holds-barred look at the former teen idol’s life, crammed with untold personal stories, wild celebrity anecdotes and many rare photos from Garrett’s private collection.
In the late 1970s, Leif Garrett came to define the ultimate American teen idol. His posters hung in the bedrooms of millions of teenage girls all over the world. About the new memoir, Garrett says, “I’m writing it now because I think I can finally make sense of what happened to me over the years. I’ve thought about it for a long time, but I just needed the right amount of distance from all these events. It’s not all going to be pretty, but it’s going to be honest.”
This will be a book about what it’s like to be transformed into an object of insane desire and adoration. But it’s also a book about a little kid that just wanted a normal family. It’s about the ravages of drug addiction. And celebrity culture. It’s about lost youth, trying to be an artist and also fighting for control of one’s own life.
Garrett adds about his co-writer, “I also waited a long time to meet the right person to do this with. I met Chris two years ago and we bonded immediately over growing up in the ’70s and more—but especially over music.” Epting offers, “I think Leif’s passion for good music defines him. He’s also very smart, a great storyteller, and a compelling pop culture icon. I’m very excited to be working on this book with Leif.”
Anthony Ziccardi, publisher at Post Hill Press added “We are honored and thrilled to be working with Leif and his team. For decades, Leif’s life and music have captivated audiences. We think this book will continue to engage both fans and the general public alike with a fascinating look into the life of a fascinating man.”
About the Author | Garrett burst onto the scene in 1966 at the early age of five, debuting as an actor in the quintessential period film, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. He starred in over sixty hit television shows, such as being a semi-regular on the critically acclaimed hit television shows, The Waltons and Family.
Having achieved tremendous success as an actor, Garrett took on the music industry. He became a multi-gold and platinum recording artist and one of the biggest teen idols of all time, gracing magazine covers all over the world. In 1977, Garrett released his self-titled debut album and climbed the music charts with remakes of “Runaround Sue” (#13) and “Surfin’ USA” (#20). In 1978 he released his sophomore album entitled Feel The Need. The album quickly became a chart-topper with Leif’s biggest hit, “I Was Made For Dancin’.”
After releasing three more albums, Garrett decided to turn his attention to acting once again, co-starring in Francis Ford Coppola’s film classic, The Outsiders in 1983. He continued to choose other notable roles in the eighties in movies such as Thunder Alley and Shaker Run. In 1991, Garrett appeared with fellow former teen idol, David Cassidy, in the seventies spoof, Spirit of ’76. Audiences were amazed and impressed with Garrett’s comedic ability and talent.
It was in 1998 when the music arena became reacquainted with Leif Garrett on VH1’s highly acclaimed Behind The Music series. The response from the viewing public was sensational and it has become one of the highest rated episodes of Behind The Music. Garrett’s well-documented bouts with substance abuse generated headlines in the next two decades.
Garrett later formed a rock band and toured across the USA while still making appearances on television and doing some theater work. In 2006, Garrett appeared in the celebrity edition of Fear Factor and won the grand prize. In 2008, the producers of TruTV’s The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s Dumbest… added Garrett to their cast of celebrity commentators. Leif was featured on the hit TV series for 14 seasons.
