Queen: As It Began

The authors of the biography “Queen: How It All Began,” Jackie Smith and Jim Jenkins, are devoted fans and researchers of the legendary group’s work and history. Jackie has led the Queen fan club for more than twenty years; it has even been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. Jim is also considered one of the most competent experts on the band’s work—over the years of collaborating on many projects, he took part in numerous Queen initiatives. Jackie wrote the accompanying text for video clips and annotations on the sleeves of the vinyl albums of Greatest Hits. In the book, rich in details drawn from interviews with witnesses and close people from the band, the entire creative journey of Queen is described in depth: from its origins up to the end of 1996, the first years after Freddie Mercury’s death. The book presents stories of each member of the group—from childhood and early musical breakthroughs to unprecedented success, receiving the Britannia Award, Billboard at the same time in three categories (Disco, Rock, R), the legendary show in 1985 at Live Aid, and the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The biography includes a foreword by Queen guitarist Brian May and a large number of photographs from personal archives.