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Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography Hardcover – Illustrated, September 25, 2018

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 150 ratings

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"Buffy Sainte-Marie is an icon and inspiration. This book is necessary—an authorized insight into the making of a legend." —Terese Marie Mailhot, author of Heart Berries

A powerful, intimate look at the life of a beloved folk icon and activist.

Folk hero. Songwriter icon. Living legend. Buffy Sainte-Marie is all of these things and more. In this, Sainte-Marie’s first and only authorized biography, music critic Andrea Warner draws from more than sixty hours of exclusive interviews to offer a powerful, intimate look at the life of the beloved artist and everything that she has accomplished in her seventy-seven years (and counting).

Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s
It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights and freedoms, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. Establishing herself among the ranks of folk greats such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, she has released more than twenty albums, survived being blacklisted by two U.S. presidents, and received countless accolades, including the only Academy Award ever to be won by a First Nations artist. But this biography does more than celebrate Sainte-Marie’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter and entertainer; packed with insight and knowledge, it offers an unflinchingly honest, heartbreakingly real portrait of the woman herself, including the challenges she experienced on the periphery of showbiz, her healing from the trauma of childhood and intimate partner violence, her commitment to activism, and her leadership in the protest movement.

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Editorial Reviews

Review


"Sainte-Marie’s voice shines through—funny, sharply incisive, never bitter... a heartfelt portrait."
Publishers Weekly

"Merriment and perseverance together – the image Warner’s writing casts is one of an insightful leader, whose commitment to joy in learning has only grown over the years. This is at the heart of the biography – one which arguably is decades overdue."
Globe and Mail

"At the core of Warner's portrait of Sainte-Marie lies a courageous, creative, funny woman who was decades ahead of her time."
Exclaim!

"Warner['s]... biography of this soaring icon powerfully reveals Sainte-Marie’s cultural advocacy while shining a much-needed light on her essential humanity, life experiences, and prodigious musical talent."
Booklist

"This well-rounded and thorough authorized biography is perfectly timed – not just welcome but vita...Warner understands how intrinsically art and activism coexist for Sainte-Marie. There wouldn’t be one without the other. "
Quill & Quire

"I admired Buffy’s forthrightness, and her boldness and courage. "
The-BookReview.com

"Buffy Sainte-Marie is an icon and inspiration. This book is necessary—an authorized insight into the making of a legend."
—Terese Marie Mailhot, author of Heart Berries

"A crucial and compelling book that further cements Buffy Sainte-Marie's place in music history."
—Jessica Hopper, author of The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic

"Buffy Sainte-Marie is a beacon: she shows us how unwavering vision and fierce independence go hand-in-hand with the work of creating solidarity, community, justice, and beauty. This book is the captivating story of that achievement."
—Naomi Klein, author of No is Not Enough and This Changes Everything

“Buffy Sainte-Marie’s career is enormously more impressive and significant than has been acknowledged or understood. This book draws decades of incredible, world-changing accomplishments together to make an irrefutable case for her place among the rock ‘n’ roll and songwriting greats. ”
—Tanya Tagaq, Inuk songwriter and throat singer; winner of the 2014 Polaris Prize for Animism as well as multiple Juno Awards.

"A wonderful read! Buffy Sainte-Marie's creative soul has led her, as surely as a compass, in her art, political engagement, and a life of moral purpose."
—Dar Williams, author of What I Found in A Thousand Towns

“Long overdue, Andrea Warner’s expansive, authorized biography reveals the astonishing range and breadth of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s work as a musician and writer, activist, educator, and spiritual leader. She is a true star, and this book goes a long way toward showing us how and why.”
—Chris Kraus, author of I Love Dick and After Kathy Acker: A Biography

“This book serves as proof that one person can make a world of difference. Buffy Sainte-Marie is a wonder—and the writing here reflects her truth, gentle forcefulness, intellect, and thoughtfulness.”
—Tracey Lindberg, author of Birdie

"Warner has composed an extraordinary portrait of one of our most extraordinary artists, a book that feels suffused with Buffy Sainte-Marie's personality and spirit."
—Sean Michaels, author of Us Conductors

"In this heartfelt and revealing book, Buffy Sainte-Marie helps us to realize that out of loss and denial can come enormous gifts and beauty."
—Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005)

About the Author

Andrea Warner is the author of Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography (Greystone Books, 2018) and We Oughta Know: How Four Women Ruled the '90s and Changed Canadian Music (Eternal Cavalier Press, 2015). A freelance writer, Andrea is also an associate producer at CBC Music, a theatre critic at the Georgia Straight, a radio columnist, and the co-host of the weekly podcast Pop This!. Her pronouns are she/her/hers, and she is a settler who was born and raised in Vancouver on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Pop culture, art, and feminism make her happy. On Twitter: @_AndreaWarner

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Greystone Books; Illustrated edition (September 25, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771643587
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771643580
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 150 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
150 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023
Unbelievably I did not know of Buffy Sainte-Marie until I saw her featured on a Public Broadcasting Program. I was so amazed by her singing that when I heard of her Authorized Biography I just had to learn more about her. I was not disappointed. She is an amazing person, activist and singer songwriter.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2022
. . . you will like this book. I've liked and admired her for years. I haven't finished the book yet, but it's very well-written, and packed with all kinds of information. It is, after all, an Authorized Biography!
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024
Fascinating story of a true music icon.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
The book is very well written, and includes a few photos. It seems the main/primary focus is on the various social, cultural and historical factors influencing her life and music, which is certainly different and more complete than what most books would even CONSIDER. Only reason for 4 stars vs. 5, is that for ME, while I enjoyed learning about the "causes" and such, I'd have enjoyed learning more about some of the music itself, songs, albums, the writing/composing/recording processes and influences etc., and more about other types of "art" she enjoys.. painting (and the paintings themselves), her interest in and combining aspects of "dance" into her performances and so on. Her energy and grace as a performer is amazing, such an interesting and inspiring person! :D
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
I am an academic who does research on singer-songwriter music and I was delighted to come across this biography of Buffy Sainte-Marie. Like Warner, the more I learn about Sainte-Marie the more incredulous I am that more people don't know about her music and activism. She's a tremendous figure in the 1960s singer-songwriter scene (which is the focus of my research) and Warner's biography provides important depth and detail to Sainte-Marie's life and career. I am so pleased this book exits and so grateful to Warner for her work in sharing Sainte-Marie's incredible story.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2020
This book is well-written and hard to put down once you start reading it. Sainte-Marie is candid and reveals more than a courageous life on a journey of creativity, strength and compassion. Her book is also a wake-up call to acknowledge and right injustices, prejudice and suffering indigenous people have endured on many levels throughout history, and still endure today. A prolific songwriter, her music grows and changes with time, but she holds steadfast to getting the message out. There is so much in this book. I highly recommend reading about this extraordinary life.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2018
After recently finishing this book, it occurred to me, and quite painfully so, that the author really wasn't a fan of Buffy Sainte-Marie's music. The author, instead, used the book as a vehicle for her own man-hating agenda. Chapter after chapter painted this brilliant woman as a victim and survivor. Also in poor taste was the thumb-sucking afterward in which the author shared her growing friendship with Buffy and their love of cats.
Anyone who has been a fan of Buffy Sainte-Marie since the 1960s as I have, already knew of her pain and difficulties with the men in her life and we didn't need to hear it all again in such detail. As an artist and writer, I wanted so badly to hear about her as an artist: what are her writing and composing practices? How did she go about experimenting with creative guitar tuning? What were some of her inspirations for songs? How does she work out instrumentation with band members and producers? What landscapes inspire her? There was no beauty in this book. As a elementary school teacher, I promised myself that I would always include Indigenous material no matter what grade I taught, and Buffy Sainte-Marie's educational philosophy and work have been wonderful inspirations for me as an educator.
After I finished the book, I got in my car and blasted Power in the Blood and Medicine Songs to refresh myself. If you want a better biography, read the one by Blair Stonechild, a lovely book by someone who really cares.
Hey, Buffy. a big Migwech to you. Kesakihikan. You are a genius. I can't imagine my life without your music and your activism for Indigenous people around the globe. "The young and the old are as one" through your work.
24 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023
I read few biographies, only those in whom I'm deeply interested. This has Buffy's approval and it answered many questions I had over the years about the most underrated of great musical artist.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Ron Edward
5.0 out of 5 stars a canadian treasure
Reviewed in Canada on July 10, 2021
i couldn't put the book down once i started it. women who have been sexually abused or in violent relationships will find their stories in hers. She is very accurate of how kids feel when abused with the esteem issues etc. Its very honest and relatable. Loved the way she comes at issues with a postativity . Shes right thou. she builds bridges to teach not tear down. I felt that i got a better gist of colonization and its effects on people. Greed to gain the land and kill the people who owned it. It now makes alot of sense to me. The residential situation made clear to on generations. She is a women who was far ahead of her time. she used her money for so many good causes to educate children. Such a wonderful role model. a true canadian treasure, even if she grew up in the states.
One person found this helpful
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Angus MacDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars all talent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2021
great transaction
Noemi Friedman
5.0 out of 5 stars I love it
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2020
I love Buffy Sainte-Marie, so it is great to read about her life - learning so many things I had no idea about
M F
5.0 out of 5 stars ARRIVED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2022
What I liked was how quickly the book arrived and in excellent condition.
I did have a concern about it being crushed, however, that did not happen.
I will most definitely order more books that way.
Walter Desjarlais
5.0 out of 5 stars A Canadian treasure
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2021
This woman fought and stood up for indigenous people at a time when I myself as an indigenous man was ashamed of being “native” or Indian at the time. Yet when I look back I’m Métis not Indian. But with a compassionate message that she sends out we are all the same. She is a living legend! Who’s amazing in concert. Has to throw that in.
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Walter Desjarlais
5.0 out of 5 stars A Canadian treasure
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2021
This woman fought and stood up for indigenous people at a time when I myself as an indigenous man was ashamed of being “native” or Indian at the time. Yet when I look back I’m Métis not Indian. But with a compassionate message that she sends out we are all the same. She is a living legend! Who’s amazing in concert. Has to throw that in.
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