Love Don't Need a Reason: The Life & Music of Michael Callen

Love Don’t Need a Reason: The Life & Music of Michael Callen – by Matthew J JonesI have been waiting for this book for many years, and Jones did not let me down. Callen (1955-1993) was the gay singer I admire the most, and having done a radio show for 15 years called Queer Music Heritage, I have often been asked who was my favorite. It’s always Michael Callen. In 2013 I did a four-hour tribute radio show to him, which featured interviews by eleven people/singers close to him. So my point is…I have thoroughly ‘studied’ Michael Callen, and naturally would be very critical about short-comings in a book honoring one of my heroes. I really found nothing I can nit-pick…this book is beautifully written and scholarly researched. The only shortcoming was it lacking an index, but that was a financial decision many new authors face.In full disclosure I know the author and am honored to call him a friend. We have corresponded with each other for many years on Facebook, mostly about Callen, and when he moved to Houston a year or so ago I took him out to a welcome dinner. So I’ve been waiting anxiously for ‘the book.” And also for his next one, titled “How to Make Music in an Epidemic: Popular Music-Making During the AIDS Crisis: 1981–1996.” I’m chomping at the bit for that one, as I have studied that area also.Callen’s life really had two different driving forces….his music and AIDS activism. He was a pioneering activist and it is important for this to be documented, in how he wrote about it, spoke about it was a leader in getting the subject out in the open. I adored his music, with and without the vocal group the Flirtations. And I think it should be mandatory that his posthumous “Legacy” CD should be the collections of every LGBT person. And the song “Love Don’t Need a Reason,” from his “Purple Heart” album I consider an inspirational and emotional anthem, and one of hope, not to mention his simply beautiful voice. In short, if you do not know about his life and music, consider this your invitation.

In April 1993, singer, musician, and gay activist Michael Callen stook on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C., sharing a bit about himself, his music, and the gay community before launching into song. His song, ‘Love Don't Need a Reason’, became an anthem for the gay and AIDS community. Michael Callen retired from the music industry and before the end of the year, died from AIDS. His legacy, his life, his music will live on but his story has never really been told. Dr. Matthew J. Jones made it his life's goal to tell Michael's story the right way. He worked tirelessly and traveled across the country to complete his book. He focuses on Michael's music and his personal crusade to bring a spotlight on AIDS. Michael Callen changed the world's view on AIDS and he should be honored not only among the LGBTQIA+ community but also by the human race.Love Don't Need a Reason is a brilliant memoir on the life and music of Michael Callen. In the early '90s, I witnessed two friends die of AIDS. It was a horrifying experience and to the gay community and for myself, Michael's music was a beacon of hope. Love Don't Need a Reason is a heartfelt memoir that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. Thanks to Dr. Matthew J. Jones' immense research and dedication, this book was a pleasure to read. I once again witnessed one man's crusade brought to light to be an inspiration for generations to come. I can't recommend this book enough. It'll make you laugh, cry, and connect with not only Michael Callen but Dr. Matthew J. Jones as well. Highly recommend!Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.My Rating: 5+ stars

This bio of Michael Callen is fantasic! Michael Callen was a force of the universe. As an important first generation AIDS activist and longtime survivor, groundbreaking queer musician, buzzing gadfly to the powerful, member of the beloved gay men's vocal ensemble The Flirtations, and co-inventor of Safe Sex, Michael Callen touched the lives and hearts of queer folk profoundly in the 80s and 90s. Matthew J. Jones remarkable new biography of Michael Callen Love Don't Need a Reason is a powerful telling of Mike's journey and achievements.Jones' book now deepens that soulful work of building queer lineage of how we understand who we are and where we are going. Get this book!