Bea Swedien, author: My Life as a Studio Wife (book)

In October of 2011, I drove my rental car up to Ocala, Florida, to visit a recording studio icon, engineer Bruce Swedien [Tape Op #91]. Upon arrival, I met Bruce and his lovely wife, Bea, and knew I would have a pleasant time with these two warm, friendly people. This interview was a wonderful experience, and hanging out at their wonderful home and studio was a treat. Subtitled A Lifetime of Love and Music with Bruce Swedien, this is Bea’s second memoir and focuses less on her (incredibly unique) upbringing and more on her life with Bruce, the love of her life and husband for 68 years. After a foreword by Quincy Jones, Bea jumps into 200 pages of world travel, Michael Jackson albums, studios in Chicago, Jennifer Lopez sessions, and what feels like a number of residence moves. Bruce claimed that other engineers had told him, “Don’t ever bring your wife to the studio.” He smartly ignored this advice. Bea understood Bruce’s commitment to the artist, his long hours, and the missed events in their lives. She’d show up at the sessions with Swedish meatballs, sugar cookies, and a sunny disposition, putting everyone at ease. This book is packed with studio stories, travel adventures, and two lives well lived. Bruce’s recollections are included (check out his book, Make Mine Music), as are tales from their daughter Roberta Swedien, who has carried on with her own career in music. Sometimes you meet couples and know they are truly best friends as well. Bea and Bruce had that, and I enjoyed reading about their lives so much. (studiowifebook.com) -LC