Sex, drugs, and rock & roll were more than a cliché in the life of Elliott M. As a prominent rock musician and song-writer for years before alcoholism drove him into Alcoholics Anonymous, Elliott’s drinking ran parallel to his rise to stardom. Ironically, his best song-writing and performances were largely free from the influence of alcohol and drugs. But offstage, his drinking and drugging were decimating  every facet of his life. His dissent to the bottom occurred during the five years preceding his 1985 sobriety date. Like many of his contemporaries, Elliott’s career had soared in the midst of his functional alcoholism before booze became the malefactor hell-bent on ruining his life. With his options running out, the answer to his prayer for release showed up in the form of a simple AA questionaire given him by the woman he later married. After his last drink, Elliott entrée into AA launched his new life in which sobriety is his number one priority. His relocation to Paris 35 years ago allowed him to continue active participation in AA and performances for his European fans. In a sober career chockful of accomplishments, including more than 40 albums, Elliott readily gives credit to his higher power for every step in his success. His ongoing commitment to regular meetings and AA fellowship keep him humbly connected to the Program. He readily extends the hand of AA to anyone who reaches out for help.

One of my previous guests on AA Recovery Interviews attends meetings with Elliott whenever he’s in Paris and suggested Elliott for the show. Meeting Elliott by Zoom has been a treat and I think you’ll enjoy hearing his captivating story. So please enjoy the next 60 minutes with my friend and AA brother, Elliott M.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.