Scott Raab conversed with The Awl about his new memoir, The Whore of Akron: One Man’s Search for the Soul of LeBron James. Raab provides insight on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Philip Roth and other favorite interviewees.
“And the fact that it’s a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in and of itself seems oxymoronic. The idea, “I’m gonna go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and look at Joey Ramone’s sneakers, his black high tops. I’m gonna go there and see Rick Nielsen’s 117th guitar.” You know, go to the fucking art museum. Go to Severance Hall and listen to the orchestra. I think the Hard Rock Café has more validity as a concept than a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
