Thomas Dolby on His New Book, "Prevailing Wind"

Two music legends meet at the Westport Library on July 16, as Thomas Dolby and Chris Frantz discuss Dolby’s new novel, Prevailing Wind! Please note the 4:00 start time.

This is Thomas’ ONLY public signing event during his tour, so don’t miss this opportunity! All attendees who purchase a copy of Thomas’ new novel may get the book and one additional item signed by Mr. Dolby.

About the Book

As dark political clouds gather over Europe, the NYYC’s railroad barons control the USA from the squeaky leather couches of the 44th St clubhouse. Far from the immigrant slums, the Suffragettes, and the Ludlow massacres, they wager small fortunes and pit their egos on their favorite distraction: big yacht sail racing. Its absolute pinnacle is the America’s Cup–the oldest trophy in world sport.

For two penniless brothers, it’s the chance of a lifetime: to get the heck out of Deer Isle and etch their names in Cup history. But they’ll have to fight for places with the rival West Bay crew. There are old feuds to be settled on and off the water.

Prevailing Wind is a ruthless exploration of the vast chasm between rich and poor in the Progressive Age. It is laced with breathtaking depictions of classic yacht racing moments, and deep insights into the hearts and minds of working sailors and millionaire owners.

Perhaps best known for blinding us with science, Thomas Dolby has always blurred the lines between composition and invention.

Thomas Dolby is an English musician, producer, composer, entrepreneur and teacher.

Dolby came to prominence in the 1980s, releasing hit singles including “She Blinded Me with Science” (1982) and “Hyperactive!” (1984). He has also worked as a producer and as a session musician.

Dolby is associated with the new wave movement of the early 1980s, a form of pop music incorporating electronic instruments, but Dolby’s work covers a wide range of musical styles and moods distinct from the high-energy pop sound of his few, better-known commercial successes.

In the 1990s, Dolby founded Beatnik, a Silicon Valley software company which developed the polyphonic ringtone software and created the Nokia tune. Its technology was used in more than half a billion cell phones. He was also the music director for TED Conferences. On the faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University since 2014, Dolby leads Peabody’s Music for New Media program, which enrolled its first students in the fall of 2018.

In July 1998, Dolby received a “Lifetime Achievement in Internet Music” award from Yahoo! Internet Life. In 2012 he performed at Moogfest and was the recipient of The Moog Innovation Award, which celebrates “pioneering artists whose genre-defying work exemplifies the bold, innovative spirit of Bob Moog”. In February 2018, Dolby was awarded the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award. Dolby has received four Grammy nominations, two each in 1984 and 1988.

Chris Frantz is a musician, producer, songwriter and founding member of the Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and hosts the radio show Chris Frantz the Talking Head on WPKN.

Frantz's recent memoir Remain In Love chronicles his artistic and musical journey, from RISD to laying the groove for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.

Host or Publisher The Westport Library