What do Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Willie Nelson have in common?
Beyond the glitz, glamour, and chart-topping success, they all began as hopeful dreamers. Ordinary people armed with extraordinary determination, each faced rejection, uncertainty, and sacrifice before reaching their defining moment. In his compelling new book, Big Break: How the Biggest Names in Show Business Got Their First Big Break, veteran musician and producer Del Clark peels back the curtain on those early, often-overlooked chapters in the lives of music’s most iconic figures.
Rather than recycling the polished success stories that fill the tabloids, Big Break dives into the raw, authentic beginnings of these legends—long before the world knew their names. From Brandi Carlile performing for small crowds on Seattle’s sidewalks to Barbra Streisand pushing past ridicule and doubt on her road to fame, the book offers a rare glimpse into the moments that shaped music’s biggest stars.
Del Clark is more than just a writer chronicling musical history—he’s lived it. As the founder of The Rocky Mountain Songwriters Group and a performer from the age of seven, Clark brings unmatched insight into the challenges artists face on the road to recognition. The son of jazz musician Archie Lee, Clark’s early years were filled with music, rehearsal rooms, and the realities of life in the entertainment industry. His musical roots run deep, and that authenticity resonates throughout the pages of Big Break.
“I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to survive in this business,” Clark says. “I wanted to create something that not only told the stories of success but honored the struggle behind them. Because that’s where the heart is.”
In Big Break, readers will discover the pivotal turning points that forever altered the careers of artists like The Beatles, whose legendary appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show skyrocketed them into American stardom, and Taylor Swift, whose relentless dedication and belief in her craft propelled her from small-town Pennsylvania to global superstardom.
The book also pays homage to unsung moments of vulnerability—times when these icons considered giving up, doubted their worth, or faced rejection so severe it nearly ended their journey. But it was in these moments of weakness, Clark argues, that true greatness was born. Their “big breaks” didn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, they arrived in the form of a chance encounter, a late-night audition, or a self-funded demo tape.
For aspiring musicians, artists, and even fans, Big Break offers more than inspiration—it provides valuable life lessons. Clark doesn’t just document success; he distills the essence of perseverance, humility, and self-belief. It’s a book that reminds readers that stardom is not an overnight transformation but the result of years of invisible labor, tireless effort, and unwavering vision.
As someone who has mentored dozens of emerging artists, Clark hopes this book becomes a tool of encouragement. “You don’t have to be famous to be exceptional,” he notes. “Sometimes the biggest breakthrough is believing in your voice when no one else does.”
Big Break is a celebration of that belief—the spark that transforms ordinary lives into legendary ones. With gripping storytelling, heartfelt insight, and a deep reverence for music’s history, Del Clark delivers a tribute to those who dared to keep going when no one was watching.
Because before they were stars…
They were just like us.
Stay tuned: Del Clark
