Bill Marx is an accomplished musician who — oh, by the way — is the son of a pretty famous musician named Harpo. Based on the few times I've been able to speak with Bill, I'd say he's also a pretty nice, sharp guy…and he has a keen understanding that, as the kid of someone like Harpo Marx, he should not only indulge folks' curiosities about his papa but enjoy sharing him with the world. To that end, he's recently authored a book about what it was like to grow up in that particular family. Harpo's autobiography was entitled Harpo Speaks so Bill's book is, fittingly, Son of Harpo Speaks.
I recommend this book. In fact, I'll tell you how much I recommend it. If you were to click this link, you could buy it from Amazon and I would get a small cut of the proceeds. I will suggest instead that you go to Bill's website, browse some of the wonderful online photos he has there of himself and his father, and then order the book from him and have him autograph it. That will cost you about eight bucks more (and cost me my commission) but hey, the money goes to the author and you'll get his signature on your copy.
However, I have an even better recommendation for those of you who live in or around Los Angeles. This coming Wednesday evening, September 19, Bill will be signing copies at the Barnes & Noble Shop in The Grove beginning at 7:30. The Grove is that big, trendy mall that they built onto the ass end of Farmers Market at 3rd Street and Fairfax, and it's really a great place to browse and eat and shop and see movies. (One of the places I like to eat there is a branch of Maggiano's, and they sometimes have Gregg Marx performing there. Gregg is the grandson of Gummo and a fine singer of romantic tunes.)
Anyway, see if you can get over there and meet Bill and buy a book. You'll enjoy both those things.