Origins with James Andrew Miller C6: Almost Famous / Ep 2: Cameron Crowe Unmasked
Jul 8, 2020
In this conversation, Cameron Crowe, the acclaimed writer-director, reflects on his decade-long journey creating Almost Famous, drawing inspiration from his own life. Musician Nancy Wilson, Crowe's ex-wife, shares her role in shaping the screenplay, while Neil Preston, a rock photographer, entertains with wild on-the-road stories, including the memorable Greg Allman tapes saga. They delve into Crowe's teenage years as a Rolling Stone correspondent, pivotal experiences that influenced the film, and the transformation of his script into a heartfelt family story.
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The Neighborhood That Shaped Him
- Cameron grew up across from the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, which immersed him in an artsy world and backstage life.
- Actors and theater people stayed in his building, giving him early access to creative adult worlds that shaped his sensibility.
Teenage Rolling Stone Breakthrough
- At 15, Cameron joined Rolling Stone and wrote profiles of icons like Dylan and Bowie, launching his music-journalism life.
- That teenage correspondent experience later became the basis for Almost Famous.
Frampton's Early Endorsement
- Cameron previewed Peter Frampton's album in the A&M studio at about age 16 and wrote liner notes after being impressed.
- That early interaction showed his credibility despite his youth.
