Red Wave

Stingray’s memoir vividly shows how the energy of youth culture and an international love affair with rock ‘n’ roll forged alliances among a new generation who brought an end to the U.S.S.R.

Stingray’s personal account of being the first producer of Russian rock ‘n’ roll takes place in the 1980s and the early 1990s, set amongst an unforgettable cast of characters. Drawing from her enormous archive of recordings, interviews and photographs, their voices mix with hers to dramatize this tale of remarkable bravery, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll. At a time when the U.S. and Russia have now hurtled into a new Cold War, this incredible story of faith in individuals rather than governments gives hope for future solidarity among all peace-loving people.

Joanna Stingray is the unlikeliest of Cold War heroes. Her contributions to rock history and to diplomacy are undeniable, and her story is more timely than ever.

“Wild and vivid — a rollicking memoir of romance and rock ‘n’ roll in an era of upheaval and transition. From Los Angeles to Leningrad and back again, Joanna’s story is borne along by her infectious, headlong enthusiasm. It’s quite a ride”.

– Patrick Radden Keefe, award winning staff writer at The New Yorker

As one of the first American musicians to break through the Soviet scene, and one of the few women to be seen as an equal amongst Leningrad’s pantheon of rock superstars, Stingray’s perspective on the development of late Soviet rock is truly one of a kind. This memoir is probably the single most important source for those who want a birds-eye view of late Soviet youth culture, and Stingray’s stories are as entertaining as they are relevant and illuminating. Stingray has managed to capture both the atmosphere of the final decade of the U.S.S.R. & provide a lively contrast to the Western music industry. The importance of this work cannot be stressed enough.

– Alexander Herbert, historian/author

Narrated by award-winning narrator Cassandra Campbell