Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
October 22: Jim Berkenstadt, Madison’s Own ‘Rock and Roll Detective’ is Internationally Known as the Go-To Consultant for the Beatles and His Award-Winning Mysteries in-Music Bestselling Books
--submitted by Sharyn Alden
It’s not often new stories about the Beatles come to light.
But on October 22, Rotarians were treated to what might be called, a “one-of-a-kind” program. That’s because Jim Berkenstadt, who calls Madison home, is internationally known as the “Rock and Roll Detective,” and bestselling author of non-fiction, popular music history and musical mystery books.
Jim has also consulted on rock and roll mysteries for films seen on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus. For movie buffs, his impressive work also includes serving as a consultant to the award-winning filmmaker, Martin Scorsese when he was making his 2011 film, “Living in the Material World” about George Harrison.
Uncovering lost history and mysteries has required Jim to put on his “gum shoes” and play rock and roll detective all over the world.
One example – How could drummer Jimmie Nicol, who briefly replaced Ringo Starr on the Beatles ’64 world tour, simply vanish after 13 days of fame with the Beatles? It led Jim to writing the book, “The Beatle Who Vanished.” In his never-give-up spirit, Jim has searched for Jimmie all over the world—to no avail.
More excitement coming --the book has been optioned for an upcoming film and is currently in development. Stay tuned.
Guest speaker starts at 23:00 minutes.
October 22: Jim Berkenstadt, Madison’s Own ‘Rock and Roll Detective’ is Internationally Known as the Go-To Consultant for the Beatles and His Award-Winning Mysteries in-Music Bestselling Books
--submitted by Sharyn Alden
It’s not often new stories about the Beatles come to light.
But on October 22, Rotarians were treated to what might be called, a “one-of-a-kind” program. That’s because Jim Berkenstadt, who calls Madison home, is internationally known as the “Rock and Roll Detective,” and bestselling author of non-fiction, popular music history and musical mystery books.
Jim has also consulted on rock and roll mysteries for films seen on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus. For movie buffs, his impressive work also includes serving as a consultant to the award-winning filmmaker, Martin Scorsese when he was making his 2011 film, “Living in the Material World” about George Harrison.
Uncovering lost history and mysteries has required Jim to put on his “gum shoes” and play rock and roll detective all over the world.
One example – How could drummer Jimmie Nicol, who briefly replaced Ringo Starr on the Beatles ’64 world tour, simply vanish after 13 days of fame with the Beatles? It led Jim to writing the book, “The Beatle Who Vanished.” In his never-give-up spirit, Jim has searched for Jimmie all over the world—to no avail.
More excitement coming --the book has been optioned for an upcoming film and is currently in development. Stay tuned.
Guest speaker starts at 23:00 minutes.
