Toward the end of “The Beauty of Imperfection”, The Dick Contino Story, Dick writes that he has never considered himself an accordionist, per se. Thus, it makes sense that this is most certainly not an accordion book, per se. Dick continues that the accordion was a way to express himself. And given the inherent physical and musical capabilities of an accordion, it is unlikely he could have made a better choice.

There are those who say Contino is the ‘World’s Greatest Accordionist’; and in terms of his mastery over the totality of the instrument and his ability to connect with an audience, he has few peers. In his success as a superstar who expressed himself through his accordion; he has none.

Contino’s words recount some wonderful historical moments, however, “The Beauty of Imperfection”, is not structured as a chronology. Rather, it tells of his spiritual path through life with a brutally honest disclosure of facing his inner demons. It is a story of survival, both in terms of enduring severe phobias and life’s complications that often compounded them. This gives the autobiography a very unique and personal spin.

The book doesn’t provide background to any artistic intent or some unique musical insight. Nor is it intended to justify any particular ‘life’ decision. There is no such pretense. Music or musical performance that demands explanation is of questionable artistic value anyway. It works or it doesn’t work. Ultimately, life’s actions are also defined by the outcome, be it internal to the individual or external in how it affects others. Contino expresses his love of studying humanity above almost anything else – and one of the primary rewards of “The Beauty of Imperfection” is a disclosure some very personal aspects of his own humanity – not presented for validation or acceptance, but merely as what they are.

But there is another treasure in these pages: a very unique insight into the culture of the time. One can read the dates and happenings of an era, but these can never bring something to life like a personal story can. Dick’s popularity and fame exploded upon the country as a national craze – even more impressive when you consider that it was a long time before global media networking. He went viral before the word was ever applied to a phenomenon.

Through his story we have insight into a world of headlines in major newspapers, network politics, trips behind the Iron Curtain, and emergency meetings called by national heads of the Musician’s Union (an enormously powerful influence of the day), and an A-List of celebrities. Certainly no other accordionist ever experienced or endured fame at this level, and given the systems that support today’s musical superstars, it is unlikely that they are forced to deal with such a wide range of competing and complex issues.

Dick Contino has excited and thrilled audiences for over six decades. But through his book, he now offers a very personal look behind the creativity – though not to explain or justify, but to rather complete a spiritual cycle. He talks of survival, and perhaps this autobiography is a gift of his survival – something missing from other superstars with similar gifts where the cycle was cut short.

Many feel that humor is an essential part of any spiritual path, and most certainly a critical part of survival. Dick’s sense of humor also fills the pages of the book. In a final chapter, Corky Bennett, Dick’s long-time friend, confidant, and personal comedian, provides an external look at Dick’s sense of humor, providing the reader with some very funny moments.

In the true sense of art, there will likely be people who will not resonate with this book, and there will others who will truly embrace it: “I have felt that, or that has also been part of me.” But in the words of one of my favorite spiritual advisors, perhaps this will make those who feel too comfortable a little less comfortable. And perhaps it will make those who feel uncomfortable a little more comfortable. And sometimes both are good.

The accordion world has often come up short in its recognition of Dick Contino, the man, and Dick Contino, the accordionist. Perhaps it doesn’t really matter. He has never needed their validation. Here was a man who loved to play. And here was a man who found the accordion the perfect media for what he needed to say.

Those who attend Accordion Heroes 2012 in Fredericksburg, VA, will have the unique opportunity to meet Dick Contino and hear him play. It’s not a Lifetime Achievement award but rather the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of one of this country’s great superstars who expressed himself with his accordion!

And the book, The Beauty of Imperfection, the Dick Contino Story, is as unique and wonderful as the man who wrote it; perhaps something even an accordionist will enjoy.