Musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo: From Grammy-Winning Collaborators to Picture Book Co-Authors

Nov 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, a musical power couple with over 40 years of collaboration, have now ventured into the world of picture book writing. Their debut book, "My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!", is set to be published by Sourcebooks in fall 2025 and features illustrations by Tiffany Everett. This book is a heartfelt ode to the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

Personal Touch and Family Values

For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, who are proud parents to Haley (39) and Hana (30) and grandparents to Stevie (6), Lola (4), and Cash (2), this book holds a special place. As they share with PEOPLE, "Everything they said about having grandchildren is true. When we met in 1979, having children was one of our dreams. We were blessed with two beautiful daughters and now have three darling grandchildren ― our dream on steroids!" Their grandbabies are familiar with their musical careers, having seen their live concerts and watched their videos. To them, they are simply grandma and papa. 1: The couple's deep connection with their family shines through in every aspect of "My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!". It's not just a book about grandparents but a celebration of the unique relationships and memories that grandparents create with their grandchildren. 2: This personal touch adds an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to the story, making it resonate with readers on a profound level. It shows that even in the midst of a successful musical career, family remains at the heart of their lives.

Diversity and Superpowers

"Our grandbabies know that we are musicians and songwriters," they continue. "We believe diversity is a superpower! We love that My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! embodies that ideal." The book celebrates all grandparents and the variety of backgrounds they come from. It shows that grandparents can "rock" in different ways, whether through singing, dancing, or just being themselves. 1: By emphasizing diversity, Benatar and Giraldo aim to inspire readers and show that every grandparent has a unique story to tell. It's a message of inclusivity and acceptance that transcends generations. 2: This aspect of the book makes it a valuable addition to children's literature, teaching them about the importance of different cultures and backgrounds while also celebrating the love between grandparents and grandchildren.

Professional Collaboration and Musical Legacy

Benatar and Giraldo have been professional collaborators for over 40 years. Since their marriage in 1982, Giraldo has served as Benatar's lead guitarist, and together they are four-time Grammy winners with 36 million albums sold worldwide. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. 1: Their musical partnership is a testament to their talent and dedication. Through their work, they have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire generations of musicians. 2: Now, with "My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!", they are expanding their creative horizons and sharing their love and wisdom with a new audience. It's a natural extension of their artistic journey and a way to connect with readers on a deeper level.My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! will be published on Sept. 9, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.