The Soloist
Steve Lopez · 2008
A book-length account for readers who want more detail.
2005–2009 · Los Angeles, California
Nathaniel Ayers & Steve Lopez
Music, homelessness and the friendship behind The Soloist
Los Angeles columnist Steve Lopez met musician Nathaniel Ayers in 2005 while Ayers was living on the streets. Their relationship became the subject of Lopez’s reporting, the book The Soloist and a film adaptation. The story examines music, friendship, mental illness and the limits of one person’s efforts to help another.
EXPLORE THE CASE
The Story
When2005–2009
WhereLos Angeles, California
In this collection3 resources
Start here.
Choose a book, screen story or audio episode from this case’s collection.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
Where are they now?
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
Nicknames & media names
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Blogs & Essays
Read our articles here and explore outside perspectives, credited to their writers and publications. See this case in the Journal →
From the journal
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
Blogs & essays
1 itemsAbout these sources
Outside essays and reading guides reflect their authors’ perspectives. Compare claims with reported and primary sources.
Penguin Random House
The Soloist: Reading Guide
Discussion questions about friendship, agency, housing and the role of music, intended for readers of Steve Lopez’s book.
Outside CommentarySource Article · Access May Vary
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Books
CONTINUE YOUR READING
Search this case on Amazon · paid linkSearch results may include unrelated titles. Check the author, edition, and case connection before purchasing.
Explore Reading & Streaming Options · Our case guides are free.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
Books
1 itemsSteve Lopez · 2008
The Soloist
Lopez’s nonfiction account of his relationship with Ayers. The publisher page distinguishes it from unrelated novels with the same title and confirms the 2009 film adaptation.
BookBook Details · Check Edition
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Amazon · paid linkExplore this book
Paperback · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Movies & TV
Movies
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
TV & documentaries
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Audiobooks
An audiobook edition has not been confirmed for this case yet. You can check the audiobook catalog or explore the case’s podcasts.
Check Audio Formats For This Book
These books are in this case’s collection. An audiobook version has not been verified for the listings below.
The Soloist
Search Audiobook Editions · paid linkSteve Lopez · 2008
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
EXPLORE THE CASE
Fiction Work
Fiction Work
Browse all →Scripted stories and fictional inspirations. Scenes, characters, and dialogue can differ from the record.
No verified fictional adaptation or inspiration has been identified in this collection. Nonfiction coverage is listed in the other media sections.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Podcasts
Podcasts
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Social Media
BRING YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Where would you start?
Choose your reading route, then share a question with your community.
Your choice stays on this page. No vote is submitted or counted.
Talk about sources and storytelling with care for the people affected. A documentary, a book and a court record serve different purposes.
EXPLORE THE CASE
News & Reading
News & reporting
1 itemsSteve Lopez · Los Angeles Times · March 28, 2025
20 years and counting: a lasting bond
Lopez revisits the relationship that began in 2005. This is the author’s continuing firsthand perspective; access may require a subscription.
JournalismSource Article · Access May Vary
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Newspaper clippings
0 itemsFeatured newspaper clipping
No newspaper image has been cleared for display for this case yet. Explore the archive below.
Keep following the newspaper trail.
Search original reporting, follow the trial, and compare how newspapers covered the case over time.
Explore more on Newspapers.comNewspapers.com controls access to its archive. A subscription may be required; existing subscribers can sign in.
Internet Archive
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Court & Files
Court records & documents
0 itemsAbout these sources
Documents are labeled by type and scope. Allegations in filings are not findings of guilt. This collection is not the complete case file.
No accessible court document has been verified for this case yet.
New material will appear here after editorial review.EXPLORE THE CASE
Positive Outcome
Positive Outcome
0 itemsAbout these sources
Documented laws, advocacy and reforms. Listing a change does not claim it is effective or universally supported.
No case-specific reform has been verified for this collection yet.
Social Media
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.