Poised to release a new edition of his landmark book, The Shadow Over Snata Susana: Black Magic, Mind Control and the Manson Family Mythos, Adam Gorightly was in Los Angeles recently to scout locations for his upcoming promo tour.
Originally published in 2001, Gorightly’s book has entered the legendary ranks of the other “big two” in Charles Manson literature: Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi, and The Family By Ed Sanders. It is the most comprehensive look at the Masnson “family” and takes a longer view of events surrounding one of the most famous murder cases of the 20th century.
Adam talked with us about the events leading to the 1969 crimes of Manson and his band of crazies, and their involvement with the underside and celebrity worlds of Hollywood and Los Angeles. We also discussed possible coverup scenarios involving the famous and powerful who got too close to Manson and were eager to distance themselves when news of the murders made the front page. We also mentioned Manson’s exposure to the ideas of Scientology while he was in prison.
Adam brought along rare recordings of Manson rapping during music recording sessions, parole hearings, outtakes featuring “Family” members singing backup vocals, and a phone interview with Harold True, a cantankerous man who lived next door to the house where Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were killed by a group of Manson followers in the early morning hours of August 10, 1969.
