Book Description

Here's the powerful story of my life--a lonesome sojourn through a labyrinth in pursuit of love and strength.The path twists and turns through time, and upon encountering David Ruffin,lead singer of The Temptations, my destiny is met. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

New Release Reveals Personal Secrets About David Ruffin
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure if the author was even legit, let alone if she was going to bash David or what. It's really a love story though, shedding a lot of light on questions not only about David's life, but his death as well. You gotta read this to believe it!! I loved it. I am so glad to know that the Temptations movie is not the only side to the story.
I like any celebrity bios and autobiographies. This one is much different, though. Really down to earth.

5 STARS FOR MAKING YOURSELF LOOK LIKE A FOOL TO THE WORLD
I gave 5 stars because she must have a lot of guts to write this book and look like a fool to the world. I read a lot of books written by groupies but this is the worse. This woman is pathetic. I can't feel sorry for a fool. I don't care if a man is famous and rich I wouldn't stay with a man who disrespects and beats me. David Ruffin is a wonderful performer, but I don't like the way he lived but he paid for his wrongs. But I don't want to compare how great a performer he was to the type of person he was, I won't make any excuses for his bad ways, but some things shouldn't be said. Obviously this woman is trying to make money and damage David and try to make herself famous, but really she's making herself look like a fool. She thought by writing this book the spotlight would be on her and people will feel sorry for her, instead people think she's stupid- but I have to say she has a lot of guts to write this book, she should know she would get bashed, but she's making money because people are wanting to read about David, even with these bad reviews people will still buy this book just to have their own scenario, but money don't buy love. If I was Genna Sapia I wouldn't want the world to know all this, I would be ashamed. Like the one reviewer said you should of did something with your life, got an education or something. No woman deserves to be treated badly, no matter if the man is famous. Everyone is wrong but Genna. I have to say Genna got what was coming to her- she dated a married man, had a child out of wedlock- what made you think he would be faithful to you and quit his wild life. If he cheated on his wife to be with you, you should know he would do it to you. But this woman blaims everyone but herself- she's the good "righteous" one, everyone else "bad". I don't know what David Ruffin had but obviously women are still crazy about him. This woman changed her name to Ruffin and wasn't even married to him, if he treated me like he treated you, I wouldn't dare change my name- she says he came to her after his death and told her it was okay for her to have his name. Well, I wonder how many other women he came to after his death and told that. This woman needs help, she need to discover herself and find out where she came from. If she wants another David Ruffin that actor Leon who played David looks a lot like David, I bet she fell in love with him also. I bet it was deja vu again for her. You need Dr. Phil.

No Love Story
This book is just another case of being mislead. According to the author, this book contained "A Love Story" along with info about the life and childhood of David Ruffin, one of The Temptations great lead singers. I'm sorry but this is no love story at all and I don't think it is honest for the author to mislead the readers this way. I found the book sad and embarrasing. It seemed to be written more by an enemy than a lover and one who must have been totally fascinated or obsessed with Mr. Ruffin. One thing for sure, since the man is not here to tell his side of the story, I remain a fan and a lover of his music. I'm just sorry I wasted my money.

NO STARS for this faulty memory flashback
The only reason why this junk has more stars than it should is not only that they won't let us post no stars, but also because someone gave her 5 stars for writing trash!!!!
I've read expose's on Hitler and Al Capone and even they weren't trashed like the great Temptation's singer David Ruffin is in this book. No one could be this bad--not even David Ruffin. The woman was and still is living in a fantasy world. She obviously never meant anything to this man. This is no love story, it was an extended one night stand that turned into a nightmare that wouldn't end--for HIM!!!

Pure Trash
Having known David BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER the Temptations I have to qualify this book as pure trash. I am a female friend, nothing more and nothing less and for all of us who loved and respected David we knew that he certainly was not the monster she claims he was in this book. He did have a serious drug problem but was a very kind and loving man when not on drugs. I have seen his kindness to others many times and they are too numerous to write about here. This is a bitter woman who tried to get David to want her and because he did not she in reality hated him. I don't agree with the way he treated her but many times she was so annoying that it is like a fly buzzing around, you need to swat it to get it to stop bothering you and bother him she did. She was jealous of his attention to friends, male or female. Her whole self worth is wrapped up in her knowing David. Even all of these years after his death she is still bitter and refuses to get on with her life. Okay she had a son but how many women do you see coming forward with this type of revelation? Why? because she needs and craves the attention and no one ever gave it to her. The fact that she uses his name with out benefit of a marriage license shows her desperation and need for attention. All I can say is that you need to get a life, he did not respect you in life and he certainly did not come back to honor you after death. You were a groupie nothing more, the only difference in you and other groupie types is that you did not have the good sense to take it for what it was worth at the time and go on with your life afterward. ... Read more

Book Description

Marvin Gaye was a twentieth-century icon, one of our greatest pop singers.He made his name with the Motown sound of the sixties, but went on to become a musical revolutionary with the release of What's Going On -- an album that tuoched on war, ecology, racism, violence, and poverty.It perfactly capured the spirit of the times and changed people's perceptions of what soul music could achieve.

Behind the songs, however, Gaye's was a troubled life: drug dependency, tortured personal relationships, and ongoing financal and legal difficulties led inexorably to the final fatel meeting with his father.Since his tragic death, his stature has increased rather than diminished.His musical legacy has endured that his popularity and influnce will endure and continue to win new generations of fans.

Trouble Man, based on exhausive and exclusive new research, is the definitive story of the turbulent life and violent death of an American icon.Steve Turner probes beyond the undying magic of songslike"I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "What's Going On," and "Sexual Healing" to trace the jagged contours of Gaye's life and examine the man behind the legend.Turner's detailed exploration of Gaye's childhood and his relationship with his family, his religious upbringing, and his meteoric professional success and ultimate descent into drug abuse and financial instability offers a new look at a beloved American musician.

Reviews (8)

A must read for ANY Marvin Gaye Fan.
I have studied extensivly the life and music of one of histories most fascinating and interesting artists. I have already read Divided Soul five times over, and Trouble Man uncovers some of the mysteries of Marvin's Life. Trouble Man picks up where Divided Soul leaves off. One of the most interesting facts about Marvin, is that he is the Biological Father of his and Anna Gordy Gaye's adopted son Marvin Jr. Until this book was published, that was a bit of information that few in the musical circles that I run in, knew about. Also the relationships that Marvin kept open with his former wives is informative. In my opinion, the man was a very talented, shy, introverted person, who just happened to also be a star. Women loved him in part because of his sensitivity, and the fact that Marvin acknowledged that he possesed a soft side. Marvin was prophetic, loving, and was years way ahead of his time. It is also reiterated in this book that there was no type of romantic relationship between Marvin, and Tammi Terrell. For anyone who believes that, listen to the end of the song "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" whereby Tammi sings, "Oh Marvin!" If you are a true Marvin fan, you will not be able to put this book down until you are finished reading it!

Trouble Man
To the outside observer, Marvin Gaye had it all. Millions of adoring fans around the world, a seemingly endless money supply, a loving family, and the presence of mind to deprive himself of no desire no matter how sexually deviant or socially inappropriate.

Many people would jump at the chance to trade places with Marvin Gaye during the height of his career. As fans we tend to fixate on the accomplishments of those we admire while overlooking any shortcomings they may possess until we've created the image of a perfect icon who probably never existed. These perceptions changes of course, as his fans watched his glamerous world come crashing down. In retrospect, what we are left with are countless questions and an incredible string of shocking circumstances that the music world has never recovered from.

"Trouble Man" gives readers the joy of actually knowing not only the history of Marvin Gaye but an astounding vision into the type of person he was, the lives he touched, and the inner demons that haunted him until the day he died.

The author brings us back to the upbringing of Marvin's father and his father's role in the church as a minister. The issue of religion was key in young Marvin's struggle between gospel and secular music. That battle with his family and his conscience would be the first of many struggles that ultimately defined the man we knew as Marvin Gaye.

"Trouble Man" is easily the best biography I have read to date. Readers will be taken along on a life full of so much change and up's and downs that I was left awestruck

Trouble Man - a dissenting opinion
Despite the involving history of its freakishly dualistic and tragic subject, author Turner misses the mark here. After catchingx a couple of filmed performances from late in Gaye's career on cable - a thrilling rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at a Lakers Game and an incandescent in-concert performance of "Sexual Healing", I realized how completely the author fails to convey the Gaye's mastery of his art . Both of these performances came after an extended period of slumping sales and inactivity and marked a final, ultimately failed attempt at a rally. Yet these brilliant appearances get scant mention in the book. As does Marvin's breakthrough appearance in the T.A.M.I. Show lineup. Often quotes by family and associates are riddled with Britishisms (the author is English) that are incongruously sprinkled into the speech of these urban African Americans. I believe that when biography writers take broad liberties in paraphrasing the words of those he interviews, it calls into question the overall accuracy of their work. (Couldn't the guy have used a tape recorder?) The book is riddled with minor errors of fact. For example, Turner refers to a town as being in "Upper California" and he often gets the names of venues wrong. I plan to read David Ritz's biography in the hope that he has done a better job in recounting this tragic soul man's life and work.

A difinitive look at The Prince of Soul
As a fellow author on soul music and as something of a historian on Motown and its artists, I thought I knew everything there was to know about Marvin Gaye. Mr. Turner's book quickly proved me wrong. Trouble Man turned out to be a difinitive look at one of the most talented, and obviously one of the most troubled artists in the history of modern popular music. Drawing on exhaustive research (particularly about Gaye's father) and utilizing first hand interviews (most notably with Gaye's second wife, Jan), Turner crafts a tome that has you coming away from the book with a clearer understanding of what made Marvin tick. Although not quite as in-depth as Divided Soul, Trouble Man moves quickly, and is entertaining without being scandalous. This is a must-read for all Marvin Gaye fans.

very deep&moving
Marvin Gaye is one of my all-time favorite Artists.he was something else.he struck a chord with me early on.the honesty&drive of his voice had so much to say&feel.this book deals with the demons&maddness he faced.Steve Turner does a fantastic job here.very essential book that captures the essence of the Man.there will never be another Marvin Gaye he was truly a one of a kind Genius of Hope,Love&Life.a must read that will keep your full attention. ... Read more

Book Description

Named the #1 Rock Biography of All Time in The New Book of Rock Lists

Drawing from interviews conducted before Marvin Gaye's death, acclaimed music writer David Ritz has created a full-scale portrait of the brilliant but tormented artist. With a cast of characters that includes Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder, this intimate biography is a definitive and enduring look at the man who embodied the very essence of the word soul. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Head and shoulders above most pop music bios
Marvin Gaye was blessed many times over. Blessed with a powerful creativity and an equally powerful voice with which to express it. He was likewise blessed in his biographer David Ritz. Mr. Ritz knew his subject well, getting personally involved in Marvin's life at a time many believed his career was waning. Ritz knew better and was one of the few who recognized the shimmering brilliance of Marvin's HERE MY DEAR. Ritz not only brings an insider's perspective on Marvin's complicated career and often troubled personal life, but is capable of seeing him as both fan and friend. The book, unlike many pop music bios, is written in a refreshingly graceful prose. It is a joy to read. I recommend it to anyone who has a copy of WHAT'S GOING ON.

From the womb to the tomb, Soul music genius Marvin Gaye.
Soul music legend Marvin Gaye tells David Ritz about his life, music, and the women that shaped his fragile world. Mr. Gaye gives detailed accounts of the relationships that shaped his music. A very good book that must be read to fully understand the marvelous music of Marvin Gaye.

Troubled Prose
Marvin Gaye led a fascinating life. Any biographer is going to be at an advantage when dealing with a life like this: Gaye was probably one of the most conflicted, self-destructive, and influential artists of the past half century.
Unfortunately, Ritz isn't a particularly great writer. His writing style is blunt, unpolished, and often redundant. His amateur attempts to psychoanalyze Gaye are embarassing; you don't have to be a psych major like myself to be completely aware of the failed father figure and mother-lover achetype cliches that Ritz is constantly referencing. Besides, Gaye's life so obviously displays these conflicts that it strikes this reader as ridiculous to continually point them out, especially in such obvious fashion.
Now, having said that, let me just refer to the first two sentences of this review and praise the author for what he does have that makes up for his stilted writing style: an immense wealth of research. Ritz was Gaye's official biographer, and therefore the book is filled with quotes from personal interviews with all manner of characters involved in Gaye's life. Gaye's parents, siblings, managers, sidemen (and one woman), and a few others are interviewed for this book, and there's hardly a page in the book that doesn't feature Gaye's own thoughts. A few significant characters are not interviewed -- his two wives, Berry Gordy, or Motown's two other largest stars, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder -- but it is understandable that these people would not grant interviews (has anyone interviewed Gordy?) and given the numerous interviews Ritz did conduct, it seems logical that he would have tried to gain access to these people. Truthfully, you don't even notice these people's absence, since it's a biography of Gaye, and his voice is everywhere.
And, as I said earlier, it's a compelling story. Despite the poor writing style, I tore through the book. I love Gaye's music, and his story is so fascinating and heartbreaking, that hearing it through Gaye's own voice makes the book worth reading.
Another credit to the author for not dwelling on his role in writing "Sexual Healing." It would have been easy to detail how much credit he deserved, but he only briefly describes the conversation that led to the song's creation and focuses on it led to the "Midnight Love" album and the final phase of Gaye's career.
It's probably fair to call this the "definitive" biography. Ritz certainly did his homework, and it does pay off. Gaye's extensive musings on his life and career provide fascinating reading, and often allow the reader to forget the distractions of the writer's own contributions. There are plenty of other biographies on Gaye to read (none of which I have read), but my guess would be that, despite the awkward prose that fills it, this book should probably accompany every other biography of Marvin Gaye.

WOW!
Just reading this book is enough to make you laugh, cry, and feel for this man. Marvin was an innovator, way ahead of his time. He let us come into his life and live it with him. You read about his inspirations for his 1970s albums (Let's Get It On, I Want You, What's Going On?). You read about his pain, his triumphs, his insecurities. He was a human being as well as an artist. He is truly missed.

Great Biography of a great singer
Written by a longtime friend of Marvin Gaye's, this book is the best biography of the legendary singer currently available. Although Ritz is an insider, he does not flinch from providing a complete, complex portrait of a very conflicted and troubled man. The book is objective and fair, as well as loving and respectful toward the genius of Marvin Gaye. A fitting tribute to a legend.. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Ray Charles, BB King, James Brown Can't Be Wrong!!!
For many years, while Bill Haley, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, and even bluesman Muddy Waters were all celebrated as having contributed to the birth of rock and roll, the contributions of jump blues/swing/jive man Louis Jordan were almost always overlooked, if not forgotten. It was left to his contemporaries such as James Brown, Ray Charles, and BB King (King recently released a tribute album of all-Jordan material), not to mention such former duet partners as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Bing Crosby, to sing the praises of this very talented but always underappreciated legend. John Chilton seeks to right the wrong with this biographical treatment, and for the most part, does an admirable job. Louis' rural beginnings in oil-boom Arkansas are chronicled, as are his tenure with the Chick Webb band (where he was "cut" in a musical contest by the immortal Lester Young), his many hits, his many marriages, his relentless drive for perfection, his decline in popularity at the hands of rock and roll, the music he helped inspire, and his final vindication (as with many black musicians) in front of appreciative British audiences. Overall, Chilton does a thorough job, but one senses that he is rushing to get through the material; he rarely spends any time on any one subject. Example: Jordan's most famous songs, such as Choo, Choo, Ch'Boogie and Saturday Night Fish Fry, are given no more time and attention than such lesser gems as Honey In The Bee Ball or Sax-A-Woogie. Another example: He mentions the affair between Jordan and Fitzgerald, but leaves it at that; no discussion on how this affair affected his marriages or how the former bandmates relationship changed over time. At 245 pages, the text is a good read, but surely, Chilton could have spent another 100 or so pages reflecting at length on these and other topics. Part of the problem seems to be that Chilton, as a jazz critic, shares the jazzman's disdain for Jordan's overly commercial material and approach. Still, there is a lot of good research here, and a biography of Jordan was sorely needed. Chilton, for the most part, has done a very fine job, however the definitive biography of Louis Jordan will take several years, and should be undertaken by someone who would better put him in context as a founding figure of rock, as well as a leading light in swing and jump blues.

A Legendary Innovator and Entertainer Brought Back to Life !
Louis Jordan's consumate professionalism, and the clean life he lead wouldn't make him seem to be the ideal topic of an autobiography (on the surface)... Nevertheless, between his wit, his horn and his passionate desire not to be upstaged by ANYONE he managed to revolutionize modern music by smashing Jazz, the blues, and a bit of down home entertainment together, paving the way for what would eventually become the music known as rock and roll and R & B.

Written in a well researched anecdotal matter, this book documents the man who was one of the biggest selling artists of his time. His movie shorts managed to inspire an entire generation of artists who would later take his formula and create rock and roll. In his own biography James Brown (The Godfather of Soul) rants and raves about Louis, mentioned the influence that Caldonia in particular had on his life, especially the way he'd go up and shout real high, just like Little Richard (only long before Little Richard.)

In this book you will meet many legendary entertainers (now virtually forgotten) and find out what it was like to be an entertainer of color in some very difficult, yet changing and turbulent times... and in particular the riff between him and many of the younger musicians who's music he absorbed but often accused him of being an "uncle Tom" for his whimsical style of performing.- - You'll find out about life on the road, the difficulty of holding together bands, and touring the chitlin' circuit in the days of segregation... and suddenly those silly songs like "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" and "Iz You Iz" will take on a whole new meaning.

The book contains a nice discography, about a dozen pages of pictures... including one with Dottie Smith, a member of his group who's still singing and performing here in Philadelphia, Sunday Nights at Barber's Hall and that I've sat in with on occasion. - - John Chilton is a superior Jazz historian who's as good as collecting the facts, as telling the stories they represent ! ! !

This is a great book for anyone interested in jump blues.
This book helps bridge the gap between the pre-war big band era and the modern juump blues bands and eventually rock and roll. It is a very readable book, whether or not you are familiar withn Jordan's life and music. Because Louis Jordan was such a big influence on Chuck Berry, I found it particularly interesting in developing the context from which rock and roll arose. To fully appreciate this book, have recorded versions of Jordan's music available for reference. ... Read more

Book Description

These audio biographies chart the lives and work of some of rock's most memorable acts, from their early days to their rise to fame. Each CD includes comments and interview material by the artist and is accompanied by an eight-page illustrated booklet and fold-out poster. ... Read more

Book Description

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was that music business rarity: a teen idol who transformed herself into a critically acclaimed hip-hop soul artist, a singer who successfully made the transition to actress, and a beautiful woman who never let the trappings of celebrity go to her head. Following her impressive debut at age 14 with the album Age Ain't Nothin' but a Number, Aaliyah raised the bar with her hugely influential and bestselling follow-up, One in a Million. She then took her talents to Hollywood, starring in the action thriller Romeo Must Die and the highly anticipated horror film The Queen of the Damned. But soon after the release of her third album in the summer of 2001, Aaliyah's life was cut short in a tragic plane crash.

Here is the inspirational story of the star The Washington Post dubbed "Hip-Hop's Lady Di" -- a woman who, by the time of her death at age twenty-two, touched legions of fans around the world with her haunting voice and gentle spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

R.I.P. Baby Girl
Aaliyah is a young woman that was in the music business. Her impressive debut at the age of 14 with album Age Isn't Nothing But A Number. Aaliyah was very smart and she was always happy. She also loved to singing and dancing. She played and a couple of movies. Aaliyah had secretly became engaged to Damon Dash. Soon after Aaliyah released her third album, Aaliyah life tragically cut short in a plan crash. Saturday, August25, 2001.

Yes, I liked the book, Aaliyah (more than a woman). Because Aaliyah was one of my favorite girl singers. I thought that she had a beautiful voice. Her songs weren't always about sex, killing each other. It was about love and happiness. Her music touched everyone in different places. I also liked it because I learned more things about her and her life. I think Aaliyah was a very talented young lady. And it wasn't her time to leave.

The author Christopher John Farley did a good job writing the biography on Aaliyah. It was also a great opportunity for people who didn't know her. Plus it was a great look on how hard it will be to make it in the music industry. This book had captured my attention as a reader and a young lady. That' why I think others should read this book because it will catch your attention. Maybe you will learn more about Aaliyah Dana Haughton.

WOW
Well being from Australia myself,... Aaliyah wasnt known at all.. unless you bought the imported rap and r&b mags which were $12.00 each which is really expensive...She only became famous when "Romeo must die"but anyways i always loved the way she sang her songs with such meaning..even thou she didnt write the songs she put them down good.

This book is amazing how the author goes into her child hood and explains how she grew into the woman she became...
I have never ever in my life heard of a famous person ever being soooo nice to people and wanting to make the fan feel like the star.. It must be true huh? That the good ones die young!

This is truely a fantastic read!

GOOD.BUT OFF TOPIC TO MUCH AND LOSING INTEREST
I like the book but it goes off topic to much.For example ,Chapter 9 which is about Aaliyah and Damon Dash it talks about other people alot and a little about them.How Rocafella got started,Bad Boy,etc....,The type of money they were making.He talked about Aaliyah and Damon for like ,at the most ,4 pages and the chapter was more than 15 pages.It was suspose to be a love story of the 2 but it wasn't.Beyonce is more in that chapter than Damon and he is in the headline title.He talks about every thing except what he was suspose to be talking about.It seems like he was trying to go around the topic but still put it in the book.Another example is at the end,where he suspose to be talking about the MTV Music Award,the tribute to Aaliyah, and he starts talking about what he seen,like I want to know about Busta Rhymes.I'm going to take a little bit of the story from the book, he's says:"On my way in,I saw Busta Rhymes going past the ticket-takers with a four-member posse in tow[somehow I imagined Busta with a much bigger posse].A few moments later I nearly ran into Jon Bon Jovi in the hallway wearing a big cowboy hat[he's bigger than you might expect,but then again that might have been the hat].This book gives you an personal look on Aaliyah peers.If you like P.diddy etc..,you can get a little bio on him.It talks about Aaliyah , may be some things you didnt know ,but everytime I got into it he would talk about someone else for paragraphs sometimes pages.He had me turing pages to get back to the topic of Aaliyah.Oueen of the Damned wasn't one of the best movies of all time ,I would REWIND the movie to get to the part with Aaliyah,because the other parts wasn't just that worthy like the book.I took Aaliyah serious as an actress even though the movie wasnt all that she played her part the best.AALIYAH your still the hottest star ever and always will be.

Terrible..
I am a big Aaliyah fan, but when I got to the end of this book, I was dissapointed. The book kept going off topic to discuss the lives of Aaliyah's family, her producers, artists she collaborated with, and other artists. And that got really annoying. I bought the book to read about Aaliyah, not the lives of people she was involved with. When I was reading it, I couldn't help but wonder if this was a 5th grader writng this, because it was just awful. Watch VH1's Behind The Music Episode for a good Aaliyah profile.

Aaliyah
I thought this book helped me to remember the type of person Aaliyah really was, but the book really didn't give new insights on how she lived her life. It was just the same old story that MTV, ETV, and VH1 were telling. But I do like hearing what the other stars have to say about the death of Aaliyah. I wish the book had been more specific about the day that she died. Fans such as myself already realize how good of a person she was, I just wish people who really weren't into her music to know and come to understand why everyone was deeply hurt to hear that she died. The way the book was written, you might as well have had one of the fans write it. Maybe one of us could have told the story better. ... Read more

Book Description

When Bob Fox was nineteen and seeking independence he left his Brooklyn home on a Trailways bus to California. Within a week his parents died ina resort hotel fire in the Catskills. This is where Fox’s book Moving Out, Finding Home: Essays on Identity, Place, Community and Class begins. The book is a series of closely linked autobiographical essays which read much like a novel, or a combination novel and social commentary. Fox gives the reader new insights as he deftly discusses art, farming, music, race relations, devastating illness, and the search for meaning. ... Read more

Book Description

Muddy Waters bestrides American music like a colossus. He invented electric blues and created the foundation for rock and roll. Leaving behind the cotton fields of rural Mississippi, he moved to Chicago, plugged in an electric guitar, and changed the world. In CAN'T BE SATISFIED, Robert Gordon gives us Muddy's epic, rollicking, up and down life as we've never read it before. Combining the most extensive research and interviews ever done on Muddy with a writing style as rich, poetic, and powerful as the music he writes about, Gordon transports us: We are alongside Muddy in the cotton fields as he is discovered by Alan Lomax; we are on the South Side of Chicago as Muddy and his band become stars and innovators; and we follow Muddy through scores of women, hits, bottles of booze, and moments of divine grace. A must for blues and rock fans, CAN'T BE SATISFIED is a brilliant work of musical archaeology. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Book does justice to the King of Chicago Blues
Mmephis writer Robert Gordon has written a gem of blues biography of the legendary Muddy Waters tracing his background in the delta through his emergence as the King of the Chicago blues scene in the fifties to the up and down fortunes of his career as musical tastes shifted and as his music reached new audiences until his death almost two decades ago. Gordon intergates materials from the interviews that Muddy did for various specialist publications (like DownBeat, Living Blues) with his own interviews and other material from Muddy's relatives, bandmembers, managers and others for a book that is one of the better recent musical biographies I have read.
Muddy and his music is brought to life. Unlike the other Muddy biography, Gordon provides some blood and flesh to Muddy as opposed to rendering him simply as some legendary icon and also brings the music to life along with some thoughtful commentary on the music.
Anyone seriously into blues will need to have this. This books sets a high standard for biographies on Little Walter and Elmore james that are scheduled to be issued in the upcoming months

Notes Section is a Nice Touch
Robert Gordon has the subject of a lifetime in telling the tale of an illiterate sharecropper born McKinley Morganfield. Morganfield's story starts with him working sun to sun in the Mississippi cotton fields and playing fish fries with an acoustic box. It eventually ends with Muddy Waters fully electrified on international stages and at the White House (where, according to Calvin Jones, they didn't get paid a dime and were feted with hot dogs). In between are tales of car wrecks, knife fights, dumbheaded attempts at "updating" his rural sound, royalty ripoffs, hired musicians, fired musicians, and rehired musicians.

Waters is definitely a problematic individual - fiercely protective of those who cut the trail in front of him (ie Son House), loyal to the paternalistic systems of Stovall and Chess, yet also rampantly adulterous and unable to protect some of his children from the ravages of heroin and street life.

In the best of the oral blues tradition, Gordon has used the words of those who lived and played with Waters, including Marshall Chess, James Cotton, Willie Smith, and Jimmy Rogers, to flesh out the portrait. Their stories are the best part of the book. Everyone in the band drank heavily, everyone carried knives and guns, everybody had a pretty girl waiting on them in the next town. The reminiscences of harpist Paul Oscher are particularly amusing, while the perspective of Muddy's granddaughter Cookie reveals there were definitely two men wearing the same shoes - the decent provider and family man Morganfield and the stage persona and adulterer Muddy Waters.

In the end, Gordon succeeds, although the topic is so rich it's almost like shooting fish in a barrel..., "Can't be Satisfied" does a fine job of recreating the life and times of Muddy Waters.

Muddy was The Man
Muddy Waters' tale makes for a bittersweet read as many biographies of our musical heroes can be. Robert Gordon reveals Muddy as a man in all his glory and foibles, strengths and weaknesses. Mostly, it firmly places Muddy in the pantheon of the great blues artists of all time.

A real disappointment
An admiring though shallow and poorly written account of a unique American genius. Though salted with several good anecdotes, Gordon's book mostly relies on the research and interviews of others and ultimately does little to explain McKinley Morganfield's life and times. For a writer who presumes to account for the life of a musician, Gordon's descriptions of various Waters recordings are especially poor. Far far better is his video documentary of the same name. One suspects the book is the assembled notes of that project.

Wasn't that a man
...

Such was the power of Muddy Waters, the rollin' stone from Rolling Fork, Mississippi, whose stark, raw songs transformed popular culture. Robert Gordon, who comes from Memphis, an hour or two north of where Waters grew up, has written the first extended biography that captures the elusive character of this hugely influential man. Waters' life was changed when self-aggrandising musicologist Alan Lomax drove up the dirt road, parked outside the shack in the middle of cotton fields, and asked for a guitar player he'd heard about. (Lomax leaves his black assistant out of his biography; Gordon restores his place in history.) Waters - already nearly 30, but still ploughing fields - sang some tunes for Lomax, and hearing his voice on an acetate showed him the possibilities that lay beyond the wide, wide horizon of the Delta.

Muddy Waters was illiterate, so Gordon - author of It Came From Memphis, a splendid social and musical history which manages to leave out Elvis - had to reconstruct his life story from interviews with his band members (many just before they died), the Chess family, and his children, legitimate and illegitimate. There are many of the latter; Muddy didn't go far without a "road wife": "[he] went through several wives, and always had women on the side, and women on the other side too." Gordon doesn't shy from the irresponsible, self-absorbed side of Muddy, a man who'd cheat on his wife without conscience, but support a musician in trouble just as casually. This is often a dark story, full of guns, violence, hard liquor and loose living. Success brought fame but not wealth to Muddy, thanks to his umbilical, exploitative relationship with Chess Records, a continuation of the "furnish" support he got from his cotton farmer back in the Delta.

This is the work of a Southern storyteller, it's like sitting back on the porch listening to tales tall and true. Gordon evocatively describes the various scenes of Muddy's life: the cotton economy, the early electric blues of Chicago, the endless road trips, the magic of the Chess studios, and the highs and lows of a career that generated more respect than cash. In Chicago, Muddy's "South Side house stayed rocking. Phones ringing, meats frying, and greens boiling, the TV broadcasting a baseball game, a shoot-'em-up. Muddy, in black T-shirt and black boxers. And always there was music." In the basement, his ever-changing band practiced chords that never changed, but changed the world. Wasn't that a man. A full-grown man. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

as great as the lady
if you like jazz you must read this book...
it is just as wonderful as hearing Anita sing...
What a life, what a voice!

Excellent read with some editing flaws
At 3 a.m. last night I finally read a last chapter,couldnt put it down before.Yes,Anita O'Day writting voice sounds very much like her singing self: ironic,witty,tough hip "swing chick" (her words) who didnt give a damn what others think.Her self-destructivness very much echoes another famous artist (in rock music) Marianne Faithfull,in fact this two women have much more in common than you think.Both survivors,both eventually come back and yes,both are still live preformers.Her opinion about other jazz singers are sometimes strange ("Like me,Ella never had a great voice"?) - but think that she was commercially oversahdowed by Fizgerald.As much as Anita's "Verve" albums are beautiful and timeless (I really think woman was a highest-class jazz improvisator,she grew up from Billie Holiday and made her own style) this book is sometimes painful to read.I believe there is a general curiousity about somebody's dirty linen,in this case it almost overshadow her art - at some points it reads like 50's detective story,with smokey jazz clubs,jazz musicians as a drug addicts and cops always around to "find" (read:set up) drugs in dressing room.With all beautiful music she made,its a pity that editor of the book find more interesting to emphasise her drug addiction,since her arrests,sanatoriums,jails and courts get more space than anything else.I dont think this was her intention,probably publisher wanted scandalous story,but if you dont know her music,this book can make you think that Anita O'Day was a famous junkie who had a music as a hobby.

Candid, excellent, jazz autobiographhy
Seems like a truly honest, candid account of the jazz life of a famous jazz singer, warts and all. Very touching in its candor in which the singer's habits brought down her considerable talents and what could have seemed like a glamorous life on the road really was far more debased than what one might imagine. Besides the sordid side, a lot of opinions about the jazz abilities of a lot of famed musicians of the forties and fifties; generally, a very honest, open and sometimes painful account of the jazz life of a great artist. I had the pleasure of meeting the aritst in person at a performance a few years ago, and she revealed that she had never read the final product herself. Highly worthwhile. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Get A Shot of the Truth Behind Arthur Alexander!
This is a great book that provides clear and concise insight into the life of Arthur Alexander. The story behind the singer, the songwriter and a true influence behind some of the greatest figures of rock and roll. This story should be made into a movie so everyone can learn about this unsung hero. Richard Younger has researched Arthur's life, the people he affected directly, and the soul of this talented man. READ THIS BOOK AND LEARN THE STORY OF A MAN WHO DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED AND REMEMBERED!!!

Arthur Alexander - The Real Truth
After being a fan of Arthur Alexander in the early sixties he seemed to drop out of sight, occassional records but very little else seemed to appear, this book puts the record straight and fills in all those gaps. It also goes a long way to answering the reasons that he did not make it to the position in the music scene that his undoubted talent deserved. The book is very well written by Richard Younger who obviously felt very deeply about the subject, he deals with the problems that AA encountered in his music career and his private life. It was sad that at the very time that AA was begining to make a comeback and he was again showing the talent that was always there he was taken from us. He had become religious during the last few years and this seemed to have a calming effect on him and I am sure that he would have again had big selling records. Thank you Richard for an insight into the life of Arthur Alexander through the highs and lows.

Alexander The Great...The Facts At Last!
Arthur Alexander was always a mystery man - till now! Richard Younger's biography of one of the most distinctive and influential black singers of the 60s sheds sympathetic illumination upon the life, the music - and the demons - of this woefully underrated singer/songwriter (the only writer to have songs cut by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan). AA's hugely-satisfying vocals married to his distinctive soul-country arrangements (his reputation was founded on just four 1962 Dot-label singles) emerged moments before the UK beat boom swept the globe and was crucial in its influence on the Beatles and the Stones. Younger's book explains how it all came about, taking us on a roller-coaster ride through AA's life of musical and personal extremes. With a series of revealing interviews he transports us to the heart of the Alabama music scene and charts Arthur's role in the foundation of the Muscle Shoals/Fame recording empires. Whether you're a long-term Alexander devotee, a soul music buff, or simply a Sixties survivor, then you'll find this unputdown-able tome a tonic that'll have you listening with a fresh ear to those perennial Alexander classics.

Presented in a lively survey of soul and rock and roll music
Fans of soul music will find Richard Younger's Get a Shot of Rhythm and Blues to be a fine biography of one Arthur Alexander, a singer/songwriter who may not be well known by name, but whose songs influenced the 1960s rock musicians. A fine coverage of his life and achievements is presented in a lively survey of soul and rock and roll music.

A lively survey of soul and rock and roll music
Fans of soul music will find Richard Younger's Get A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues to be a fine biography of one Arthur Alexander, a singer/songwriter who may not be well known by name, but whose songs influenced the 1960s rock musicians. A fine coverage of his life and achievements is presented in a lively survey of soul and rock and roll music. ... Read more

Book Description

Rolling Stone's Jon Landau described Otis Redding's music as "the highest level of expression rock 'n' roll has yet attained."Famed rock promoter Bill Graham called Otis "the single most extraordinary talent I have ever seen. . .no 'maybe' about it."And now from the critically acclaimed author of Midnight Riders: The Story of the Allman Brothers Band comes an intimate look at soul brother number one and the undisputed king of soul, Otis Redding.

Born in Terrell County, Georgia a sleepy little farming community on September 9, 1941, Otis Redding Jr. was the fourth of six children born to Otis and Fannie Mae Redding. Inspired by the hymns he heard in church, Otis became enthralled by music at an early age.When he was 10, Otis sang in Vinelle Baptist Church's choir and eventually played drums for a gospel group who had a local Sunday-morning radio show.When he was 13 he had moved on to the piano.Music was his sole occupation.When Otis heard Little Richard, a singer who had grown up in a small town only miles from his own and had risen to stardom, his vision of his future became clear.He was going to be a singer, a dream that his father was sure was going to lead him to nowhere.But at a talent show given by Hillview Springs Social Club in Bellevue, someone from the Upsetters, Little Richard's old backup band heard Otis sing and Otis's career was born and his rep began to build.

On August 16, 1962, two days after hearing Otis sing "These Arms of Mine" Galkin and Jim Stewart, owners of Stax Records signed Otis Redding. They released "These Arms of Mine" and it went on to hit #20 on the R&B charts. 14 more of Otis's songs after his debut also went on to hit the top 20.Songs such as "Respect," "I can't Stop loving You," and "Try a Little Tenderness" helped define a generation, and Otis was poised for superstardom after he stole the show and sealed his crossover success at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.His most successful song, "[Sittin on] The Dock of the Bay" was recorded on December 7, 1967.Just three days later, Otis Redding was dead.He was killed in a tragic plane crash along with four members of The Bar-Kays in Madison, Wisconsin.His senseless death---which sent shockwaves around the world---occurred when the singer was just 26.In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Otis! is the first full-scale biography of one of the true giants of popular music, a revealing and definitive portrait of the man who embodied the very essence of soul. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Original "Love Man"
It was exciting to read about the Big "O".I was ... fed on his music,thanx to my mother.She was so in love with him that she received sympathy cards when he died.It was like a death in my family.......Reading about Otis's childhood was interesting..He is my favorite male vocalist of all time!!..No other male singer sings with as much emotion..Rugged and raw!!.An important fact mentioned was the racial tensions of the times,and how music and musicians were civil rights activists in their own way..I was most surprised to learn how "Satisfaction" was born..Otis sang this song like he loved it!!..And he had just learned it the day it was recorded!..A musical genius........Otis's music still gets played in regular rotation at my house......Rest In Peace "O".

OTIS!
It was nice to hear the other side of Otis Redding's upcoming family and friends (something different) in this book.

However, it would have been really good to hear what Otis Redding's Stax family (1963 - 1967) really had to say about him in this book when they were working closely behind him in the studio and also to mention what do they think about him after 35yrs since his death...That part should have been added on to this book..Otis has a Stax's family too...

I dont think its fair to have that old little bits and bits statements that was pick up from another story from a book or magazine so long ago...that I what notice in this book called Otis!..

This book was clearly written on one side of the story. I am sure that there are many untold stories told about Otis Redding, in the studio that the stax family can really tell us today.

For example, of many...I would like to know from Issac Hayes side of the story, his memory of singing in the background song in Otis Redding's song and why it happened.. The song was called "Fa-Fa-Fa Sad Song"...stories like that should have been brought more.

No matter what is said, Otis Redding will live on forever.....

Good Overview
I think that Scott Freeman did a Good Solid Job here with this Book.it captures many elements of Ottis Redding.it's a shame that a Major Film&Other things haven't been brought out to capture the Man fully.He did alot in His Short time on Earth.this Book Brings alot to life.The Man as a Artist was One of The Baddest Ever I have Heard.

Freeman Does A Fine Job!
Everything I have ever read about Otis Redding portrays him as perfect. He was a great singer, a great performer, and everybody loved him. Scott Freeman does a good job of showing a more complete Otis Redding. Sometimes Otis is surprising. He once got in complete a gun fight! The best part of the book is the research Scott Freeman did into the music scene that Otis lived in. Freeman played guitar in an R & B band in Macon, Georgia in the 1980's while writing for the Macon Telegraph and News. Many of the old musicians were still active and would sit in with the band. Freeman interviewed many of the old timers for this book, and their memories fill in the details of those times. This is a valuable book for Otis Redding fans!

Freeman Does A Fine Job!
I have enjoyed Otis Redding's music for a long time, but I never realized how little I actually knew about him. Everything I have ever read about Otis Redding portrays him as close to perfect. He was a great singer, a great performer, and everybody loved him. That's nice, but what was he really like? Scott Freeman does a good job of showing a more complete and therefore more human Otis Redding. There are some definite surprises. Did you know that Otis once got in a gun fight? Scott Freeman did some nice research into the musical world that Otis lived in. He started this research almost by accident. Freeman played guitar in an R & B band in Macon, Georgia in the 1980's while writing for the Macon Telegraph and News. Many of the old musicians from Otis' times were still active and would sit in with the band. They were still playing great, and Freeman got interested in them. He wound up interviewing many of the old timers for this book, and their memories fill in the details of those times. This is a valuable book for Otis Redding fans! ... Read more

Amazon.com

For those interested in the hardscrabble story behind Stevie Wonder, this authorized biography fleshes out some of the facts available elsewhere. This often entertaining book takes the sporadically successful tack of telling Wonder's story largely from the point of view of Lulu Hardaway, Wonder's mother. Beginning with her migration from the backwoods of Alabama to prostitution and poverty in the Northeast, the book then shifts gears to Wonder's struggle from 11-year-old prodigy and dutiful Motown employee to the creator of influential classics such as Music of My Mind, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life.

In Blind Faith Wonder comes off as an inexhaustible worker undaunted by his blindness--as well as a loving son, a prankster, and a womanizer. Although he has never surpassed his artistic peak of the '70s, this book glosses over the past 20 years, offering a paean to his philanthropy and perfectionism instead. More input from the reticent Wonder would have made Blind Faith a more compelling read; instead, Hardaway's story dominates. Although well-written, fans would be better served by a biography that tells Wonder's story in a less digressive fashion. --Valerie Gregory ... Read more

Book Description

An artist more opposed to the plastic radio divas much in evidence today in modern R&B could hardly be imagined. Her history and musical roots are charted in this detailed biography. ... Read more

Book Description

Blues with a Feeling explores the life, times, and musical creations of a founder of the Chicago Blues style. Little Walter revolutionized blues harmonica playing, and is generally recognized as the greatest innovator in modern blues. Beginning in the early '50s as a sideman with the legendary Muddy Waters, Walter appeared on many of Muddy's classic recordings through the mid-'60s, even after striking out on his own.Walter had several hits, including the #1 R&B songs, "Juke" and "My Babe," and his distinctive, heavily distorted, amplified harmonica style has been influential on all following generations of players.But his life was fraught with tragedy; he died young at the age of just 37, after years of hard living.For years, Walter's life story-even the exact names of his parents and his date of birth-have been shrouded in mystery.Now a trio of blues researchers have unearthed new information about how Walter lived and created the music that made him famous.Blues With A Feeling is an important addition to the literature on this distinctive musical style, and a must-read for any fan of the blues. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Could not finish it
As important as Little Walter was, he was done a disservice by the authors (three of them!) of this book. I'm a blues enthusiast, so I really looked forward to this. But the over-analysis of every song (released and unreleased, including all takes on the reel) and the constant assumptions based on obscure sources like gig posters (his name was misspelled! gasp!) and singles charts ("such and such guy was on the radio, so Walter surely heard him while in St. Louis and was therefore influenced...").

I read about 100 pages, and Blues with a Feeling lacked just that: feeling. It was like reading a college textbook. Greatly disappointing. Blues fans should instead seek out titles such as I Am the Blues (Willie Dixon), Can't Be Satisfied (Muddy Waters, of course), or Blues All Around Me (BB King).

Depressing, riveting, and fascinating
This book was somewhat depressing but only because I was struck with the sadness of Little Walter's wasted talent as his life spiraled downwards as a result of alcoholism. The overall experience (of reading the book) was a joy--very informative and fascinating, particularly since I play blues harmonica and am (now even more than ever) a Little Walter fanatic! I am so grateful that these 3 authors saw fit to write such a book. And, in response to a prior review decrying the detail--to the contrary, the detail is what makes the book all that much more fascinating and satisfying to read: it gives you the real sense of what it was like to be at a CHess recording session in the fifties.

From child's toy to serious instrument
Until Little Walter started blowing, blues harp (harmonica) was little more than a child's toy: a cheap, portable method for making folk music, but more like a kazoo than a serious instrument. Little Walter revolutionized a musicians approach to the harmonica by playing it like a saxophone. Suddenly, this $2 band instrument could play full, rich swinging solos and improvisation. In this very readable text, the authors show that Walter was every bit the innovator on his instrument that Jimi Hendrix and Charlie Parker were to theirs: every single blues harp player since has shown his influence. Unfortunately, the authors also uncovered Walters dark side: his quick temper, his total lack of business sense, and the numerous backstreet brawls that shortened his life. Most important, they guide the reader through his songs as they are recorded, take by take, and show Walters consummate artistry as he continues a neverending search for even newer and more innovative sounds. A must-read for blues fans in general and fans of blues harmonica in particular.

Incredibly well researched, a must read for music fans
The amount of newly uncovered research (and photos) in this biography of the most important blues harp player ever is astounding. Little Walter, for all of his fame in the blues field, was somewhat of a shadowy figure when it came to the facts of his life. No more. This richly detailed portrait leaves no stone unturned, no aspect of his life unexamined, all without ever falling into the trap of being a gushing fan tribute. An outstanding introduction to the man and his music, and long time fans of Little Walter and the blues in general will find themselves returning to this book over time just to reimmerse in the world of the blues.

Other reviwers have said to put on some Little Walter music while reading this book to hear it in a whole new light. I second the motion!

Painful
I really looked forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it is virtually un-readable. There is little insight into the personality of Walter or the times and places he lived. One may say the book is well-researched, but one may also say the authors are [nitpicky]. The book gets bogged down in minutiae such as documenting each take Walter ever recorded and detials right down when, during a recording he changed harps. Sometimes very interesting, but ulimately this over-load of detail makes the book very dry and difficult to read. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After decades as cult musicians, New Orleans's Neville Brothers spent the '90s solidifying their position as a minor American institution.Torchbearers for both tight, lean funk (Art and Cyril were key players in the profoundly influential '70s combo the Meters) and soul-gripping balladry (Aaron scored a 1966 No.2 hit with "Tell It Like It Is" before resurfacing as a solo and group star in the late '80s), the Neville Brothers band has found a diverse audience with open ears for its message of rhythm and community.

Before that happened, though, the brothers lived thug life as hard as Tupac Shakur ever did. Open the first two-thirds of this oral history to any random page, and you'll find rhapsodies about musicians as far afield as Professor Longhair, Ellis Marsalis, and Billy Stewart--or something quite a bit darker, like Cyril's remembrance of a near deadly razor fight: "I'm bleeding like a hog.... [T]hey needed 180 stitches to sew my neck together... [and] some Demerol to get me even higher and let me go back to the gig--the same night--where I carried on, singing 'Cold Sweat' and 'Heard It Through the Grapevine' as though the shit had never happened." Vividly told by the Nevilles and smartly organized by Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye biographer David Ritz, this is a resounding look at how these musicians put drugs, violence, and industry troubles behind them to become a veteran touring act and Grammy machine. If not quite the equal of drummer (and fellow New Orleanian) Earl Palmer's Backbeat, this is a fine, often chilling look both back and forward. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Extraordinary!
David Ritz has helped many rhythm and blues musicians write their autobiographies, including Ray Charles, B. B. King, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. The characteristics that these books share is the sense that the subject is writing directly to you as you read, and that the bad times as well as the good times are revealed. If you are a fan of the musician, you feel like you have a better understanding of them once you've read the book Ritz helped them write.

The Neville Brothers' story must have been complicated to organize because there are 4 Neville Brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyrille. They tell their stories simultaneously, a paragraph or two by one brother and then a paragraph or two by another and so on. The story they tell is fascinating and often horrific! Violence, drug abuse, crazy characters, prison terms and danger fill virtually every page. These are fascinating lives to read about, but I wouldn't want to live them! Aaron and Charles seem to be the most forthcoming and the most sympathetic of the brothers. If you love Neville Brothers' music, you'll want to own this book!

very complete
THe Neville Brothers are a very solid unit.Great talents.this book takes them not only as a Group but also as People with feelings&outlooks.David Ritz does a Great job of doing books.always Interesting reads.this is a very complete book.long overdue on these greats.but better late than never.

The Nevilles: the road to reognition and resolution
The Brothers is a coherent and compelling series of autobiographical narratives, alternating among Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril. These perspectives are a valuable record of collective memory, as well as moving individual journeys. American culture from the late 1930s to the close of century informs and drives these voices: here is camaraderie and racism, love and alienation, spirituality and hedonism, cruelty and tenderness, peace and rage, cocky determination and chilling fear, triumph and despair--all related with a palpable frankness. Those of us born in the 30s and 40s will find parts of ourselves here; those born later will see how true it is that "past is present." Lovers of jazz, blues, early rock'roll, funk and r&b, and New Orleans rhythms will revel in the stories of contacts with the "greats." The street language may put off some readers. With all respect to those readers, I suggest their tolerance. It is no small thing that those who struggle with personal demons may find a light to their paths between the covers of this book. Over 300 pages, family photos, discographies, and an index.

Exellent bios
This autobiography is actually a quartet of autobiographies as the essence of each of the four Neville brothers come alive in this book. The non-fiction focuses on the individual personalities, their personal take on music including their solo careers and group performances and recordings. It also Includes their evaluation of the last four decades of music especially in New Orleans and their personal trials and tribulations.

All this marks this non-fiction, as several cuts above the typical wave of rock and roll biographies that seem like perfect flavors of the month. Instead this tome provides a "Tell It Like It Is" feel that fans of the New Orleans sound will enjoy. Anyone who reads THE BROTHERS NEVILLE will seek other works by master music biographer David Ritz (see his works on Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, etc.) as this reviewer plans to do.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Book Description

With 40 albums behind him, including two Grammy Award winners, Taj Mahal conveys his personal honest and frank account of his life and legacy. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Keep on Keepin' On
I truly loved this book about a legendary bluesman. He seemed to be up-front and honest about his personal life and trials as well as experiences in the cutthroat world of music as business. Interviews-with/comments-from "stars" in the music industry like Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Jagger showed just what an indelible mark Taj has made on their lives. Stories from Taj's family were poignant.

Taj Mahal.....everyone's friend!!
The best way for me to describe this book is this. I will simply quote the announcer who introduces Taj on his live album "The Real Thing"..."If you didn't come here with a friend, you have one on the stage right now, Mr. Taj Mahal!".

Buy the albums instead
I am a huge fan of this great artist. But I have a problem with the book. It's not an autobiography. The real author must've cut some sort of deal with taj, because the real writer patiently gathered info from all corners of the earth. The only thing Taj seems to have done is a few lenghty interviews. It was disappointing to read of someone who has been so musically inspiring and yet so flawed as a regular guy. He's fathered over a dozen children by several women, yet the book desperately tries to portray him as a man of integrity and high moral fibre.

Taj has followed in the old bluesman tradition of loving and leaving. His legacy is littered with testimonials of people who desperately want to recognize his goodness, and yet the wounds his lifestyle has left them with are huge.

The New Age, hippie rationales that his 'family' blabs on and on with is almost laughable, unfortunately tragic.

Unless you are a real fan of this musical genius, don't bother with the book. Check out his albums instead.

Despite the title, not an autobiography
There are two major problems with this book. First, for someone as passionate about music as Taj, there is very little about Taj's music in the book. Other than the author's experiences at a few shows, there is little discussion of Taj's classic albums. It isn't until page 236 of the 280 page text that we get any substantive discussion of Taj's music. Instead we get overwhelmed with stories of Taj's 15 kids by about half a dozen women. Whether he's at fault or not, it gets really boring reading about Taj's kids and lovers talking about how Taj wasn't there for them.

The second problem with the book is the subject himself. Despite appearing to be a willing interviewee, Taj reveals himself to be one of those people who is simply incapable of answering the question, "How did this make you feel?" When pressed for his feelings on