Book Description

This exciting biography is in memory of one of the most loved recording artists of the 21st century who won the 2002 American Music Award for Best Artist & Best Song and the 2002 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Female Artist.

You’ll learn all the details about: Aaliyah’s Sacrifice and Dedication, Disappointments, Bouncing Back and Her Rise to Stardom; How Aaliyah Became a Major Force in Music and Acting; Growing up with a Musical Family, Aaliyah’s Last Days and Praises from Her Fans. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I miss her...
Coming from a person who never saw AAliyah, never been to her concerts, and never spoke with the woman.... she seems to have still made me one of her numero uno fans! I admire this woman; her beauty, intellect and just every possible thing about her. I was very heartbroken when I heard what happend to her. Everyone knows that I was a diehard fan. Nevertheless, God needs his angels to come home early sometimes and it is not up to us to actually say when that is. I read this book once (my close friend is also an AAliyah fan) and it really touched me. I felt as if I knew her just a little bit more than what I learn from the media. Sometimes people never realize that stars are "people" too and they act goofy and want to have fun. My advice is to read the book-not TOO informative but still worth reading.

Aaliyah...As an inspiration...!
I love everything about Aaliyah, cause she was trully an entreteiner, a sweet little girl that will always be in our hearts..!
She was not only beautiful, but a great person with a lot of dreams, some of them came true, but not all...
Iam sure that she is watching us right now, and that she would love to see us smile whenever we think about her...
i loved this book, its treasure for me that i will always carry and another way to know that iam alive, and to fight for my dreams because we never know when is our time to go..!

Always missed.
Aaliyah was a true inspiration in life and still remains to be in the after-life. This book told Aaliyah's story and the pictures were also a nice addition. The only thing that faltered in this book were the small spelling errors on the picture pages. Other than that, this book should be in all Aaliyah fan collections.

Truly More Than A Woman
This book is awesome and it made me learn a lot of things about Aaliyah. It is so sad that she is no longer wit us I miss her so much and one day i know we would meet again. R.I.P. Baby Girl!!!

Great comments and Photos
It took a while for the book to come because I order it but I can say it was worth the wait. The research on Aaliyah in this book is very good. I learned somethings I never knew about Aaliyah in this book. They mentioned things about Missy Elliot and Timbaland and the earlier days with R Kelly. It was cool to read how much power was wrapped up in that one little lady. I had to get this book. The book just ended too quick. Aaliyah, your example will be missed. We love you babygirl. ... Read more

Book Description

"For Your Precious Love" -- "Only the Strong Survive"--those familiar classics are Jerry Butler at his most soulful. But there's much more to this music pioneer's story.

Here is a portrait of a remarkable performer, as well as an up-close and personal look at the world of rhythm and blues. Filled with intimate anecdotes about such R&B legends as Otis Redding and Sam Cook, Butler's compelling, sometimes hilarious, narrative is told against the backdrop of 1960s America. Only the Strong Survive chronicles the "Iceman's" journey from rural Mississipi to Chicago, and the founding and eventual breakup of the legendary Impressions vocal group.

Soul pioneer Jerry Butler's story doesn't end there: currently serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Butler also gives us a glimpse inside the world of Chicago politics--including stories of Harold Washington and Louis Farrakhan.

Only the Strong Survive is entertaining, moving, riveting--like Jerry Butler himself. ... Read more

Book Description

The acclaimed, definitive biography of the first jazz composer, based on newly discovered archival material.

Jelly's Blues recounts the tumultuous life of Jelly Roll Morton (ca., 18851941). A virtuoso pianist with a larger-than-life personality, he composed such influential early jazz pieces as "King Porter Stomp" and "New Orleans Blues." However, by the late 1930s, he was nearly forgotten. In 1992, the death of an eccentric memorabilia collector led to the unearthing of a startling archive, revealing Morton to be a much more complex and passionate man than many realized. An especially immediate and visceral look into the jazz worlds of New Orleans and Chicago, Jelly's Blues is a definitive biography, a long overdue look at one of the twentieth century's most important composers. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1957, already one of the biggest stars in gospel music, Sam Cooke burst onto the pop scene with the number one hit "You Send Me," the first in a string of rock & roll classics. He quickly became one of music business's first African-American entrepreneurs, as well as a role model in the early years of the civil rights struggle. Then, at age thirty-three, he was found dead, shot through the heart in a seedy motel in south Los Angeles. The circumstances surrounding his death would remain a controversial mystery for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Bringing It On Home
When I first read this book,I was so entranced that I stayed up all night reading.Sam Cooke had long been my musical idol and many stories about him are a) sketchy or ;b)center around the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death.
Granted this book doesn't answer many questions about his cause of death,but it does open up alot of things about his life.It showed a human side to the man behind the voice(fathering many illegitimate children,his shrewed business instincts,the death of his son Vincent,and the heavy drinking before his own death),as well as a detailed account about the genisis of his greatest songs(guitarist Cliff White thought You Send Me was repetitive during the sessions for the song,Wonderful World was a demo which was rushed released by his former record label to cash-in on his RCA success,and A Change Is Gonna Come was inspired by Dylan's Blowin' In The Wind).
You Send Me, like the now deleted Man and His Music CD are essential to any Sam Cooke fan,especially when many of todays music stars could never hold a candle to this talent.

Bringing It On Home
When I first read this book,I was so entranced that I stayed up all night reading.Sam Cooke had long been my musical idol and many stories about him are a) sketchy or ;b)center around the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death.Granted this book doesn't answer many questions about his cause of death,but it does open up alot of things about his life.It showed a human side to the man behind the voice(fathering many illegitimate children,his shrewed business instincts,the death of his son Vincent,and the heavy drinking before his own death),as well as a detailed account about the genisis of his greatest songs(guitarist Cliff White thought You Send Me was repetitive during the sessions for the song,Wonderful World was a demo which was rushed released by his former record label to cash-in on his RCA success,and A Change Is Gonna Come was inspired by Dylan's Blowin' In The Wind).You Send Me, like the now deleted Man and His Music CD are essential to any Cooke fan,especially when many of todays music stars could never hold a candle to this talent.

Moved Me
Sam Cooke have paved the way for other artists.Sam didn't do it alone and that's the beauty of this book,because it focus on Sam Cooke's life but also recognize other artists in that era as well. I love this book.

Invaluable resource to the musician fan of Sam
There are a couple of reviews included here that criticize Wolff's (et al) biography of Sam Cooke. However, I couldn't have been more pleased with it!

As a musician/songwriter/singer, myself, "You Send Me" provided exactly the type of information I wanted to learn about my beloved Sam: how he composed, recorded, released and performed his music. I also enjoyed learning about Sam's background in Clarksdale and Chicago as well as the exhaustive research regarding his time with the QCs and the inimitable Soul Stirrers. My favorite aspect of "You Send Me" is the detail regarding the recording of each song -- Wolff described the musicians on the session, the producers, arrangers and record company personnel - how many takes - how they achieved some of the interesting sounds, etc. But, reading the line-by-line synopsis of "A Change Is Gonna Come" is what really knocked me out. For the first time, I realized that in the first line of the song ("I was born by the river in a little tent"), Sam was referring to being saved in his father's Holiness revival tents down by the river - the line finally made sense to me, after all these years. It took me a good hour to finish those 2 pages - my favorite Sam Cooke song -- I wanted to savor every word.

The info provided by Crain, White, Tenenbaum and Sam's former bandmates and label folks is fascinating. Sam's relationship with Barbara, Dee Dee, his children and the other women in his life is his business. I didn't want to delve into Sam's ultra personal life, I wanted to delve into Sam's musical genius and hear a few stories about his gigs, writing, recording and business practices. I wanted to remain a respectful distance away from his family and personal life. Maybe I'm just a true musical fan of his and not a bio reader. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed "You Send Me".

I'd like to thank Mr. Wolff for dedicating a large portion of his career to bringing our Sam back to life for us. Sadly, I have not yet finished the book -- I'm about a dozen pages before Sam dies -- I can't bring myself to read it just yet -- it's too painful. I feel if I linger in early 1964 for a while, I can keep Sam alive a little bit longer...

Lysa Parker
Singer & Songwriter ...

Thorough but not interesting.
I read lots of biographies and I love Sam Cooke. But this biography was rather boring and I skipped through a lot of it because I was not interested in exactly how he entered the music business and the "in's and out's" of music publishing. I wanted more but it wasn't there. ... Read more

Book Description

With a career that exemplified the maturation of romantic black pop into a sophisticated form spanning social and sexual polities, Marvin Gaye was one of the most consistent and enigmatic of the Motown hit makers. Through interviews with many of the artists and record-company employees closest to the singer, Edmonds examines in detail the making of the legendary What's Going On. In an era of Vietnam and civil rights protests, Gaye's determination and vision resulted not only in inspirational, pioneering grooves but in an album that challenged America to take a long, hard look at itself. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in paperback: A vivid, revealing portrait of the beloved Queen of Soul, updated with a new chapter. Aretha Franklin's soulful voice has earned her fifteen Grammies and the honor of being the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An uncompromising survivor, Aretha has stirred millions with her classic hits, including, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" and "Respect." But she has also faced daunting personal challenges: her mother's desertion; teenage pregnancy; several unhappy marriages; and a tragic shooting that led to the death of her father. With unique access to key figures in Aretha's past, and a new chapter revealing the most recent events both personal and professional in the life of the diva, this is the definitive biography of the woman who captivated the music world of the early fifties and became a star. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Forever a Queen
After reading Ms. Frankin's lackluster autobiography, it was almost refreshing to read an unbiased account of the legendary life and career of this soul matriarch. This book is very detailed in tracking the career of Ms. Franklin and tells of the accolades as well as the lowpoints in her career. I found most comical the section in relation to Aretha's infamous fashion sense, but ultimately appauled by that tasteless photo of her in a one peice bathing suit with fishnet stockings showing her backside in concert. How disgusting was that!
I, too, hailed the Queen after her riveting performance of "Nessum Dorma" on the 1998 Grammys and I continue to follow her career in hopes that her legacy continues to be upheld with the upmost respect. I hope that in twenty years, the author can add another update of amazing accomplishments to this edition. Good read.

For students of twentieth century American music history
Now in an updated and expanded edition, Aretha Franklin: The Queen Of Soul is the compelling and inspiring biography of one of the most amazing, remarkable singers with a five-octave voice. The many challenges Aretha Franklin has faced in her life, from parental abandonment to the illness of her sister, are candidly recounted, along with her will to survive and prosper, which can clearly be heard in her soul-stirring music. Highly recommended reading for students of twentieth century American music history, as well as a "must" for all Aretha Franklin fans.

Disappointing
This book is a great disappointment! Bego's sequel to The Queen of Soul happens to be nothing more than what he clips from past articles! If you value your money, don't buy this book. Because all you will read is his first book on her and just old articles about her. ... Read more

Book Description

Otis Redding's definitive southern soul voice resonates down the years as a sound of profound beauty and unfathomable emotional depth. His unique vocal delivery gave Motown's pop artists a run for their money, while his stage presence matched that of pioneering funk magus James Brown for sheer entertainment value. Rising quickly from obscurity and poised for crossover success, he was tragically killed on December 10, 1967 -- only a week after recording the single called "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" -- when his private plane crashed into Lake Monoma, near Madison, Wisconsin. In this, the first serious book on the soul legend, Geoff Brown talks to Stax illuminati Booker T. Jones, Isaac Hayes, and David Porter, plus many others, about Redding's tragically brief life and incredible talent. ... Read more

Book Description

Blues singer Bessie Smith was a good-hearted, brawling alcoholic whose musical influence can still be heard today. The eclectic world she inhabited during the Harlem Renaissance was fascinating and strangely modern in its acceptance of racial mixing and unique lifestyles. In that world she found happiness and fulfillment along with disappointment and despair—and she sang about it all in her music.

When Colored Was Cool chronicles the most important year of Bessie's life as it might have been seen through the eyes of a young, idealistic reporter. Filled with laughter and love, freaks and geeks, and loyalty and friendship, this story is a wild, memorable romp containing colorful characters and unforgettable moments. ... Read more

Book Description

In the past forty years, Curtis Mayfield's music and poetry have grown into an impressive and truly individual body of work. Complete with full discography and interviews with his contemporaries, this is the definitive account of his life and career. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Try Again Next Time
Borrring. I felt as if I were reading a college term paper written at an 11th grade level. I don't mean to be so harsh but getting through this book was like sitting through a root canal. There just is not enough here to hold one's interest. There is nothing about his personal life and by the time I got through three excrusiating chapters, I was definately done. After reading other biographies and autobiographies of musicians, I feel that this book did not help me to understand Curtis Mayfield or his music. After reading it, I felt very empty. Don't waste your time.

Don't get too ready to read this
With such a beautiful cover and such a career to discuss, I was very exicted about reading this book. But OH MY GOD it was painful. I'm sorry Mr Burns, but I don't care what your personal feelings are about Curtis.. I wanted to read about Curtis' life.. what he went through, how he came to write such beautiful music - but instead you give track by track detail of every album - and thats it. Here's hoping someone can write an interesting book about such an inspirational man.

curtis mayfield-another discography?
Pete Burns is obviously a fan but wouldnt it be great if we got a real biography of Curtis? This book is a very comprehensive list of his many record releases and collaborations but true feelings about the man are almost absent. Brief interview details are included but the need really is for more-anyone please? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

JUST COULDN'T PUT THIS ONE DOWN!!!
Saw the PBS 70's Soul Special and was I in R&B Heaven .... but out of all of that soulful talent, one group really knocked me out and that was TAVARES! So, I just had to find out more about them and this book doesn't disappoint, lots and lots of great photos at different stages of their career and if you're a nosey-parker like me you'll love the ones with family and friends. If you've ever wondered how they got saddled with some of those nicknames you'll find the individual profiles of each of the brothers alot of fun to read. It's a story well-told of this talented group of 5 bros. from a big, close-knit family who love their fans as much they love them!

really Good Book
I've always Been a Fan of Taveras&this Book takes you down the road on there Highs&Lows along with the way things go in the Industry. this is a Cool book that stays on Point through out.

Wonderful book!!
As a long time fan of the group Tavares, this book holds a special place in my heart. The authors take us through the happy as well as turbulent years as the Tavares brothers enjoy sucess as hit makers as well as disapointments in the topsy turvey fickle world that is the music industry. Filled with tons of wonderful pictures and family stories!!
A must have for all music fans!

LOVE IT!!!
Ann J. Bishundayal along Chubby Tavares takes fans through the wonderful and turbulent years of the talented family group Tavares! Also known as Linda and the Delrios, the Realities and Chubby and the Turnpikes, the handsome and talented Tavares brothers thrilled audiences with thier wonderful harmonies and exciting stage shows. As a die hard Tavares fan myself, I loved looking into their private lives, I laughed and cried as I read about their personal joys and heartbreaks. My ONLY complaint is that I wished the pictures were in color, but that is the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars!
Tavares, if you're reading this....YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED TERRIBLY! In this world of Brittney Spears, sound alike boy bands and violent, sexist hip hop, Tavares will always hold a special place in my heart!
Ann and Chubby....Thank you so much for the book!! Movie next?? ... Read more

Book Description

Born in South Carolina, White spent his childhood as a "lead boy" for traveling blind bluesmen. In the early '30s he moved to New York and became a popular blues star, then introduced folk-blues to a mass white audience in the 1940s. He was famed both for his strong Civil Rights songs, which made him a favorite of the Roosevelts, and for his sexy stage persona. The king of Cafe Society-also home to Billie Holiday--he was the one bluesman to consistently pack the New York nightspots, and the first black singer-guitarist to act in Hollywood films and star on Broadway.
In the 1950s, White's bitter compromise with the blacklisters left him with few friends on either end of the political spectrum. He spent much of the decade in Europe, then came back strong in the 1960s folk revival. By 1963, he was voted one of America's top three male folk stars, but his health was failing and he did not survive the decade.
Written in an engaging style, Society Blues portrays the difficult balancing act that all black performers must face in a predominantly white culture.Through the twists and turns of White's life, it traces the evolution of the blues and folk revival, and is a must read for anyone interested in the history of American popular culture, as well as a fascinating life story.
... Read more

Book Description

A sharecropper on a Mississippi plantation, a bootlegger, gambler, ladies' man, and dynamic blues singer and guitarist-Muddy Waters's life is traced in this original biography of the legendary blues man from the early twentieth century to his death in 1983. Interviews with key industry figures such as James Cotton, Willie Smith, Junior Wells, Jimmy Rogers, B. B. King, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and Marshall Chess prove to be a source of priceless anecdotes and lend substance and texture to this compelling portrait of a blues pioneer. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

a must read for any fan of music
I have never read a book about Muddy Waters that proved to be so informative. I've been reading about Muddy for years and this book offered up new information of which I had not been aware. Ms. Tooze did a heck of a job researching this book. I beleive she had her MOJO workin'.

Reads as smoothly as someone's final thesis
Whereas it's hard to call any book that provides information on Muddy Waters could be bad, this book has 2 major problems to overcome:

1) It's obvious Ms. Tooze knows her subject, as well as lots of big words in the english language. However, her professors should have taught her when such language is appropriate. Her writing style is in stark contrast to the man she attempts to introduce us to, making reading the book a task; and

2) The editors should be chastised for their use of footnoting. Many of the other biographies I have read were footnoted in such a manner as to enable one to read two sentences without encountering yet another stop for footnote. There indeed are better ways to deal with footnotes.

The book reads about as smoothly as someone's final thesis. Ms. Tooze has taken an icon of the blues world and put his life story in a book that is almost unreadable. If you're looking for information on Muddy, it might be here but you'll fall asleep trying to find it - If you just want to see some pictures of the man then it might be worth your time.

An Impressionistic Portrait
Tooze's new biography is most useful for its ample use of primary accounts from Waters and those close to him. The book works best as a loving tribute to some of the most influential music of the twentieth century. Yet a facile prose style and a lack of contextualization make this a frustratingly one-dimensional biography. One finishes with only an impressionistic sense of this singularly important individual. Tooze pays virtually no attention to the women in Waters' life, and misinforms the reader by repeating apocryphal tall-tales. Mojo Man is a poorly written and shallow portrait of a mighty and deep historical figure.

very deep
a must read for sure on one of Musics Greatest Creative forces ever.this is a book that is very essential for folks who are moved by Great Talents&Muddy Waters is one of the Greatest.

Very Informative and a must for every blues fan.
I found this book hard to put down. Ms Tooze does an excellent job of portraying Muddy through a series of interviews with his bandmates. All of Muddy's former bandmates are full of praise for Muddy with the exception of the brilliant drummer Francis Clay who did not really get along very well with Muddy. What I particularly liked about the style of the book is the way Ms Tooze introduces Muddy's bandmates as they join his band. Marshall Chess chips in with quite a few interesting insights on the relationship of Muddy with Phil & Leonard Chess. I might not agree with all of Ms Tooze's reviews of Muddy's albums, but then it's simply a question of personal taste. Cheers & keep up the good work. ... Read more

Book Description

A man of many names: The hardest working man in show business, King of the one nighters, Soul Brother #1, the sex machine ... but everyone knows who they mean. James Brown: The Godfather of Soul. Since his first chart-topper in 1956, he’s outlived, outlasted, and outperformed all rivals. He is the funk-and-soul innovator and rap’s driving spirit. His dazzling stage shows are legendary. Now James Brown tells his own story, just as he plays his music: loud, proud, and soulful. From his dirt-poor childhood in an Augusta brothel to wealth and world fame and his recent incarceration, James Brown takes a unique look behind the closed doors of poverty, segregation, politics, and the music industry. With photo inserts, brilliant anecdotes about Little Richard, Elvis, Tina Turner, Otis Redding, Tammi Terrell, Michael Jackson, and many others, plus a new updated introduction and epilogue and an exhaustive discography. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The greatest entertainer in the world!!!
I'm 34 I had listened to some James Brown manly the hits. I had the oppertunity to see his show a couple of months ago. It was fantastic. I started getting some of his other albums like the big payback(my favorite) I must tell you I'm hooked I can't get enough of that sound. I finished this book today. It was awsome his takes on things are so down to earth. If you're down with Mr. Brown than you gotta read this.

Soul stirring!
One of the best bio's I have read! Took only 3-4 days to read since it moved at a very fast pace with so many things happening in James Browns life. His upbringing, music, family, record companies, IRS, managers, riots, struggles are all here. Before reading this I was a big fan even though I was not sure of the place this man occupied in music, as an innovater and business person, now I do. The first man to popularize the "live" album, strict band leader, tireless composer/arranger, producer, drummer, singer, dancer and many more things that one person had in him (as well as surrounded himself with exceptional musicians and some exceptional business partners). Also learned of his ethnic background which is Asian/Black/Indian. Many roadblocks on the way and a glimpse of what the business end of the entertainment world is like round out an exceptional and candid look into the life of Soul brother number 1!

JB Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (!)
I'm usually not so crazy about Star Biographies... for a variety of reasons, they're usually attention getting "feel bad for me" vs. "worship me" ploys taken from the pages of magazines atleast I wouldn't be caught dead reading outside of a doctor's office, however - - THIS BOOK IS DIFFERENT (!) It is enormously well written - - Though its pretty clear Bruce Tucker wrote most of it, he managed to dig down into JBs soul and convey his RAGS TO RICHES story quite convincingly, capturing his voice while telling about his rise and fall (<-- the IRS and disco got him) and his come back at the time This book is so well written that I've actually reread it SEVERAL times since it initially came out in the mid '80s. - - Though it is a bit ironical that JBs life would get a bit more "complicated" after it was written (the drugs, run-ins with the law, death of his wife etc.) it is clear that Brown & Tucker have presented to the world a book that's engrossing and definitely a keeper... It will bring a whole new meaning to the music !

a must read
very powerful&uplifting.it touches on many different subjects.racisim,poverty etc..who hasn't this man not influenced? to see a human being overcome so many hardships&provide a innovative sound&style is incredible.but Mr.brown is a man with few peers on his level.this book explores the legend&genius of james brown.

This is the best book that I have ever read.
I read James'initial autobiographical treatment of his life. Therefore, it was a must for me to obtain the 1997 "Godfather of Soul." It is a thorough, well-written masterpiece of a master showman and a remarkably diligent and outstanding individuality. This is a remarkable treatment of a remarkable individual. More than twenty years ago I watched Dick Clark's interview of James. I interpereted what he said to James at one point as follows: How are you able to withstand the pressure of being the best in the world and not having your own show when people all around who can't touch you have shows and the wealth, etcetera, that goes with it? Clark inferred that anyone who could do as James- and not receive the grand credit that they had been denied for long must be an extremely strong person. I admire how James- from a background of extreme poverty in the forests of Barnesville, S.C. worked and overcame formidable odds to become the greatest show person and dancer who ever lived. His music can instantly and frequently be heard in many recordings of all types of music. I have heard his music in spiritual song, blues, popular recordings, and opera. I have seen live operatic performances featuring his music. I particularly am moved by the phrase in the text which goes something like: If you mess with James Brown you got a problem. I recall when he took the Memphis, Tn. police dept. to court. That counts with me! In the book he alluded to someone who tried to do him physical harm just because of who he was. I am familiar with the stories I have heard of how he did a lot to help people all through his grand career. When one puts the meaning of James' life in proportional perspective one must factor in the tenor of the times and the relentless momentum that a person of his standing and color must contend with. I believe that Mr. Brown is the greatest person who ever lived- bar none. He has written many great songs and recorded many more. Despite racism and the negative influence which it may have had on his life he has managed to achieve an indelible place at the top of the annals of entertainment. When I visit a nursing home the first thing that I ask to strike up a conversation with the people who live there is, "Did you ever see James Brown?" Over 90% of them smile and say that they did see him. One man jumped out of his bed! Their eyes light up. I am sorry to see that the youth of today and some of those of days gone by have no appreciation or understanding of what Mr. Brown has meant in their lives. Early this year I matched what I read in his autobiography with some supportive writing that appeared in a recent Television Guide. The media publication said something along the lines of James' 1966 T.A.M.I. Show being the # 4 ranked television show of all time. (I have had occasion to see it on television and I would certainly like to know how I might obtain a copy of it for my personal use!) There was a popular dance that was name for James; it was called "The James Brown." I remember seeing the young children who use to do the "James Brown" dance. I remember that he owned his own black Lear jet over thirty years ago. James ran a professional organization and demanded the best from his staff and musicians. His "I Feel Good" is one of the most popular and long lived commercial songs around. I recommend this book to those who would like to be able to appreciate the nuances involved in being a man or woman, and standing tall despite the odds and your own people being against you. His choice of Bruce Tucker was a good one. I appreciate the opportunity to write what I have written. Before I take it back I shall add more to it. ... Read more

Book Description

If Elvis Presley was a white man who sang in a predominantly black style, Johnny Ace was a black man who sang in a predominantly white one. His soft, crooning "heart ballads" took the black record-buying public by storm in the early 1950s, and he was the first postwar solo black male rhythm and blues star signed to an independent label to attract a white audience. His biggest hit, "Pledging My Love," was at the top of the R&B charts when he died playing Russian roulette in his dressing room between sets at a packed "Negro Christmas dance" in Houston. This first comprehensive treatment of an enigmatic, captivating, and influential performer takes the reader to Beale Street in Memphis and to Houston's Fourth Ward, both vibrant black communities where the music never stopped. Following key players in these two hotspots, James Salem constructs a multifaceted portrait of postwar rhythm and blues, when American popular music (and society) was still clearly segregated.!Among the many colorful characters who knew and worked with Johnny Ace—including B. B. King, Johnny Otis, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown—none exerted more influence on his career than the promoter and entrepreneur Don D. Robey. It was Robey and his sometime wife Evelyn Johnson who transformed John Marshall Alexander Jr. into the heartthrob Johnny Ace and promoted him to the top of the R&B charts.But the price of fame was a grueling life of touring on the "chitlin circuit," where successive one-night stands might be 800 miles apart and musicians performed more than 340 days a year. Johnny Ace's career lasted barely eighteen months, yet musicians from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon have acknowledged their debt to him. Ace's inimitable delivery ushered in a fusion of black and white styles that set the stage for rock 'n' roll and changed American popular music forever. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Late Great Johnny Ace
A biography that has been long overdue,"The Late Great Johnny Ace.." is a marvelous journey to the backsteps of an long overlooked persona. Ace is just as much a legend as James Dean or Elvis Presley, but has been for years sidelined to a mere footnote in rock history. Ace's sensational russian roulette death on Christmas Day 1954, has unfairly eclipsed his musical merits, and is usually the first open topic in a discussion about him. This book is an excellent read simply because it offers more information about Ace and his music than anything previously published. Salem not only takes the reader for a slow cruise through Ace's short life but he builds an incredible atmosphere of life as a musician in Memphis. Here we not only learn more of Johnny Ace the man, but of his world and the collision course fame put him on. Ace's tragic death is explored in grave detail dispelling many myths and half truths. A must-read for any music historian. Now if they could just turn this into a movie.

The Late,Great,Johnny Ace
At long last,a book about Johnny Ace,rock&roll's first great tragedy.(He preceeded Buddy Holly's plane crash by a good 5 years.)Indeed,they had barely begun calling it "rock & roll"when Johnny killed himself playing russian roulette on Dec.25,1954.(Not Christmas eve,as is usually reported.)This fine book dispells many myths about that fateful night,and is also a welcome addition to the rock'n roll literature.A must read about the early days of rock music. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

i hate to say this, because I had high hopes ... but
this book is really not good. David Ritz's Gaye bio isn't perfect, but it's way better. The quotes Davis uses from interviews are just plain lame: mostly they are broad and impersonal. This book works better as a history of Motown, but not even so well as that.

Another Powerful Read on Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye not only was a musical Genius but the Cat was just very down to earth.reading on Him has always been interesting to me because the Guy was very Complex&so many things went down.His Battle with Motown over His Artistic Direction,Berry Gordy,Marvin&His Wives,His Mother&His Father.so many things involved.this Book takes on all of that&was very well Written.

Healing
This book tells the story of Gaye, his relationship with his family, Motown, Berry Gordy, his wives (one of which was Gordy's sister, Anna) and with his fans.

Unlike other bios of Motown stars (Knight, Reeves)this one is packed with info and personal details about the singer. Marvin is very candid as well as other members of his family about his relationship with his father. It also seems that Marvin is bashing Berry Gordy...the man who gave him a chance at stardom. It also seems that Marvin (along with other Motown stars)is jealous of the attention paid to Diana Ross. Marvin looked up to Berry and was hurt when he could not receive approval of his father figure.

The relationship he had with his wives Anna Gordy and Janis Hunter is also discussed-- although very briefly especially in terms of Hunter. I would've liked to know more about the teen girl Marvin called his inspiration. It is clear that Marvin's long battle with COCAINE, keeps from maintaining healthy relationships with any one.

The end of 'GRAPEVINE' talks about the tragic death of Marvin. I was very satisfied with Davis's work on this subject.

This book gave a great sense of comfort and allowed me to ......... Heal.
Thanks Davis, I am looking forward to your new book on Diana Ross. ... Read more

Book Description

With just forty-one recordings to his credit, Robert Johnson (1911-38) is a giant in the history of blues music. Johnson's vast influence on twentieth-century American music, combined with his mysterious death at the age of twenty-seven, has allowed speculation and myths to obscure the facts of his life. The most famous of these legends depicts a young Johnson meeting the Devil at a dusty Mississippi crossroads at midnight and selling his soul in exchange for prodigious guitar skills.

In this volume, Barry Lee Pearson and Bill McCulloch examine the full range of writings about Johnson and sift fact from fiction. They compare conflicting accounts of Johnson's life, weighing them against interviews with blues musicians and others who knew the man. Through their extensive research Pearson and McCulloch uncover a life every bit as compelling as the fabrications and exaggerations that have sprung up around it. In examining Johnson's life and music, and the ways in which both have been reinvented and interpreted by other artists, critics, and fans, Robert Johnson: Lost and Found charts the broader cultural forces that have mediated the expression of African American artistic traditions. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lost the plot.
A truly terrible book, that treats the reader like a moron.
The blindingly obvious is explained over & over,& then again
in case you still don't get it.The entire premise of this book could have been distilled in two pages.
Don't bother ,play the music.

An Important Book
Starting in the 1930's with a handful of jazz buffs, a procession of writers, most of them white, tried to fathom the life and music of Robert Johnson. With little to go on besides Johnson's recordings, the early writers wrongly portrayed him as a genius in coveralls, a farm worker whose music offered a glimpse back in time to the origins of jazz. One of the points of this book, a point clearly missed by some reviewers, is that many later writers doggedly continued to present fanciful views of Johnson and his art, even though such views were contradicted by a large and growing body of reliable information about Johnson and the tradition from which his music sprang. As Pearson and McCulloch document, Johnson was effectively separated from his own rural African-American cultural roots, and his rightful place in American musical history was taken by an imposter, a creation of marketing hype, cultural ignorance, and romantic imaginings. Although this book may annoy some of Johnson's dreamy fans, it's an important addition to the writing on this iconic blues musician, and I highly recommend it.

A Major Disappointment
First, I should state my qualifications and prejudices. I am writing biographies of Robert Johnson's stepson Robert Lockwood Jr. and his best friend Alex "Rice' Miller AKA Sonny Boy Williamson II and I have done over 300 hours of original oral research interviews and many more hours of library research including collecting nearly every blues magazine and relevant liner notes on records from many countries to find the source interviews of many misunderstandings about the artists. Barrie Lee Pearson told me that Sonny Boy was the single blues musician mentioned more often in other blues musicians oral histories. So my expectations for this book were high and my first hand knowledge of the resources available for new insight into this subject were extensive. I could have written this book from my research.
Therein lies the rub. While a new Robert Johnson book was never on my agenda, I was anxious to read this book.
Sadly, this book never seeks to add to the original research on Robert Johnson that would have been available simply by asking the many researchers. It is largely a rehash of published resources. There is little evidence that these authors ever bothered to visit the Delta or talk to the many still living and very credible sources. They are suspect in the text of claims that were easilly researched favoring the legend over the reality. Older Delta residents are amazingly accurate reporters and when their stories are coordinated by a researcher their rememberences dovetail in great detail. This is not a recommended addition to the Robert Johnson legend or history. I was heartbroken to see such a minor volume be published and possibly preclude the publications of a substantive volume. This is the history of the soundtrack of the Baby Boom generations and as such requires greater respect. Visit www.sonnyboy.com for more information.
Fessor Mojo AKA William E. Donoghue
Host, www.sonnyboy.com

When Legend becomes Fact.
Robert Johnson might be the most famous of all country bluesman. But we actually know very little about the man himself and what we think we know (the selling his soul at the crossroads story and forever being demon haunted)was a late addition to the legend. Pearson and McCulloch peel back the layers of what commentators have said about Johnson to reveal what we can really know about him--and it is not very much. They then tackle the literature on Johnson and show how a legend is created through wishful thinking, academic desire, and faulty deconstruction of lyrics. This is a wonderfully written, intelligent book that exposes the flaws of some methods of interpreting entertainers and the danger of interpreting them outside of the artist's culture. Johnson emerges as a human not such much chased by demons, but who chases women and whiskey too much. A fantastic study that should serve as both a model and a warning for all who write about entertainers. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

okay and great!
I liked the book thick and thin, from front to back! I am glad to sell this book and review it! Henry is a genius and I guess Bill too!

scott elfwood "CHICAGO SUN-TIMES" TM

MASTERPIECE!
Henry did a great job on this book. It truly describes is life as he only knows it. It is great I came out to St.Louis in October 98 and this pass weekend for his 90th at WEBSTER UNIVERSITY 10/29/30/99 IS DATE AND A CLUB CALLED BB'S JAZZ BLUES AND SOUPS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LOVE Henry and his Music. A billiant man! Judy west

A GREAT BOOK FOR ANY BLUES LOVER!
This book is about the life of Blues Legend, Henry Townsend. It gives a vibrant touch to his life before his around the world music playing days and during. Henry and Bill show us how it feels to be a Blues Legend and how to learn how to go at a career as a bluesman, Henry and Bill has wrote a masterpiece in itself. And I and hopefully others hope that this masterpiece will be followed with another. You can Find his cds on this amazon.com and others. "The 88' Blues" can be found in St.Louis and blueberry hill.com ... Read more

Book Description

This is a biography of the life and music of Sam Lightnin' Hopkins. You will enjoy reading about the history of this great bluesman! Also includes poems based on Lightnin' and to him. The author fell in love with Lightnin' by listening to his songs which are an inspiration to her life. This book also expresses her deep love that she has for him. Includes photos. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

ban this book
This book should be called "Deep Down Bad Poetry" Nothing but a book of bad poetry and sick obsessing.....

Fortunately, Lightnin never met this woman.

Avoid this Book!
Poor Sam "Lightnin" Hopkins must be rotating in his grave over this pretentious peice of unadulterated crap. There is a total dearth of detail about the man, his life, and his impact on the blues. How something like this got published escapes me. The book is almost totally "poems" "inspired" by L. Hopkins, and not good ones either. The Author say's she never met Sam, but feels his inspiration. I did meet Lightnin, and I know he wouldn't suffer this foolishness if the royalties were being paid to him in total. This is in my humble opinion a rank capitalization on those of us who love the people and music called the blues. Don't waste your time or your money. There incidently, isn't a no star category, so I couldn't do this rag true justice ... Read more