[REMOVE ADS]




Results 1 to 15 of 15
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    812
    Rep Power
    123

    Can anyone recommend one of the James Brown bios?

    Before I see the movie I want to read one of the bios. It seems like "The One" by RJ Smith is the most complete; does anyone have other ideas? Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1,283
    Rep Power
    148
    James Brown "The Godfather of Soul" ~ 1988 Bruce Tucker

    I tried to post the jacket but wouldn't work.


    S.S.
    ***
    Last edited by Soul Sister; 06-05-2015 at 11:19 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    2,282
    Rep Power
    189
    For me the best document on James Brown is the DVD "Soul Survivor" : http://www.amazon.com/James-Brown-Su...=soul+survivor

    Name:  41OkiCC6XML.jpg
Views: 308
Size:  29.6 KB

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    9,279
    Rep Power
    519
    Quote Originally Posted by Soul Sister View Post
    James Brown "The Godfather of Soul" ~ 1988 Bruce Tucker

    I tried to post the jacket but wouldn't work.


    S.S.
    ***
    I thought this was the best one. Lots of detail.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    4,373
    Rep Power
    210
    That Bruce Tucker book is nothing more than high octane ego. And while Get On Up is total whitewash, the HBO documentary made in conjunction with the movie is actually pretty much on point.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    2,282
    Rep Power
    189
    Here is the full documentary "Soul Survivor", I heard of this DVD by reading Marva Whitney's book. She's interviewed in the movie, along with the late Lynn Collins and many more :


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1,283
    Rep Power
    148
    timmyfunk,
    I have all of the above and more........ Roberta was asking about the book.

    Having spent a lot of time around JB, his family, & home I can tell you there is a lot of truth in the Godfather book. Sure there is a lot left out, personal family stuff I knew about, his son Teddy told me a lot. It's still a good place to start for the fan.

    The A&E docu was good.

    S.S.
    ***

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    505
    Rep Power
    140
    I do suggest reading Marva Whitney's bio, titled "God, the Devil, and James Brown".

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1,283
    Rep Power
    148
    I do too, Randy. It's good insight into the man's head for those who never experienced it, lol......

    S. S.
    ***

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    4,373
    Rep Power
    210
    Quote Originally Posted by Soul Sister View Post
    timmyfunk,
    I have all of the above and more........ Roberta was asking about the book.

    Having spent a lot of time around JB, his family, & home I can tell you there is a lot of truth in the Godfather book. Sure there is a lot left out, personal family stuff I knew about, his son Teddy told me a lot. It's still a good place to start for the fan.

    The A&E docu was good.

    S.S.
    ***
    I would easily recommend Marva's book over the Bruce Tucker book. I've always held the view that the side people have written books that put the Bruce Tucker book in its proper perspective. And by the way, since Phil recommended Soul Survivor, I thought that DVD's were also included. And yes, the A&E documentary was surprisingly good.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1,283
    Rep Power
    148
    I can't disagree with that timmyfunk.

    There you have it, RobertaZ.

    S.S.
    ***

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    812
    Rep Power
    123
    Quote Originally Posted by Soul Sister View Post
    I can't disagree with that timmyfunk.

    There you have it, RobertaZ.

    S.S.
    ***
    Thanks, all! Seems like it's going to be a Mr. B summer for me! I'll start with Ms. Soul Sister's recommendation first and go from there. Best to all -

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1,283
    Rep Power
    148
    You're welcome RobertaZ, enjoy your summer reading.


    S.S.
    ***

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    3,945
    Rep Power
    436
    Quote Originally Posted by RobertZ View Post
    Before I see the movie I want to read one of the bios. It seems like "The One" by RJ Smith is the most complete; does anyone have other ideas? Thanks!
    I think RJ Smith's "The One" is a very good biography on James Brown. It does justice to his musical legacy while documenting the downside of his success [his problems with the IRS, the mid 70's downfall on the charts, drug abuse and other issues]. Go for it.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    4,303
    Rep Power
    210
    To the other books previously recommended, I would add, Fred Wesley's, Hit Me Fred.
    http://www.amazon.com/Hit-Me-Fred-Re.../dp/0822335484
    Good insights into JB as a musician and band leader. Fred doesn't pull any punches.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

[REMOVE ADS]

Ralph Terrana
MODERATOR

Welcome to Soulful Detroit! Kindly Consider Turning Off Your Ad BlockingX
Soulful Detroit is a free service that relies on revenue from ad display [regrettably] and donations. We notice that you are using an ad-blocking program that prevents us from earning revenue during your visit.
Ads are REMOVED for Members who donate to Soulful Detroit. [You must be logged in for ads to disappear]
DONATE HERE »
And have Ads removed.