Based on scores of interviews with the artistrsquo;s relatives; friends; lovers; producers; accompanists; managers; and fans; this brilliant biography reveals a man of many layers and contradictions. Following the journey of a musician who left his familys poor cotton farm at age eight carrying only a guitar; the book chronicles his life on the open road playing blues music and doing odd jobs. It debunks the myths surrounding his meetings with Blind Lemon Jefferson and Texas Alexander; his time on a chain gang; his relationships with women; and his lifelong appetite for gambling and drinking. This volume also discusses his hard-to-read personality; whether playing for black audiences in Houstonrsquo;s Third Ward; for white crowds at the Matrix in San Francisco; or in the concert halls of Europe; Sam Hopkins was a musician who poured out his feelings in his songs and knew how to endear himself to his audience—yet it was hard to tell if he was truly sincere; and he appeared to trust no one. Finally; this book moves beyond exploring his personal life and details his entire musical career; from his first recording session in 1946—when he was dubbed Lightninrsquo;—to his appearance on the national charts and his rediscovery by Mack McCormick and Sam Charters in 1959; when his popularity had begun to wane and a second career emerged; playing to white audiences rather than black ones. Overall; this narrative tells the story of an important blues musician who became immensely successful by singing with a searing emotive power about his country roots and the injustices that informed the civil rights era.
#768300 in eBooks 2011-04-29 2011-04-29File Name: B0052XUQA4
Review
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful. A Queen Bible!By MJZI have been a fan and collector of all things Queen for almost 30 years. I wasnt sure if this book would have much to offer. but as its about Queen I had to get it. I wasnt dissapointed. This is by far the best book to date (in my opinion) on the band. There are some really great photos in here that even I havent seen before. Lots of great sidebar stories and quotes from the guys along with tour dates and just about anything else you could want. This was truly a labor of love and this Queen fan is very appreciative. Your collection isnt complete without this book. So buy it and indulge. you be very glad you did!5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Review of Kindle EditionBy Brian K. BurnsI was scouring for a book about this band. and this seemed to be the best reviewed work available. Several reviewers offered accolades for the great photos. sidebars. and bits of graphic memorabilia - so I purchased the Kindle version.While I am very much enjoying the textual part of the book. I actually purchased what was touted as a pictorial book. The textual content is interesting and very satisfactory (thus. the two stars). however. the vast majority of the photos are microscopic. low-res. postage stamp-sized "icons" on the Kindle screen. and most of the sidebars are so small as to be virtually unreadable. Its a shame; these pictures and graphics could have literally jumped out from the Kindle Fire HDs screen - yet. only "thumbnail" pics are provided. The Kindle version of this book may as well not even include the graphical content (and should be priced accordingly - thus. the omission of the other three stars).The textual material actually rates three or four stars. however. since I paid for a highly-reviewed pictorial book and was effectively ripped off on the pictorial content. I am disappointed both in and in the books publisher. as each should maintain (and hold each other to) higher standards of quality control. I kind of feel like I fell for a scam here. From now on I will be much more selective (and consequently. make fewer purchases) of Kindle materials.22 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Run dont walk to get this treasure.By Elaine C. CrosslandAs a card carrying Queen fan I was more than pleased to receive my copy and immediately get buried in it. It did not disappoint.The layout is superb.mixing ticket stubs (note the prices!!) with t-shirts from different concerts and quotes from the different members. More information flowing out of this book on Deacon than you would ever believe existed.It just urges you on. You can put it down and go back to it later. You just dont want to.The running commentaries on different LPs was most enjoyable.with quotes by Freddie. Brian .John and Roger thrown in at the appropriate moments.I have never seen so many exotic pictures particularly of Freddie.Nearing the end there is a wonderful picture of Freddie at Queens last gig together live at Knebworth. The tapes must exist. How can we get John .Roger and Brian to hit the studio and do a tribute to Fred on the 20th anniversary of his death? What a present it would be to us all.Everything else I want to say has been said by those whove written reviews before me. This is simply the best!
