The definitive biography of James Brown; the Godfather of Soul; with fascinating findings on his life as a Civil Rights activist; an entrepreneur; and the most innovative musician of our time Playing 350 shows a year at his peak; with more than forty Billboard hits; James Brown was a dazzling showman who transformed American music. His life offstage was just as vibrant; and until now no biographer has delivered a complete profile. The One draws on interviews with more than 100 people who knew Brown personally or played with him professionally. Using these sources; award-winning writer RJ Smith draws a portrait of a man whose twisted and amazing life helps us to understand the music he made.The One delves deeply into the story of a man who was raised in abject-almost medieval-poverty in the segregated South but grew up to earn (and lose) several fortunes. Covering everything from Browns unconventional childhood (his aunt ran a bordello); to his role in the Black Power movement; which used "Say It Loud (Im Black and Proud)" as its anthem; to his high-profile friendships; to his complicated family life; Smiths meticulous research and sparkling prose blend biography with a cultural history of a pivotal era.At the heart of The One is Browns musical genius. He had crucial influence as an artist during at least three decades; he inspires pity; awe; and revulsion. As Smith traces the legends reinvention of funk; soul; RB; and pop; he gives this history a melody all its own.
#3828746 in eBooks 2001-11-19 2001-11-19File Name: B005GEZ1UO
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