The One by Rj Smith

The One by Rj Smith

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 Brown's unconventional childhood (his aunt ran a bordello), to his role in the Black Power movement, which used Say It Loud (I'm Black and Proud) as its anthem, to his high-profile friendships, to his complicated family life, Smith's meticulous research and sparkling prose blend biography with a cultural history of a pivotal era.

At the heart of The One is Brown's musical genius. He had crucial influence as an artist during at least three decades; he inspires pity, awe, and revulsion. As Smith traces the legend's reinvention of funk, soul, R&B, and pop, he gives this history a melody all its own.

Smith, Rj: - RJ Smith is 83 and knows a thing or two about how to live life-both the right way and the wrong way. After his wife passed suddenly, Smith was thrown back into the world of grocery shopping and was shocked to see the number of clearly unhealthy options available and the number of clearly unhealthy consumers unwittingly buying them. He turned his health around through hard work and dedication, and he has made it his mission to spread the word of how simple it is to take control of your health to live a long and happy life.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781592406579
ISBN 10	1592406572
Title	The One
Author	Rj Smith
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Gotham Books
Year published	2012-03-15
Number of pages	455
Prizes	Commended for L.A. Times Book Prize (Biography) 2012
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable