{"product_id":"one-book-rj-smith-9781592407422","title":"The One","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe 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\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlaying 350 shows a year at his peak, with more than forty \u003ci\u003eBillboard\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the heart of \u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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\u0026amp;B, and pop, he gives this history a melody all its own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50478591803665,"sku":"CIN1592407420G","price":4.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51037802791185,"sku":"NIN9781592407422","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51381771895057,"sku":"GOR006894057","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52383670141201,"sku":"CIN1592407420VG","price":4.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1592407420.jpg?v=1751309153","url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/products\/one-book-rj-smith-9781592407422","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}