Reviewed by Tony Cummings

An absorbing and meticulously researched history of the Godfather Of Funk, the Hardest Working Man In Showbusiness, Mr Dynamite, The Minister Of New New Super Heavy Funk and probably half a dozen more self proclamations. Suffice to say that James Brown almost single handedly invented a new form of music, funk, and without his gigantic contribution to 20th century music there probably would be nothing like today's dance scene. This book vividly charts James' rise from the poverty of Macon, Georgia to become the international superstar of the 60s/70s courted by politicians and power brokers before his spectacular fall from favour culminating in a lengthy jail sentence. Geoff clearly has huge musical respect for a singer who at his height was the very quintessence of African American passion but unflinchingly lays bare the far from pleasant side of the R&B superstar's life. So alongside detailing how James, overcoming huge odds, made such exciting and dazzlingly successful music, we learn of drug abuse, financial wheeling and dealing and violence which were eventually to overspill into his public life. James was, like Marvin Gaye and Little Richard before him, a deeply religious man but his religion had the schizophrenic edge of self delusion. Gaining much of his early singing experience - not to mention vocal style - from gospel music and in later times surrounding himself with ministers like the seriously off base Rev Al Sharpman, James like other ex-gospel singers turning to the showbiz mainstream never kept his ambitions or his lusts in check and tragically finally paid the penalty. A fine, detailed chronicle, beautifully written by Geoff (who incidentally once edited Black Music, a rag I once edited), this biography should be read by all those looking for insight into the history of R&B and all those trying to understand the illusive nature of black church which for all its fervency and passion has thrown up so many spiritual casualties into the pop/R&B arena.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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