The Life of James Brown

I find myself agreeing with another reviewer who said of this biography "I already knew about his professional life but would like to know more of his background story."Having now read the book from cover to cover I feel I know barely more about James Brown than I had already gleaned from online articles and CD sleevenotes. And although it did leave me feeling well informed about his business dealings, I felt hardly informed about the man himself.The latter is the book's huge downfall. The book fails to pull you into the inner world of James Brown, or even shed much light upon that world.Another downside is that it skims astoundingly rapidly over his post-1960's career until death. If you're interested in the Polydor years and beyond, the writing from that point onwards becomes much like an extended sleevenote or magazine article.I would say for anyone seeking their first book on James Brown, you'd be better advised to begin with the man's own autobiography. Sure, it's probably a little biased here and there, but it's a far more engaging and involving read than this one.

This is well written book about JB's life. The updated version includes narrative about the last days of his life, his death, and the aftermath of his death. Includes pictures, as well. This is a good read . . .

I had previously read James Browns self written biography which although interesting is (more than slightly) biased towards mr brown. While it is also a very good read and goes into detail about his childhood etc , this book briefly skims over that and starts really with the beginnings of his fame.This is an honest account of James Brown and his life and many achievments, which also acknowledges his flaws as well. Very up to date and the story runs right up to his death.Excellent pictures in this book that arent readily available elsewhere as well as lots of input from band members, business partners setc:Well worth the price and well worth the 5 stars.

enjoyed the Life of James Brown Biography...read it from cover to cover

good read, but already knew about his proffessional life would like to know more of his background story