The One

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.