Shawn M.

good book except...

Revisado: 12-27-24

it was a good book but the way the the narrator mispronounced Maceo Parker's name is unforgivable. It irritated me to no end. They really need to fix that, if possible.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Thank you for everything Mr White.

Revisado: 03-30-19

Bravo! This book took me right into the studio, into the rehearsals, onto the stage and, most importantly, into the brilliant mind of the great Maurice White. As a child of the 1970s EWF is a wonderful reminder of a time where I came of age. They were almost like family members. Whenever they came to Pittsburgh it was a huge event and the whole neighborhood was filled with anticipation and excitement, and they never failed to deliver the goods. A great book, to say the least...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Very well researched book

Revisado: 07-07-16

I don't usually read unauthorized biographies but I have tremendous respect for David Ritz and I am an unapologetic Aretha groupie. The first thing that struck me about the book was the amount of research that was obviously applied. I knew very little about the Rev. C.L. Franklin's life outside of the church and found this information to be fascinating. I didn't realize the depth of the sibling rivalry between Aretha and her sisters, although I didn't get the impression that they didn't love and support each other. I had heard rumors of her first husband being a pimp and was shocked to find that to be true. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she was such a dominant force in the studio during the Atlantic years as it relates to her production skills, as well as her arrangement prowess. I found myself sympathizing with her insecurities and her bouts with depression, especially when she was with Ted White. I could write for hours about how this book made me feel about her but the bottom line is that we're all human beings who have to deal with life on life's terms and, in that regard, she's no different than anybody else. I actually felt a little guilty after I read the book, as though I were a Peeping Tom peering into her windows. That's how well written and thorough this book was. I know that Aretha wasn't happy about this book and I can't say that I blame her considering how much was revealed. But I couldn't stop listening and I plan on listening to it again because it's just that good. Aretha is an American icon and she has nothing to be ashamed of and this book made me love her music even more, which I didn't think was possible. So if by some miraculous chance that Aretha is reading this I tip my hat to you as an artist and, more importantly, as a woman. Bravo David Ritz.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 34 personas

Could have been better

Revisado: 06-14-16

Let me first say RIP to the memories of all those who Bobby has lost.. As for the book, what in the hell were the publishers thinking allowing Bobby to narrate? His reading and mispronounciation of words put a serious damper on my listening experience.. Not to mention some of his outright lies, such as him being the originator of the"Gumby" haircut . We used to wear that same cut when I was in high school, long before anybody knew Bobby Brown's name.( I mean Ijs) Also he said Whitney's financial people were "ripping her off" yet you choose to intertwine your publishing with her people...Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to bash Bobby Brown. Although I can honestly say I've never been a big fan of his music, one memory of him is indelibly logged in my memory bank is a night in February 1989 at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, PA when he absolutely kicked New Edition's ass on the Heartbreak Tour, which is really saying something cause New Edition was one helluva live act. I remember having a newfound respect for his ability as a performer. And I never believed for one second that he turned Whitney on to drugs, I always suspected that was some bullshit. Basically my only complaint is that a better narrator was needed. Otherwise I would have given it 4 stars...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 7 personas