{"product_id":"the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown","title":"The One: The Life and Music of James Brown","description":"\u003cp\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\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlaying 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 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\u0026amp;B, and pop, he gives this history a melody all its own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52067516186904,"sku":"9781592407422","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/8203\/8296\/files\/9781592407422.jpg?v=1778853751","url":"https:\/\/lushenabooksinc.com\/products\/the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown","provider":"Lushena","version":"1.0","type":"link"}