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Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James
by
Rick James
,
David Ritz
Best known for his song “Super Freak,” hitmaker, singer, innovator, producer, award-winning pioneer in the fusion of funk groove and rock, the late Rick James collaborated with music biographer David Ritz in this posthumously published, wildly entertaining, and profound expression of a rock star’s life and soul.
He was the nephew of Temptations singer Melvin Franklin; a boy ...more
He was the nephew of Temptations singer Melvin Franklin; a boy ...more
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"Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James" is a ride like no other. I will just start off by letting potential readers know that if you're put off by cursing, frank discussions of sex and, this should be no surprise, a lot of descriptive unashamed drug use this book will not be for you. It is safe to say that James holds nothing back in this book since he mentions on a number of occasions that the songs he wrote were primarily autobiographical.
I don't know if James kept some type of journal but how ...more
I don't know if James kept some type of journal but how ...more
Jul 28, 2014
Zenzile
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fan's of Rick James, Fan of the 70s, Fans of Funk music
Sooo....my favorite parts of this autobiography was when Rick would talk shit about Jim Morrison, The Doors, Prince and just people whose music I generally like. It's fascinating because I can't know if he really thought they were weak or if he was just intimidated and insecure. Either way, I love it when he punks Prince over and over. Hilarious.
On the downside though (and there is a lot of downside) I'm pretty sure that there is a ton of horrible stuff James did or had done to him that know one ...more
On the downside though (and there is a lot of downside) I'm pretty sure that there is a ton of horrible stuff James did or had done to him that know one ...more
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I received this advanced copy through Goodreads.
This autobiography gave me a chance to meet the man behind the music. James articulated his faults with no sugar coating. He was remarkable in his ability to see his own strengths and weaknesses and still be in awe of others in the business - even those that abandoned him on the way up AND the way down. Like many great entertainers, his addictions were as strong as his talent was large. His death at age 56 years old was a testament to a life lived ...more
This autobiography gave me a chance to meet the man behind the music. James articulated his faults with no sugar coating. He was remarkable in his ability to see his own strengths and weaknesses and still be in awe of others in the business - even those that abandoned him on the way up AND the way down. Like many great entertainers, his addictions were as strong as his talent was large. His death at age 56 years old was a testament to a life lived ...more
What a great read!!! I had no clue Rick James was as influential as he was in the world of music. I thought he was more of a novelty act, but I was wrong. James was extremely talented and rubbed elbows with musical geniuses and legends such as George Clinton, Steven Tyler and Marvin Gaye. Unfortunately like most greats, James struggled with substance abuse. Oh, and I've read Marvin Gaye's autobiography and it's interesting to see how closely weaved their lives were. And I LOVED James' stories ab
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Couldn't put it down. Finished it too fast. I had no idea how serious Rick James was about music and the contributions he has made.
“She’s a very kinky girl
The kind you won’t take home to mother
She will never let your spirits down
Once you get her off the street…
She’s a super freak, super freak
She’s super-freaky, oh”
Ah, the poetry of Rick James. The master of funk with the jerry curls on his head and cocaine spoon around his neck. He led quite the life. And if you pick up a copy of “Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James” ($26.00) you can read all about it for yourself, from Rick’s own point of view. Published after his death, ...more
The kind you won’t take home to mother
She will never let your spirits down
Once you get her off the street…
She’s a super freak, super freak
She’s super-freaky, oh”
Ah, the poetry of Rick James. The master of funk with the jerry curls on his head and cocaine spoon around his neck. He led quite the life. And if you pick up a copy of “Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James” ($26.00) you can read all about it for yourself, from Rick’s own point of view. Published after his death, ...more
Awesome. Couldn't put it down. A frank look into the sleaziness of the music business and the making and breaking of superstars. Rick James was a multi-talented singer, writer, producer, innovator, and pioneer of jazz, soul, funk, r&b, and pop music. He rocked our world! He made his own fame and helped other "get over." Rick had his demons, but I particularly liked his discussion with Brother Ray Charles when Rick was trying to kick his addiction - Rick says that Ray told him that it was a b
...more
Druggies are just not interesting, and Rick James was a mess. Their lives are repetitive and so too their stories, and generally speaking all the pain they experience pales next to the pain they wreak upon others. That said, this guy had a heck of a ride. A Zeliglike character and a complete degenerate - he got that part of himself, though. One anecdote - I remember sitting in a donut shop in NY in the mid-1980s, where three young black girls were talking about the Prince concert one had just at
...more
I absolutely loved this book. Rick gave us a look into the crazy, outrageous, drugged out, scary, hollywood life that he lead. You can picture Rick James doing most or all of the things described in the book which makes it even more of a must read. I can appreciate raw truth and that us what inside of this book. It's good to see that Rick James entrusted David Ritz with his last and final words because Rick James lived such a dis-trusting life (mainly due to drugs and his upbringing). All I can
...more
This was a very good and candid look at the life of Rick James. The book is in the voice of Rick James and only "arranged" by David Ritz. They had met years before Rick's downward spiral and subsequent jail stint. Rick composed most of these words in prison and takes us from his hometown, Buffalo,NY all the way to Hollywood.
And from Buffalo to California there is a bevy of drugs, sex and the rock star lifestyle, although it took quite a while for Rick to break through. As he is recounting and r ...more
And from Buffalo to California there is a bevy of drugs, sex and the rock star lifestyle, although it took quite a while for Rick to break through. As he is recounting and r ...more
This book is pretty much a non-stop litany of sex and drug-use, with music playing a strong supporting role. Rick describes his troubles with addiction and his struggle to reach the pinnacle of the music industry. Spoiler alert: he succeeds. It also makes a pretty interesting case for his role as a musical pioneer, paving the way for acts that he either developed, produced or influenced. I had no idea what a prodigious musical talent he was. Cocaine is indeed a powerful drug.
Did you read Motley Crüe's 'The Dirt' and think to yourself, "Ok, sure. All the stories about sex and drugs are fine but I just wish they had less class"? Well, you're in luck. 'Glow', Rick James autobiography is the book for you!
Did you know Rick James influenced Stevie Wonder? Did you know Rick James was the lynchpin that started the entire 60's California psychedelic rock scene? Did you know that Prince stole all of his ideas from Rick James? Did you know that Marvin Gaye envied the talent of ...more
Did you know Rick James influenced Stevie Wonder? Did you know Rick James was the lynchpin that started the entire 60's California psychedelic rock scene? Did you know that Prince stole all of his ideas from Rick James? Did you know that Marvin Gaye envied the talent of ...more
Rick James story as only he can tell it
Rick James lived 99 lives in 56 years. From humble beginnings in Buffalo to American Bandstand to jail and more, this adventure is framed by his last stint in jail. Rick James was an American original and his music and life reflect that. This is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. I'm just sad he's not here to share more.
Rick James lived 99 lives in 56 years. From humble beginnings in Buffalo to American Bandstand to jail and more, this adventure is framed by his last stint in jail. Rick James was an American original and his music and life reflect that. This is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. I'm just sad he's not here to share more.
Rick James was just a wild as he seems. A fascinating glimpse into the inner workings if a great music mind. Rick's story telling style leaves little to the imagination, nonetheless it was great reading about his contemporaries through his eyes. A few highlights: Prince(copycat), Kiss(more showmanship than talent), The Doors(mediocre rock).
I feel like I was a fly on the wall
This seemed to be an extremely honest account on the life of an extremely talented entertainer. I am a Rick James fan from the very beginning. His music takes me back to my high school days. He is on my list of all time favorite entertainers.
This seemed to be an extremely honest account on the life of an extremely talented entertainer. I am a Rick James fan from the very beginning. His music takes me back to my high school days. He is on my list of all time favorite entertainers.
A surprisingly well-written examination of one of the biggest egos of our time. A little self-pitying at times, but I'd still recommend it. Much better than I expected, although you can't go wrong with David Ritz putting your book together, especially when you're too dead to argue with him.
He had a helluva life. There was so much more to Mr. James than "Superfreak". Nearly missing great success over and over again, he continually reinvents himself as an artist, only to get dragged down by addiction. A good addition to any music geek's shelf.
It was a very quick read. I found as I was reading the book could I really believe certain parts due to the fact that Rick James was using drugs the entire time.
5 star.
Rick James fucking rocks!
Everything I want to know about a pop icon can be found in this book,personal life,musical journey,stories among other musicians - what he talks about Prince makes me laugh so hard!David Ritz does a great job to edit all the material to give us a good look at the talent,personality and struggle of Rick James.
Rick James fucking rocks!
Everything I want to know about a pop icon can be found in this book,personal life,musical journey,stories among other musicians - what he talks about Prince makes me laugh so hard!David Ritz does a great job to edit all the material to give us a good look at the talent,personality and struggle of Rick James.
This book was A TRIP. The content is roughly 30% drug use, 30% Rick's sex life, and 30% music & everything else. Did I mention it was a trip? It tops 300 pages, but is an easy, quick read.
Fun fact: the only person Rick James seems to hate more than Prince is Ronald Reagan.
Fun fact: the only person Rick James seems to hate more than Prince is Ronald Reagan.
Fantastic read! It felt as if Rick James was sitting in front of you, telling you about the craziness that was his life, with great anecdotes about the music.
Rick James really thought highly of himself, like REALLY.
Rick James liked Rick James a LOT, though it's clear he recognized that he was pretty egotistical. I know he had artistic flair, but Lord, he was such an addict! I bet if you totaled up his days on drugs, and days NOT on drugs, it had to be one heck of an unbalanced equation. It's sad that often the truly creative are burdened with such demons. I like autobiographies, so I read through the book pretty fast. Best book I ever read? Nah. But it kept me entertained!
I had to read this. I mean, it's Rick James! The King of Funk from my hometown of Buffalo. A fascinating story, lots of name dropping and music tidbits.
I enjoyed this book. Nothing was glossed over or excused. Sometimes difficult to read about James' demons and disrespect ... His "Me Monster". It brings the late 70s and early 80s music scene of funk into focus unflinchingly.
No punches pulled and no cards cut.. This is the kind of autobiography I can appreciate. Rick James was as messy as he was talented and he put his mess on front street in this book. His story would make a really good movie.
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