Description
Book SynopsisPresents the world of rhythm and blues from the perspective of an insider. This book features anecdotes about such R&B legends as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, and Dionne Warwick. It chronicles the 'Iceman's' journey from rural Mississippi to Chicago and the founding and eventual breakup of the legendary Impressions vocal group.
Trade ReviewBeginning as a member of the Impressions in Chicago in 1958, Butler (b. 1939) launched a vocal career that has lasted into the 21st century. This autobiography details his growing up in poverty and his initial musical successes and ends with his foray into politics with his election to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1985 and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Along the way Butler supplies considerable information on various managers and recording companies, especially Vee Jay Records, Mercury Records, and later Motown. The author concentrates not on private lives but on musical careers—his own and those of numerous others, e.g., Curtis Mayfield, Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Patti LaBelle. His behind-the-scenes look at race relations within the music industry during the last half of the century supplements and chronologically expands Robert Pruter's discussion in Doowop: The Chicago Scene (CH, Nov'96) and Chicago Soul (CH, May'91). Selected illustrations, discography, brief notes, and bibliography are helpful. Highly recommended for academic and general readers alike with an interest in popular music. All levels.march 2001
-- R. D. Cohen * Indiana University Northwest *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Prologue
Part I: The Early Years
1. The Beginning
2. Starting Over in Sweet Home Chicago
3. Learning the Basics
4. Reality Sets In
Part II: The Vee Jay Years
5. What's in a Name?
6. Coming Apart
7. Picking Up the Pieces
8. Learning Experiences
9. Making My Mark
10. With a Little Help from My Friends
Part III: The Mercury Years
11. The Producers
12. "Kill or Be Killed"
13. Changing the World with a Song
Part IV: The Motown Years and Beyond
14. You've Got What It Takes
Part V: The Political Years
15. Summing Up
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Discography
Index
