{"product_id":"the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown-isbn-9781592407422","title":"The One: The Life and Music of James Brown","description":"\u003cb\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\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlaying 350 shows a year at his peak, with more than forty \u003ci\u003eBillboard\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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 \u003ci\u003eThe One\u003c\/i\u003e 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":46302605344997,"sku":"NP9781592407422","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781592407422_143de31e-87e3-4d26-a1cd-fa3b5757a91f.jpg?v=1767740792","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown-isbn-9781592407422","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}