Customer Reviews

The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James

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Large size soft cover,311 pages,not counting the index,Forward or Preface. Included is an appendix of myths surrounding James,an EXTENSIVE discography(including chart appearances),a list of James' family members,the various record labels James appeared on,lengthy bibliography,and several pages of artists influenced by James' music. There are 21 pages of b & w photographs,not including photos at chapter headings,along with a number of ads and label reproductions from the era. In addition,my copy was autographed by the author,Steve Franz. He is also the author of "Elmore James: The Ultimate Guide to the Master of the Slide",which in it's 46 pages,is packed with info regarding Elmore James.

If you listen to blues music,or have even a passing interest in the genre,then you've probably heard Elmore (born Elmore Brooks) James. His slashing,dirty,full-sounding style of slide guitar playing (along with his fiery single note runs) is heard everywhere in blues/blues-based rock. From J.B. Hutto,to the original FLEETWOOD MAC,to HOUND DOG TAYLOR AND THE HOUSEROCKERS,to THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND,to any number of guitarists/groups,his signature riffs are still heard today. Combined with his visceral style of singing,James is one of the cornerstones of electric blues,whose career lasted from the early 50's into the early 60's. The fact that he's usually pictured wearing eyeglasses,which gives him the look of a school teacher is in stark contrast to the power he could convey through his music.

This great book is (I believe) the first in-depth look into Elmore James' life and times,and Mr. Franz should be congratulated in taking on such a project. In this book the author pieces together James' life,from his beginnings,to his first important work with Sonny Boy Williamson (Alec,or Alex, Miller),on through his Trumpet Records recordings beginning in the 50's,to his Modern Records tracks in the mid-50's,into the 60's with producer Bobby Robinson. In between James' birth and his final recordings is a wealth of information the author has painstakingly researched and uncovered,that has not previously been brought to light in such depth. James comes to life in this book,as does his recording activities,which includes much detail.

Starting with "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom", probably heard from Robert Johnson as a mid-tempo country blues,which James updated with additional lyrics,and most importantly,his electric slide guitar,James went on to become a popular artist with several songs in the charts. This was ,besides James' talent,due in large part to his tight little rocking combo,that always filled up any spaces left in the music. To often anything written about James gives short shrift to his backing musicians. Here Franz sheds overdue light on the talents of the musicians known in the beginning as ELMORE JAMES & THE TRIO,or later,ELMORE JAMES & THE BROOMDUSTERS. Along the way Franz delves into other players and music-related people in James' world,which helps give better insight into,and also reveals some of the flavor of,the times.

No matter if you're a longtime blues listener,or have recently heard James' music and want to learn more about one of the cornerstones of electric blues-you need this book. Purchase it while it's still available,because it's a worthy addition to your library of musically important blues musicians. After reading it,you'll come away with an added appreciation,and a more in-depth feeling for James,the times he lived in,and most importantly,his timeless music.

This is the book i have been waiting to read all my life.... it has everything i could have wished to know about Elmore, especially since there is so little info about him...it was obviously written with love for Elmore and i'm so fortunate to have read it.. GREAT GREAT work..!!!

Very informative book that gives a thorough treatment of an artist that we know very about, biographically. For example, there is no known footage of the guy playing live, and apparently, only a single interview. The author does an excellent job of citing his sources, and the book includes a very detailed discography. In summary, I think this is a must have if you want a single book on the legendary Elmore James.

Among the greatest of all Blues artists, Elmore James' influence is heard in the music of countless musicians today, whether his cousin Homesick James Williamson, Chicago slide guitar boogie master, Lil Ed Williams, New Orleans slide master Deacon John, Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green or George Thorogood's blues-rock. James' recording of Dust My Broom is among the seminal blues recordings and covered or adapted by countless artists. Even forty years after his death, the passion and urgency in his music is evident to anyone who spends anytime listening to his recordings. Elmore's music was so powerful that Steve Franz did his Masters research on Elmore. Several years ago, Franz published a discography of Elmore's music.Adding additional research, he has completed the first full-length biography of James, The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James (BlueSource Publishing).

James died of a heart attack in 1963 right around the time interest in Chicago blues was growing outside the African-American community. He was only subject to cursory interviews by several Europeans, such as photographer George Adins who saw him performing in various Chicago night clubs. As a result, much of what we know about his life derives from interviews from those who played with him or knew him including his cousin, "Homesick" James Williamson, harmonica player and vocalist Sam Myers, the late drummer Odie Payne, James' Atlanta manager Otis Ealey, and record producer Bobby Robinson.

There is also an account of Elmore in performance in a southern juke joint excerpted from civil rights pioneer James Meredith's autobiography. Other information is gathered from various public and quasi-public records including those of the Chicago Musicians Union local. Included also are brief discussions of some of the myths about Elmore, his influence and biographies of the musicians who played with Elmore and some of the artists who were directly affected by Elmore including Homesick James, J.B. Hutto, Joe Carter and Hound Dog Taylor.

There is also an extensive discography of Elmore's recordings including listings of various album reissues. This is copiously illustrated with pictures of Elmore and his musical associates. There are a few minor typos but this is an impressive contribution to the literature on the blues.

This review was originally published in the April 2003 DC Blues Calendar, newsletter of the DC Blues Society and is being posted on my blog [...].

Elmore James was born into poverty in a small town in Mississippi,and became a true blues legend and influence on music history.Similar stories apply to Muddy,BB King,Howling Wolf,Sonny Boy,John Lee Hooker etc.Unlike these, Elmore died before his music became known around the world and influenced so many groups and artists.
This wonderful book is a fine tribute to Elmore--includes detailed accounts of his life, his recordings,the guys he played with," whatever happened to",discography, and anything else that he had come into contact with.Very well researched book,and a must for all Elmore fans,lovers of the Delta Blues,highly recomended.
If you are in southerm Mississippi,stop off at Ebenezer,search out the grave of Elmore James--THE KING OF THE SLIDE GUITAR.