Alcoholic. Epileptic. Technically challenged. Jimmy Reed nevertheless overcame these roadblocks to become perhaps the most successful R&B/pop cross-over artist of the '50s with songs like "Big Boss Man" and "Bright Lights, Big City." Musicians, family members, and those whose lives Reed touched offer revealing and heart-wrenching insights into this now-revered bluesman. While Reed's alcoholism was no secret, its effect on his musicianship is less understood. This engaging book tells the real story that until now has not been told.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
" 'Big Boss Man' will spark new appreciation for a complex man ... " -- Downbeat, January 2007, Vol. 74, Number 1
" ... dispels the myths, casts some light on popular folktales ... and uncovers hard truths that even die-hard fans wouldn't know." -- Time Out Chicago, November 16 - 22, 2006, issue 90
"A serious contender for blues book of the year, it's essential reading for Reed's fans." -- Blues Revue, Feb./Mar., 2007, Issue 104
"Romano lays out this consummate tale with authority and an admirable briskness, his exhaustive research augmented by dozens of contemporary interviews and old ones Reed himself gave ..." -- Harp magazine, November 2006
" ... dispels the myths, casts some light on popular folktales ... and uncovers hard truths that even die-hard fans wouldn't know." -- Time Out Chicago, November 16 - 22, 2006, issue 90
"A serious contender for blues book of the year, it's essential reading for Reed's fans." -- Blues Revue, Feb./Mar., 2007, Issue 104
"Romano lays out this consummate tale with authority and an admirable briskness, his exhaustive research augmented by dozens of contemporary interviews and old ones Reed himself gave ..." -- Harp magazine, November 2006
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8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
great read,
By LBWheels457 (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed (Sheet music)
This book looks at the life of Jimmy Reed. His music was and still is wonderful and very influencial. This book tells of his troubles of trying to make it to his successes to comebacks and all of the struggles he faced inbetween. It's a fascinating story that is very historical in it's content, but also a captivating read.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Big Boss Book On The Big Boss Man!,
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This review is from: Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed (Sheet music)
The miraculous progress in blues scholarship over the last 20 years or so continues with this book about the great Jimmy Reed. There were virtually no liner notes on Jimmy Reed albums, so a well researched book like this one fills in much needed information. The bonus of a book like this is the circular effect of reading it. Jimmy Reed's music draws you to the book, and reading the book sends you back to the music to hear musical observations the author points out. The end result is a better appreciation for music you already loved!
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too far away from the Windy City,
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This review is from: Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed (Sheet music)
This biography is a useful effort to chronicle the life and music of the great Jimmy Reed. I wish the author had been closer to Chicago and had ongoing relationships with more of Reed's family members and his fellow African American musicians. This would have allowed for a better-flowing story with much more insight into his life and character.
Romano does have a good ear for describing Reed's music and the role of his stage partner, the late Eddie Taylor. --Reviewed by the co-author of Stepson of the Blues: A Chicago Song of Survival the autobiography of Eddie Taylor's stepson Larry Taylor
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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harp solo, vocal booth, boss man Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Eddie Taylor, New York, Johnnie Mae, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Calvin Carter, San Francisco, Mama Reed, Mary Lee, Carnegie Hall, Earl Phillips, Little Walter, Living Blues, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Bracken, Sonny Boy Williamson, Lefty Bates, West Coast, Cash Box, Chess Records, Hunter College, Bay Area, Ewart Abner, Liberty Hall, Bill Tyson New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
harp solo, vocal booth, boss man Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Eddie Taylor, New York, Johnnie Mae, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Calvin Carter, San Francisco, Mama Reed, Mary Lee, Carnegie Hall, Earl Phillips, Little Walter, Living Blues, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Bracken, Sonny Boy Williamson, Lefty Bates, West Coast, Cash Box, Chess Records, Hunter College, Bay Area, Ewart Abner, Liberty Hall, Bill Tyson New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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