Customer Reviews

Love Unlimited: Insights on Life and Love

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Producer/arranger/composer/singer Barry White has now added "author" to his long list of accomplishments and what a "first time" it is. White, along with co-author Marc Eliot, has written a very revealing look at his past that should prove satisfying to his millions of fans. He also offers suggestions for establishing meaningful relationships with that "significant other" in one's life. White's insight into the machinations of the respective record companies for which he has worked in his long career will make the reader pity how the "heads" of these giants abuse their employees just for the sake of profit. White, never bitter about any misfortune that has befallen him, writes in a simple, yet effective, journalistic style. Some of his sentences read like the passionate lines that are so common to his "bedroom music." The accompanying discography at the book's end is a welcome addition. On a more personal note, it revealed to me how big a Barry White fan that I am. Of the 40 titles (White as solo artist, the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and the girl group Love Unlimited) that Mr. White has had a hand in, I own 36 of them. And I will probably add the remaining to make my collection complete.

Mr. White's book not only allowed me to fully understand his musical genius, but directed and moved me to another level of PEOPLE UNDERSTANDING. With the assistance of Marc Eliot, this book TRULY IS ONE THAT ALL ENTERTAINERS AND WOULD BE ENTERTAINERS SHOULD READ. It's an indepth look at the making of a true star, but most important, a true human being!

An excellent review of the rags to riches story and back again of the "Maestro" himself, Barry White. He is indeed, living proof that hard work, dedication and devotion is what it takes to make your dream a reality!

I'm 38yrs. old, white, and have been a Barry White fan since 1973 when I heard "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby" for the first time on CKLW radio station. I've been to 4 Barry White concerts, and one of the most memorable events in my life was when I met my idol in 1982. That was a dream come true for me. I'm half-way through this book, but couldn't wait to post a review. Every Barry White fan has to read this book. It is really amazing; where Barry White grew up, what he experienced, and how he came to be what he is today. It will make you wonder how much of our lives is determined by free will and how much is destined to happen. Barry White is surely a God-gifted human being. This story of his life is fantastic.

Barry White's life wasn't all love and togetherness as his many hits have prescribed to any lovers out there, but still, having fought his way out of poverty by binding his love of life with his true love of music paved the way to him becoming the icon he will always be. Yeah, there may be a little ego, but he deserves it. Barry's struggle from Compton to being swindled as an employee of a toy store to the dissolution of his first marriage may have broken his spirit, but made him a better man. The most interesting part of his life was the business aspect, especially the parts that dealt with the record company dismissing him and not wanting to acknoledge his gifts, yet reaping the millions of dollars he was making them. Filled with highs and lows, this autobiography wasn't the best I ever read, but made the closer look at Barry's life intriquing.

All I can say is this was a great man. Thank you uncle Barry. RIP.

This is an excellent autobiography! If you have always loved Barry White's music, after reading this book, you will also love Barry White the Man.

When most people think of Barry White they remember the smooth, sexy baritone voice, which always seemed to resonate love. His voice was distinctive and so was his musical style, but his life was a rags-to-riches tale. LOVE UNLIMITED, written prior to his death, describes Barry's life from the rough streets of Compton, California through his rise to fame as "The Maestro". Readers will also get a glimpse into his love of family and his true love, Lady Music.

Barry White was raised by a single mother who did all she could to make sure her sons would do well and become successful. However, it didn't stop them from being acquainted with gangs and spending some time in jail. Yet, Barry was the only one of her sons to realize that he didn't want to spend his life in jail or become a disappointment to his mother. The one thing Barry had an affinity for was music. He loved music and when a spiritual voice came to him one day encouraging him to follow the musical road, he did just that. Dropping out of high school and on a wing and a prayer, Barry set out for Hollywood to follow his calling. His road to success was long and hard work. Even with marriage and a family, he refused to give up his dream. With the help of friends, support of his mother and pure determination he accomplished much with little formal training.

LOVE UNLIMITED gives readers insight into the hard-nosed world of the music industry and Barry White's passion. He loved his family, took care of his children and when he loved, he loved deeply. There were lean years before the success and even with success there were problems. He persevered to follow the spiritual voice that continued to speak to him throughout his life. His music was an extension of him as a human being. This was a man of honor who didn't drink, smoke, or party. He was the epitome of his music. This was a wonderful and discerning look at The Maestro, as he was often called. There are no scandals to read within the pages, but it is a fulfilling look into Barry's life and the creative power behind his music.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Here is a man who was, for a brief moment, in the company of Malcolm X, got jacked around by his first record label and is able to shrug it off and learn from it, and pass along his wisdom and the benefits of his experiences both to his peers in the entertainment field and to the world at large through this wonderful, insightful, inspirational book. How refreshing it is to see such honesty in such a large package!

Update: the Maestro died tonight, July 4, 2003. Get this book, however you can get it, if you truly want to understand the drive it takes to come from nothing and make something of yourself. Iris Gross Georg

I have also enjoyed Barry's music since the 70's and I am glad to see how he shared such a warm story with us. You know, it only takes something that can change a person's life either for the good or bad, for him it was Elvis' "It's Now or Never" Read and enjoy!