Kill ‘Em and Leave is a great book by author James McBride.
Kill ‘Em and Leave is more than just a book about James Brown. Brown embodies the contradictions of American life.
He was a disturbing symbol of the division between North and South, Black and White, rich and poor. Upon receiving advice that promises to uncover the man behind the legend, James McBride sets out to find the “real” James Brown. McBride’s travels take him to forgotten corners of Brown’s untold history, not only illuminating our understanding of the deeply troubled, misunderstood Godfather of Souls, and complex, but also the ways in which our cultural heritage has been shaped by Brown’s enduring legacy.
McBride offers something missing from most James Brown books: a sense of intimacy for the musician, a real but vague sense of what it’s like to be touched by him.
James Brown is greater than life. He has a big personality, a big heart and big troubles. Some were his fault, and others were caused by the meddling. By now, most people recognize that Mr. Brown is a complicated, or at least misunderstood, man. He gave a lot, but demanded a lot in return.
However, in his heart, it seems like he really wants to not only entertain people but also help those who need it. With that in mind, it’s a cry of shame – even disgust – of what happened to his legacy. James McBride delves into and recounts some moving stories from people who know Brown well (although Maceo Parker is notably missing) and sheds a lot of light on the quagmire of events that took place. after Mr. Brown’s death. Particularly enlightening are the interviews with David Cannon and Buddy Dallas. After Brown’s death, the media portrayed Cannon and Dallas as blood-sucking leeches. After you read McBride’s account, you see them – and what happens to them – in a completely different light.
