Why read Kill 'Em and Leave?

Book cover of Kill 'Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul

Book description

'A formidable free-style book that isn't straight biography but a mix of history, street-level investigative reporting, hagiography, Deep South sociology, music criticism, memoir and some fiery preaching' Rolling Stone magazine

A Guardian best music book of 2016

The music of James Brown was almost a genre in its own right,…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Biographies

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Kill 'Em and Leave as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Andrew Dickson

Author

Most music biographies read like a biography, but this one feels as visceral and memorable as a James Brown show. James McBridge is best known for his National Book Award-winning novels, but he’s equally adept at nonfiction.

He’s only written one music biography, but this is one of the most thoughtful books I’ve ever read. Instead of starting at the beginning of James Brown’s life, he starts by explaining why a chronological biography would never do the artist justice. The result is a series of stories about the musician and a refreshing take on the genre.

From Andrew's list on re-imagine the memoir and tell your story.

Michael Castleman

Author

Kill ‘Em and Leave is a fascinating, gripping biography of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. After performances, he never partied. He got on his bus and left for the next venue, hence his motto: Kill ‘em and leave.

Brown was an extremely private, secretive person. Even those who knew him well didn’t know much about him. McBride interviewed several dozen folks who were close to Brown and pieces together a marvelous book. I could not put it down.

From Michael's 3 favorite reads in 2023.