pgsweetdee's review against another edition
5.0
I often struggle with reading thick non-fiction volumes, but this book was one of the most enjoyable books I've read in recent memory, fiction or non. I learned so much, not just about soul music int he 60s/70s, but about the larger forces at play with the Civil Rights Movement, and in particular about the city of Memphis, an overlooked gem of a city that represents so much of the good and bad of our country over the past 60+ years. I haven't stopped listening to Booker T & the MGs and Otis since picking this book up over 6 months ago.
old_tim's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great look at the legendary soul label.
Midway through the book, I realized that there was a theme that Gordon kept repeating. Namely, that problem X was created by an outsider. He continually puts the blame on those not from Memphis, while the locals do their best (and are responsible for the best of the music).
It's not a deal breaker, but it's certainly a bias to keep in mind as you read the book.
And yes, you should read it. It's very worthwhile.
Midway through the book, I realized that there was a theme that Gordon kept repeating. Namely, that problem X was created by an outsider. He continually puts the blame on those not from Memphis, while the locals do their best (and are responsible for the best of the music).
It's not a deal breaker, but it's certainly a bias to keep in mind as you read the book.
And yes, you should read it. It's very worthwhile.
in2reading's review against another edition
3.0
For anyone who loves the music of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T and the MGs, Sam and Dave, and other great Stax artists. This chronicles the beginning of Stax to its bankruptcy in the 70s. Although I found the writing a bit tedious at times, the behind-the-scenes stories of the founders, music and musicians are fascinating.
voya_k's review against another edition
4.0
Really well-done, comprehensive history of Stax. Lots of social history of Memphis here too. The definitive book on the subject. For best results, read in the company of a streaming music service so you can listen to Stax songs as you find out about their creation.
jgn's review
5.0
This is the most detailed and deeply-researched book on the Stax Records story. If you don't know about Stax but do love the music of, say, Booker T and the MGs, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes, then you must read this book.
Other books somewhat equalize the contributions by Jim Stewart, Estelle Axton, and Al Bell, but this book presents many more stories about Al Bell than I've read about before.
The book weaves in significant accounts of the Memphis sanitation strike and the legacy of racism. Well into the 70s, white Memphis couldn't get its act together with regard to the enormous creativity of its African-American community; in his account of the dispersal of Stax to its creditors, Gordon makes a solid case that the black-run company was an embarrassment to the local economic powers-that-be. Particularly in the final chapters, the book is a scathing account of Memphis, somewhat redeemed by the attempt to revive "Soulsville" with the new Stax museum and the neighborhood school.
Other books somewhat equalize the contributions by Jim Stewart, Estelle Axton, and Al Bell, but this book presents many more stories about Al Bell than I've read about before.
The book weaves in significant accounts of the Memphis sanitation strike and the legacy of racism. Well into the 70s, white Memphis couldn't get its act together with regard to the enormous creativity of its African-American community; in his account of the dispersal of Stax to its creditors, Gordon makes a solid case that the black-run company was an embarrassment to the local economic powers-that-be. Particularly in the final chapters, the book is a scathing account of Memphis, somewhat redeemed by the attempt to revive "Soulsville" with the new Stax museum and the neighborhood school.
andrewrobins's review
5.0
If you are interested in musical history, you'll love this book
The story of a highly unlikely multiracial business in 1960s southern states America which went on to do great things, producing some truly brilliant music. The author tells the story with a clear love for the music, and an appreciation of just how groundbreaking it was to run a business where colour didn't matter in 1960s Memphis, but with a realistic eye as to why it all fell apart 15 years later.
The cultural importance of Stax and some of their artists is truly immense, and reading this book you get a real understanding of just how groundbreaking artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes were.
It's also hard to imagine how a white, country fiddle playing bank clerk from Tennessee managed to create what became a truly trail blazing black business at a time where white and African Americans couldn't even sit and eat in a restaurant together.
An amazing story, brilliantly told.
The story of a highly unlikely multiracial business in 1960s southern states America which went on to do great things, producing some truly brilliant music. The author tells the story with a clear love for the music, and an appreciation of just how groundbreaking it was to run a business where colour didn't matter in 1960s Memphis, but with a realistic eye as to why it all fell apart 15 years later.
The cultural importance of Stax and some of their artists is truly immense, and reading this book you get a real understanding of just how groundbreaking artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes were.
It's also hard to imagine how a white, country fiddle playing bank clerk from Tennessee managed to create what became a truly trail blazing black business at a time where white and African Americans couldn't even sit and eat in a restaurant together.
An amazing story, brilliantly told.
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