98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music

by Maceo Parker

Revealing the warm and astonishing story of an influential jazz legend, this personal narrative tells the story of a man’s journey from a Southern upbringing to a career touring the world to play for adoring fans. It tells how James Brown first discovered the Parker brothers—Melvin, the drummer, and Maceo on sax—in a band at a small North Carolina nightclub in 1963. Brown hired them both, but it was Maceo’s signature style that helped define Brown’s brand of funk, and the phrase “Maceo, I want you to blow!” became part of the lexicon of black music. A riveting story of musical education with frank and revelatory insights about George Clinton and others, this definitive autobiography arrives just in time to celebrate the 70th birthday of the author—one of the funkiest musicians alive—and will be enjoyed by jazz and funk aficionados alike.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!! Maceo is SUCH a great story teller, and down-to-earth as the day is long. I loved this book and was sorry that it ended so soon!

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some people are storytellers. Some people just give you the facts. And when these people write an autobiography, those qualities shine through. Maceo Parker is not a storyteller. He is a man interested in telling you about his life and how he feels about things he's gone through and especially how he feels about music, but he is not especially engaging. You don't get the tasty bits of dealing with James Brown, or the drug-fueled orgy play-by-play of his George Clinton/P-Funk years, but you get a solid recounting of the life of a very influential musician.

[Edward Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macro: A Genuine Brother

I have always been a proud North Carolinian, especially of people like Maceo Parker. This is a feel good story that details the hard work and honesty that are the cornerstones of success. I enjoyed every word of this book and we are blessed to have lived in the same times as Maceo. There are so many great musicians from NC. Maceo is that plus a great human being who only wants us to love each other.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great autobiography of a man who brought love, good vibes and funky music into the world and made people's lives all the richer for it! Destined to be a musician at the age of four when he tinkered with his Uncle's piano, Maceo went on to play with giants such as James Brown and Ray Charles. He also recorded with more contemporary outfits like The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Prince and The Dave Matthews Band. Aside from the captivating tales of touring and playing in a band, Parker brings to light the importance of good family values, standing up for one's own rights and fighting for human rights in an era of racism. Parker used music to unite people and drive a wedge of change through laws which supported the suppression of black Americans. In his way of thinking, simply put, Blacks and Whites both love to dance!

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book.

[Steve Cushman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok

[Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true trendsetter, Maceo gets his story straight, and lets us have it; this book was fun all throughout.

[Jen Hyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A breezy and delightful memoir that spans the arc of Parker’s musical career, gives insight into life on the road with James Brown, and proves that Parker is not only a world-class musician but also an admirable person. It’s a fun and interesting read.

[Dan Lalande · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slim but welcome memoir from alto sax man Maceo Parker, who recounts his rise from rear guard reed man to top-billed titan of funk. We meet a suspicious, tempermental James Brown (who once drove Parker into the rubbish removal racket,) an enigmatic George Clinton, and a funny, foul-mouthed Ray Charles. A feel-good (as in "I Feel Good," the Brown hit featuring Parker's animated horn) autobiography.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative account of a leading R&B sax player who came of age in the 60's and played for years with James Brown. Very matter-of-fact in his accounts of playing gigs beginning in an age of segregation and moving into an era of drugs and excess, all the while sticking to his own groove. Although I found it interesting in those respects, I often wished for something a bit more personal either in terms of the author's reflections on the times, or even on the music

[Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very anticipated book from such an influential artist of funk genre. But was looking for something a little meatier. Perhaps some color or outspokeness of what must have included outrageous events. But still love you MACEO. I was just hoping for more insight.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent autobiography of the famous saxophonist Maceo Parker. Explores his childhood and growth as a musician. Appropriate for teens and adults.