What do you think?
Rate this book
Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James
Best known for his 1980s hit songs “Super Freak,” “Give it to Me Baby,” and “Mary Jane,” the late singer and funk music pioneer Rick James collaborated with acclaimed music biographer David Ritz in this posthumously published, no-holds-barred memoir of a rock star’s life and soul.
He was the nephew of Temptations singer Melvin Franklin; a boy who watched and listened, mesmerized from underneath cocktail tables at the shows of Etta James and Miles Davis. He was a vagrant hippie who wandered to Toronto, where he ended up playing with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, and he became a household name in the 1980s with his hit song “Super Freak.” Later in life, he was a bad boy who got caught up in drug smuggling and ended up in prison. But since his passing in August 2004, Rick James has remained a legendary icon whose name is nearly synonymous with funk music—and who popularized the genre, creating a lasting influence on pop artists from Prince to Jay-Z to Snoop Dogg, among countless others.
In Glow, Rick James and acclaimed music biographer David Ritz collaborated to write a no-holds-barred memoir about the boy and the man who became a music superstar in America’s disco age. It tells of James’s upbringing and how his mother introduced him to musical geniuses of the time. And it reveals details on many universally revered artists, from Marvin Gaye and Prince to Nash, Teena Marie, and Berry Gordy. James himself said, “My journey has taken me through hell and back. It’s all in my music—the parties, the pain, the oversized ego, the insane obsessions.” But despite his bad boy behavior, James was a tremendous talent and a unique, unforgettable human being. His “glow” was an overriding quality that one of his mentors saw in him—and one that will stay with this legendary figure who left an indelible mark on American popular music.
He was the nephew of Temptations singer Melvin Franklin; a boy who watched and listened, mesmerized from underneath cocktail tables at the shows of Etta James and Miles Davis. He was a vagrant hippie who wandered to Toronto, where he ended up playing with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, and he became a household name in the 1980s with his hit song “Super Freak.” Later in life, he was a bad boy who got caught up in drug smuggling and ended up in prison. But since his passing in August 2004, Rick James has remained a legendary icon whose name is nearly synonymous with funk music—and who popularized the genre, creating a lasting influence on pop artists from Prince to Jay-Z to Snoop Dogg, among countless others.
In Glow, Rick James and acclaimed music biographer David Ritz collaborated to write a no-holds-barred memoir about the boy and the man who became a music superstar in America’s disco age. It tells of James’s upbringing and how his mother introduced him to musical geniuses of the time. And it reveals details on many universally revered artists, from Marvin Gaye and Prince to Nash, Teena Marie, and Berry Gordy. James himself said, “My journey has taken me through hell and back. It’s all in my music—the parties, the pain, the oversized ego, the insane obsessions.” But despite his bad boy behavior, James was a tremendous talent and a unique, unforgettable human being. His “glow” was an overriding quality that one of his mentors saw in him—and one that will stay with this legendary figure who left an indelible mark on American popular music.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2014
62 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 5, 2019
4.5 Stars
"Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
-Rick James
My Top 5 Rick James Songs
1) Mary Jane
2) Fire and Desire
3) Ebony Eyes
4) Give It To Me Baby
5) You and I
Honorable Mentions
1) Super Freak
2) Party All The Time( Yes I know that's a Eddie Murphy song but Rick James wrote & produced it)
Rick James was a crazy person.
Rick James was also a musical genius.
I don't throw around the words musical genius like some people do. Some people consider any artist who makes music they like a musical genius. That's not a musical genius, that's just a talented person. There's a difference. Lots of people have talent but geniuses are rare. I can only think of a few modern artists I consider geniuses Prince, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott and Rick James.
Being a musical genius doesn't make you a nice, upstanding citizen. Most geniuses are nuts and very troubled. A lot of times those troubles impact their ability to continue making music.
That was definitely true of Rick James. Glow is an autobiography that was written with assistance from David Ritz but it really did read like Rick James wrote it. It was scattered and outrageous. It was crude and sexually explicit. Rick describes his sexual exploits in graphic detail but what else would you expect from the original Super Freak.
Rick James packed more living into his 56 years then most people could in 200 years. He was a Marine, a draft dodger, a cocaine smuggler, a fugitive, a session musician for Crosby, Stills and Nash, he played with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He was almost at Sharon Tate's house the night of the Manson murders. He did SEVERAL stints in prison.
Rick James was a MESS!
As I read this I couldn't help be feel sad that Rick James wasted so much of his talent because he couldn't or wouldn't stop doing drugs. If Rick James had never started doing drugs there is no telling how much more amazing music he could have created. But then again Rick James seems like one of those people who would have found a million other ways to self destruct. Because he was Rick James BITCH!
"Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
-Rick James
My Top 5 Rick James Songs
1) Mary Jane
2) Fire and Desire
3) Ebony Eyes
4) Give It To Me Baby
5) You and I
Honorable Mentions
1) Super Freak
2) Party All The Time( Yes I know that's a Eddie Murphy song but Rick James wrote & produced it)
Rick James was a crazy person.
Rick James was also a musical genius.
I don't throw around the words musical genius like some people do. Some people consider any artist who makes music they like a musical genius. That's not a musical genius, that's just a talented person. There's a difference. Lots of people have talent but geniuses are rare. I can only think of a few modern artists I consider geniuses Prince, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott and Rick James.
Being a musical genius doesn't make you a nice, upstanding citizen. Most geniuses are nuts and very troubled. A lot of times those troubles impact their ability to continue making music.
That was definitely true of Rick James. Glow is an autobiography that was written with assistance from David Ritz but it really did read like Rick James wrote it. It was scattered and outrageous. It was crude and sexually explicit. Rick describes his sexual exploits in graphic detail but what else would you expect from the original Super Freak.
Rick James packed more living into his 56 years then most people could in 200 years. He was a Marine, a draft dodger, a cocaine smuggler, a fugitive, a session musician for Crosby, Stills and Nash, he played with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He was almost at Sharon Tate's house the night of the Manson murders. He did SEVERAL stints in prison.
Rick James was a MESS!
As I read this I couldn't help be feel sad that Rick James wasted so much of his talent because he couldn't or wouldn't stop doing drugs. If Rick James had never started doing drugs there is no telling how much more amazing music he could have created. But then again Rick James seems like one of those people who would have found a million other ways to self destruct. Because he was Rick James BITCH!
August 1, 2014
"Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James" is a ride like no other. I will just start off by letting potential readers know that if you're put off by cursing, frank discussions of sex and, this should be no surprise, a lot of descriptive unashamed drug use this book will not be for you. It is safe to say that James holds nothing back in this book since he mentions on a number of occasions that the songs he wrote were primarily autobiographical.
I don't know if James kept some type of journal but how he remembered all these stories from his past with the amount of drugs he claims to have ingested during his career is amazing. Co-Author, David Ritz, does mention in his introduction that James started writing this book during his two year stay in prison. There is another inmate that James calls Brother Guru who has conversations throughout the book with James. He helps James think through some of the decisions and thoughts that James made during his life. At first I took it as it was truly another inmate but the more I read about it I was wondering if Brother Guru wasn't just another side of James trying to make heads and tails of the decisions he made during his life.
I appreciated that James was honest about his feelings about other artists such as Prince, The Doors and many more. He does not always speak flattering about the artists or their talent but too many musicians' autobiographies turn into "lovefests" when they discuss other artists. He gives respect to the artists who helped him get a foot hold in the business.
My only complaint, besides numerous editing errors in the Kindle edition, would be that the timeline seems to be nonexistent. James hops around at the beginning with his stories and the timeline of events seems very confusing. As much as this adds to confusion it does not take away from any of the stories.
I would recommend this book to any music fan that especially like the Punk Funk era that James ruled. This book is a really quick read because the stories are so interesting that it becomes a page turner. A great end of summer weekend read.
I don't know if James kept some type of journal but how he remembered all these stories from his past with the amount of drugs he claims to have ingested during his career is amazing. Co-Author, David Ritz, does mention in his introduction that James started writing this book during his two year stay in prison. There is another inmate that James calls Brother Guru who has conversations throughout the book with James. He helps James think through some of the decisions and thoughts that James made during his life. At first I took it as it was truly another inmate but the more I read about it I was wondering if Brother Guru wasn't just another side of James trying to make heads and tails of the decisions he made during his life.
I appreciated that James was honest about his feelings about other artists such as Prince, The Doors and many more. He does not always speak flattering about the artists or their talent but too many musicians' autobiographies turn into "lovefests" when they discuss other artists. He gives respect to the artists who helped him get a foot hold in the business.
My only complaint, besides numerous editing errors in the Kindle edition, would be that the timeline seems to be nonexistent. James hops around at the beginning with his stories and the timeline of events seems very confusing. As much as this adds to confusion it does not take away from any of the stories.
I would recommend this book to any music fan that especially like the Punk Funk era that James ruled. This book is a really quick read because the stories are so interesting that it becomes a page turner. A great end of summer weekend read.
July 28, 2014
Sooo....my favorite parts of this autobiography was when Rick would talk shit about Jim Morrison, The Doors, Prince and just people whose music I generally like. It's fascinating because I can't know if he really thought they were weak or if he was just intimidated and insecure. Either way, I love it when he punks Prince over and over. Hilarious.
On the downside though (and there is a lot of downside) I'm pretty sure that there is a ton of horrible stuff James did or had done to him that know one will ever know and that he probably didn't even remember because he was so drugged up so often, it was scary.
He was clearly brilliant, a genius, am innovator but he could have been so much more if he had ever managed to get out of his own way. Ultimately, a cautionary tale, I read this book quicker than I have read any book I can recall in years because it's a wild, slightly addictive ride.
Pun intended.
Long live the Funk.
On the downside though (and there is a lot of downside) I'm pretty sure that there is a ton of horrible stuff James did or had done to him that know one will ever know and that he probably didn't even remember because he was so drugged up so often, it was scary.
He was clearly brilliant, a genius, am innovator but he could have been so much more if he had ever managed to get out of his own way. Ultimately, a cautionary tale, I read this book quicker than I have read any book I can recall in years because it's a wild, slightly addictive ride.
Pun intended.
Long live the Funk.
October 27, 2015
I received this advanced copy through Goodreads.
This autobiography gave me a chance to meet the man behind the music. James articulated his faults with no sugar coating. He was remarkable in his ability to see his own strengths and weaknesses and still be in awe of others in the business - even those that abandoned him on the way up AND the way down. Like many great entertainers, his addictions were as strong as his talent was large. His death at age 56 years old was a testament to a life lived hard.
This book was like having an intimate conversation with a friend.
If you have an interest in the music business or the life of one of its' greats this book is for you.
This autobiography gave me a chance to meet the man behind the music. James articulated his faults with no sugar coating. He was remarkable in his ability to see his own strengths and weaknesses and still be in awe of others in the business - even those that abandoned him on the way up AND the way down. Like many great entertainers, his addictions were as strong as his talent was large. His death at age 56 years old was a testament to a life lived hard.
This book was like having an intimate conversation with a friend.
If you have an interest in the music business or the life of one of its' greats this book is for you.
October 1, 2016
Let me tell you when I say I loved this book! I loved it from beginning to end. Rick James tell the story from his prison stint in 90s and begins with his life in Buffalo. Working for my Motown in the late 60s. To his success in the 80s. Now it wouldn't be Rick James without the sex drugs and fast life I tremendously enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it.
July 10, 2015
Couldn't put it down. Finished it too fast. I had no idea how serious Rick James was about music and the contributions he has made.
June 19, 2019
I have always loved Rick James. I remember being 12-years-old screaming ‘Mary Jane’ in my room. A childhood friend of mine had told me that I would love that song, and man I more than love that song. I’m 21, so unfortunately I didn’t get to grow up on Rick’s music. I discovered Rick’s music through friends and television. I always felt he was underrated and I never understood why he wasn’t seen, among the young generation, as great of an artist as Michael Jackson and Prince. Rick was just as great as them both. It bothers me that people treat him as if he was just the guy that Dave Chappelle parodied. This book tells you how Rick’s battle with his demons held him back musically. Often, Rick had to overcome something just to be able to get to the studio. But, the best thing about this is that Rick never gave up, even in his last days.
Rick James went through hell to put his first album out. The journey to get to his first album was long. From drug addiction to prison stints to the inability to find a label that truly believed in his vision; he had it hard. Rick kept trying no matter what obstacle he had to go through to get the music inside his head out.
This book is a bit heartbreaking. Rick could have done so much more in his career. Depression and drug use held him back. The scary part is that I’m sure there’s so many stories he doesn’t even remember that have happened.
My favorite stories in this book involve Marvin Gaye. Marvin and Rick’s friendship was hilarious to me. It’s insane how Rick James was around Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder so much and never recorded with them. I mean, they were always in the damn studio together! It’s unfair. The fact we’ll never hear these geniuses together breaks my heart. Although, it did make me a bit sad that their friendship didn’t last due to Rick’s involvement with Jan Gaye.
Through all the hell, I’m glad he had a support system and had people that truly loved him in his life. His mother truly loved him unconditionally. So many mothers would have given up on him. Rick’s mother was there no matter how badly his actions hurt her.
I am thankful that this book was written. One thing for sure, this book needs to be turned into a film. I have no idea who could even play Rick. Nobody that comes to mind, right now, could even play him. You know what, better yet, a television show would make more sense considering he’s been through so much.
Rick has phenomenal taste in music. I discovered so many artists and albums that I’ve never heard of. Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria are artists I’m going to keep in rotation. So, thank you Rick!
January 18, 2022
"The GLOW lives on in Rick’s legacy. His place in history is secure....His art lives"
For me isn't common to be interested in biographies, but some personalities are worthy of having a book. Rick James is one of them. Someone impulsive and with an extremely troubled life. I don't remember reading anything so outrageous. It was never a secret for anyone his way so immoral and surrounded by all kinds of drugs. Despite off these wrong things, he was a genius. Someone who received a divine gift. Someone beyond his generation. This book shows a lot of disgusting acts but this biography turns possible to understand the origin of this incredible artist. Also, we could see his human side as a son, brother, father and friend. When great musicians who have passed away are mentioned, many will soon remember Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson or Prince. They had exceptional talent, undeniable. But in my humble opinion, Rick James is on a much higher level. His works show a musical quality unreachable. His evident arrogance in business was totally different from his humility in recognizing the abilities of other contemporary musicians. By the way, was something essential in putting it all this abilities together and making it harmonious. When you hear Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk on the same album, that's when you understand that you're in front of someone legendary.
I can be sure that I wouldn't read it again cause the bad wordings (a lot of them), but understanding a little bit more the human... Rick James, only makes me revere him even more.
Surely someone with a special GLOW... That will never go out.
July 23, 2014
Rick James really thought highly of himself, like REALLY.
October 13, 2020
Horrifying and funny. Only Rick James could deliver this heady brew, and in his own extremely distinctive voice. I think this autobiography was a great peek into Rick James' life and times, but feel that a lot of his pain went unexplored. He may've been too out of it at times to realize what trauma he was subjected to. Stories of his military service, imprisonment in Canada (!) and fame found in Toronto were HUGE surprises to me. I read a book by David McGowan called Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon, about the Laurel Canyon community of the 50s to 70s and was SHOCKED to find Rick James mentioned there. Sure enough, James was balls-deep in the Laurel Canyon scene, which makes me wonder where his story REALLY begins, as many of the players in the Canyon were the issue of military and intelligence personnel. Sure enough, his mother is a curious character, having been employed by the Buffalo-based Mafia as a "numbers runner." I think there is SO much more to Rick James than we will ever know, but my feeling is that he was a connected military man who played his part in various covert projects. CALL ME CRAZY, but I've read enough on the Cold War period, MK Ultra, and covert operations in and around Hollywood to sniff out a juicier story in between the lines.
Thanks, Rick James. For the music and the iconic personality you left behind. RIP.
Thanks, Rick James. For the music and the iconic personality you left behind. RIP.
April 7, 2020
At times, this book was upsetting; at times, frustrating; you can hardly believe what you’re reading. This man led a crazier life than I thought, which made this book a wild ride. It was better written than I expected, and told almost entirely (the epilogue being the exception) in James’s own voice.
May 12, 2020
At a certain point you run out of words to describe doing a lot of blow and f****g a lot of women. On the other hand, who knew he wrote all those hits? Wow!
February 28, 2024
Insane my talented and insane life. This had some truly funny moments mixed in with the sadness that became his drug addiction to end the book.
December 25, 2016
One of the more entertaining books I'd read in some time; got me through a dreary winter's week in Nanjing 2014.
Rick is the man. Some particulars escape me, but Rick crossed paths and/or collaborated with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Charles Manson (in fact, Rick barely escaped the Manson murders), Berry Gordy, and many, many more through the course of his life. From the come up in Buffalo to salad days of draft dodging in Toronto, only to find himself thrown in a New York prison -- Rick's life was littered with fits and starts, periods where he thought he was on track to a real musical career before disaster, misfortune, and especially self-destructive behavior conspired to veer him of course once more.
By the time Rick writes about the release of "Come Get It!", his 1978 debut album, you start to realize that stardom was simply the culmination of Rick's journey. All of his life experiences up until the 1978 debut made him the man he was and provided a life tapestry that informed the rest of his work.
On that note, I enjoyed reading this book more for the peaks-and-valleys struggle of Rick's life than for the stories behind his music. The Motown years were fun to read about, though -- doing coke with Marvin Gaye and butting heads with Berry Gordy seemed like a helluva way to spend the '60s and '70s.
This review puts it better than I have: http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospe...
Rick is the man. Some particulars escape me, but Rick crossed paths and/or collaborated with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Charles Manson (in fact, Rick barely escaped the Manson murders), Berry Gordy, and many, many more through the course of his life. From the come up in Buffalo to salad days of draft dodging in Toronto, only to find himself thrown in a New York prison -- Rick's life was littered with fits and starts, periods where he thought he was on track to a real musical career before disaster, misfortune, and especially self-destructive behavior conspired to veer him of course once more.
By the time Rick writes about the release of "Come Get It!", his 1978 debut album, you start to realize that stardom was simply the culmination of Rick's journey. All of his life experiences up until the 1978 debut made him the man he was and provided a life tapestry that informed the rest of his work.
On that note, I enjoyed reading this book more for the peaks-and-valleys struggle of Rick's life than for the stories behind his music. The Motown years were fun to read about, though -- doing coke with Marvin Gaye and butting heads with Berry Gordy seemed like a helluva way to spend the '60s and '70s.
This review puts it better than I have: http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospe...
June 19, 2017
Interesting
March 15, 2017
When Rick James met the writer of this book he wanted him to write his story because he enjoyed the way the author wrote the biography for Marvin Gaye but he stated "Marvin's story ends in tragedy but mine will end in triumph." Unfortunately, Rick's story ended just as tragically when he died of a heart attack due to heavy drug use back in 2004. He was never able to see the finished book after many years of interviews. The author did a great job. It is definitely in Rick's voice and all his cockiness comes through in the dialog. There was never a dull moment in this one. Lots of interesting stories though it is not for those who are easily offended as he tells of his many sexual escapades. Also, the rivalry between him and Prince was hilarious. I did like the fact that it was mentioned that the rivalry was on both sides. It was Rick's realization that Prince was the new kid taking the music scene away from him and Prince sounds like he egged it on by ignoring Rick's talent and seniority which he should have respected. I highly recommend this one.
August 14, 2019
“I wish my story didn’t have to dwell so long on dope and the impact it had on me. I wish I could cut this section short and tell you that I had quit for good. I wish I could report that once I saw the glow, I left the darkness behind. To say so, though, would be a lie. This goddamn pipe continued to kick my ass.” -Rick James
This autobiography is something else entirely because of the different emotions I've went through while devouring every page. Rick James tells it all without holding back but I just couldn't help myself from feeling quite sad that he couldn't conquer his addictions the way he wished to but his entire life, which he described it as “a horror story,” and career are filled with brutal life-lessons. Rick had left a permanent mark on the musical world that he impacted with his artistic genius, and the story he shared with the world is his chaotic journey “between excess and success” told from a frank manner that's both upsetting and playful.
October 10, 2014
What a great read!!! I had no clue Rick James was as influential as he was in the world of music. I thought he was more of a novelty act, but I was wrong. James was extremely talented and rubbed elbows with musical geniuses and legends such as George Clinton, Steven Tyler and Marvin Gaye. Unfortunately like most greats, James struggled with substance abuse. Oh, and I've read Marvin Gaye's autobiography and it's interesting to see how closely weaved their lives were. And I LOVED James' stories about Prince. He couldn't stand him and made no attempt to hide it! I'm glad I got around to reading this book. David Ritz is awesome as he does a great job in making sure the artist's voice is always heard.
August 31, 2018
Rick James wrote a version of this while he was still alive, but it was somehow incomplete. Co-author Ritz, I'm assuming, went through and added a series of imagined conversations between James and another guy in prison, seemingly for no purpose other than to inject wild conjecture and speculation. It's kinda weird and pointless, but hardly a dealbreaker. You can tell Rick James was a great raconteur. He's especially candid about the excesses of his lifestyle when his career was at its peak. At times he does kinda seem to be lacking in self-awareness—hence, presumably, the parts Ritz pulled out of his own ass—but as far as I'm concerned that's just part of the charm.
January 10, 2017
Wow! I didn't know anything about Rick James other than he was born and raised in Buffalo NY. This was one of the most eye opening music bios I have ever read. The fact that he was in the Laurel Canyon scene alone blew my mind. Great read for all lovers of music.
"https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
"https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
September 15, 2014
Wow! An Excellent Read!
June 29, 2015
Real raw biography
July 14, 2025
I can say two things about Rick James after reading this book. 1) Cocaine is a hell of a drug. 2) His eggs were fried at an extremely young age because he blurs the line between reality and bullshit, and as the book went on it went way more towards the latter.....
Rick James was many things. A sex God(Just ask him), he apparently lost his virginity at 9 years old to a 17 year old and (allegedly) claimed to have bedded over 1000 women, which included (allegedly) celebrities like Linda Blair, Carrie Fisher and Diana Ross. He was also a tough guy, raised in Buffalo and he never lost a fight(allegedly). He was paranoid, blaming everyone but himself for his drug and money problems. He was never able to, in his own words, "stop sucking the glass dick" and he sued his financial people for taking all of his money that he actually spent on drugs. He was a self-proclaimed genius, highly delusional, claiming that Prince stole his gimmick and made it his own.
This book was positively exhausting. He wrote it in a style that reads like you are on a bender. He goes through his music, as well as music he produced for people like The Mary Jane Girls, Teena Marie and of course, Eddie Murphy.
There is so much more to this book than what I can even begin to describe here. Every chapter contains graphic and significantly detailed sex and drug stories and he is honest about his arrest for holding a girl hostage and burning her with a crack pipe.
This book is a "B-," most of the stories are, like him, sprinkled in bullshit. It was certainly entertaining, but there were no references of Charlie Murphy or Eddie Murphy's couch.....
Recommendation if you are into reading about train wrecks..... he was Rick James bitch...a habitual line stepper.......
Rick James was many things. A sex God(Just ask him), he apparently lost his virginity at 9 years old to a 17 year old and (allegedly) claimed to have bedded over 1000 women, which included (allegedly) celebrities like Linda Blair, Carrie Fisher and Diana Ross. He was also a tough guy, raised in Buffalo and he never lost a fight(allegedly). He was paranoid, blaming everyone but himself for his drug and money problems. He was never able to, in his own words, "stop sucking the glass dick" and he sued his financial people for taking all of his money that he actually spent on drugs. He was a self-proclaimed genius, highly delusional, claiming that Prince stole his gimmick and made it his own.
This book was positively exhausting. He wrote it in a style that reads like you are on a bender. He goes through his music, as well as music he produced for people like The Mary Jane Girls, Teena Marie and of course, Eddie Murphy.
There is so much more to this book than what I can even begin to describe here. Every chapter contains graphic and significantly detailed sex and drug stories and he is honest about his arrest for holding a girl hostage and burning her with a crack pipe.
This book is a "B-," most of the stories are, like him, sprinkled in bullshit. It was certainly entertaining, but there were no references of Charlie Murphy or Eddie Murphy's couch.....
Recommendation if you are into reading about train wrecks..... he was Rick James bitch...a habitual line stepper.......
April 16, 2019
Rick James is mostly remembered for his out of control lifestyle and that hilarious Dave Chappelle skit. This was a man who never really beat his demons and Glow is a tale drenched in excess. Rick was egotistical and a bit of an asshole and the book offers no apologies nor does it make him appear like a man who wanted to make amends for his behavior. This is his life story warts which makes it a fascinating read. Rick's music may be good, but it's overshadowed by the drugs and the tales of sex that fill most of these books. There's no happy ending in Glow, nor does he make the musical comeback that so many artists find once they clean themselves off. Rick never really cleans up and the only real reason he finally does sober up is when he's sent to prison which he sort of details here.
While Rick is a shallow, egotistical person, his story is one that you really have to read to believe. If I were a fan, I would be probably walk away from this with a sense of sadness, but I'm not so I see an artist making the wrong choices and paying for them. He's not a nice guy at all, but his story is just to interesting not to read. While he did write some great songs, it's all the other stuff he'll always be remembered for. It's the drugs, the assault, and that damned Chappelle skit in which still makes me laugh. The thing is once I began reading this, I couldn't stop. For a while I even forgot about James and only vaguely remember the songs besides Superfreak. This is a tale not for the squeamish or the politically correct. If you like an occasional memoir with an unhappy ending this is a must read.
While Rick is a shallow, egotistical person, his story is one that you really have to read to believe. If I were a fan, I would be probably walk away from this with a sense of sadness, but I'm not so I see an artist making the wrong choices and paying for them. He's not a nice guy at all, but his story is just to interesting not to read. While he did write some great songs, it's all the other stuff he'll always be remembered for. It's the drugs, the assault, and that damned Chappelle skit in which still makes me laugh. The thing is once I began reading this, I couldn't stop. For a while I even forgot about James and only vaguely remember the songs besides Superfreak. This is a tale not for the squeamish or the politically correct. If you like an occasional memoir with an unhappy ending this is a must read.
May 5, 2020
Glow: The Autobiography of Rick James, written by David Ritz and published after his demise, was a classic tale of "Sex, drugs and rock & roll." Mr. Ritz and the book editors were unjust in the telling of his story by publishing, at times, a very sloppy book with grammatical and syntactical errors abound. Shame on them - 3-stars.
Rick James lived his 54 years of life with abandonment, excess and drugs. It's no surprise that he died with lots of drugs in his system but that he lived for as long as he did. A self-taught musician, poet, a student of music, literature and life. The book details his life in the military, becoming a draft dodger, pimp, religion, violence, prison, love, women and, of course, more drugs. At one point, Rick James sought the advice about his sobriety from another known drug-addict, Ray Charles who told Rick that if drugs helped him creatively, then why stop. Enough said; Rick never did.
Concernng Mr. James'ego, his body of work is solidly backed up by his undeniable talent as a successful musician, producer and arranger. No one questions Quincy Jones or Clive Davis - thier legendary egos have nothing to do with their proven work within the music business. Likewise, Rick James reigns as the King of Punk Funk and although flawed, and who isn't, this musical genius was confident in his talent and didn't shrink the fact that he was that good. In his wake are many artists who owe him much.
Rick James lived his 54 years of life with abandonment, excess and drugs. It's no surprise that he died with lots of drugs in his system but that he lived for as long as he did. A self-taught musician, poet, a student of music, literature and life. The book details his life in the military, becoming a draft dodger, pimp, religion, violence, prison, love, women and, of course, more drugs. At one point, Rick James sought the advice about his sobriety from another known drug-addict, Ray Charles who told Rick that if drugs helped him creatively, then why stop. Enough said; Rick never did.
Concernng Mr. James'ego, his body of work is solidly backed up by his undeniable talent as a successful musician, producer and arranger. No one questions Quincy Jones or Clive Davis - thier legendary egos have nothing to do with their proven work within the music business. Likewise, Rick James reigns as the King of Punk Funk and although flawed, and who isn't, this musical genius was confident in his talent and didn't shrink the fact that he was that good. In his wake are many artists who owe him much.
August 25, 2020
OMG! - Rick James was one wild and out of control "super drugs and women freak". Deep down inside, he seemed to be a good guy who could never get away from whatever was torturing his soul, which made him pursue the excesses of life which couldn't satisfy whatever he was looking for. This book gives a good insight into his personal relationships as well as his relationship with music and drugs - the greatest loves of his life. I had no idea that he had spent so much time and effort in the late 1960s trying to break in to the music business and watching others careers take off (without harboring any jealousy or resentment) at least 10 years before he actually made it.
The biggest shock of the book for me was was ---spoiler alert - he almost went to Sharon Tate's home with his good friend Jay Sebring the night Charles Manson's followers killed everyone in the house including Jay.
I had cousins who lived in Buffalo NY who were always talking about how great Rick James was even though I had never heard of him and he hadn't released any music at that point. I was in my final year of high school when Rick hit it big. I always think about my high school sweetheart whenever I hear his music though, because he was a big Rick James Fan from Day 1.
The biggest shock of the book for me was was ---spoiler alert - he almost went to Sharon Tate's home with his good friend Jay Sebring the night Charles Manson's followers killed everyone in the house including Jay.
I had cousins who lived in Buffalo NY who were always talking about how great Rick James was even though I had never heard of him and he hadn't released any music at that point. I was in my final year of high school when Rick hit it big. I always think about my high school sweetheart whenever I hear his music though, because he was a big Rick James Fan from Day 1.
February 22, 2019
I (hopefully like someone else out there...) was intrigued by Rick after watching the iconic Chappelle’s Show sketch and then bought the book. I always laughed at the line “Cocaine is a helluva drug”, but now I feel bad (a little bit) about laughing so much at it. I never knew how much cocaine and other drugs influenced how he lived! In this book Rick describes in detail how his life was affected by his drug use.
I enjoyed reading about his trials and tribulations with the music industry. This dude has been through it all! I think he lived more of a life by the time he turned 21, than most of us will ever live in our lives!
The hardest parts of the book to read were him eventually going back to drugs even after he sobered up and was making himself better to him and his family. It’s so conflicting because of course I wouldn’t want to see someone use drugs as much as he did but would we not have the great music that he made while high as he was? Maybe that’s narrow minded, idk.
I feel like there’s still so much more that he could’ve shared but for what we got, I enjoyed the hell out it! 👏🏾👏🏾
I enjoyed reading about his trials and tribulations with the music industry. This dude has been through it all! I think he lived more of a life by the time he turned 21, than most of us will ever live in our lives!
The hardest parts of the book to read were him eventually going back to drugs even after he sobered up and was making himself better to him and his family. It’s so conflicting because of course I wouldn’t want to see someone use drugs as much as he did but would we not have the great music that he made while high as he was? Maybe that’s narrow minded, idk.
I feel like there’s still so much more that he could’ve shared but for what we got, I enjoyed the hell out it! 👏🏾👏🏾
September 21, 2020
This guy has had a hell of a life. Endless partying, sex, drugs, and funk. Growing up in the ghetto of Buffalo NY, dodging the draft, going to prison, working towards a big break that eluded him for a long time, honing his craft, and always having a lady or two at his side.
As a debauched memoir, in which James admits to all kinds of illegal activities, it's not very dishy. He doesn't have a whole lot of bad things to say about anyone, except Prince, who is referred to as a "little turd." He's made a lot of friends, and is humble enough to elevate his mentors, such as Marvin Gaye. This didn't stop him from dating Marvin's wife while she was still married to him, of course, because this is Rick James we're talking about. This is that kind of story. I found it entertaining and, occasionally, appalling, but I couldn't stop reading it, even when he hit bottom, cleaned up, and found a deeper bottom.
As a debauched memoir, in which James admits to all kinds of illegal activities, it's not very dishy. He doesn't have a whole lot of bad things to say about anyone, except Prince, who is referred to as a "little turd." He's made a lot of friends, and is humble enough to elevate his mentors, such as Marvin Gaye. This didn't stop him from dating Marvin's wife while she was still married to him, of course, because this is Rick James we're talking about. This is that kind of story. I found it entertaining and, occasionally, appalling, but I couldn't stop reading it, even when he hit bottom, cleaned up, and found a deeper bottom.
July 17, 2024
I found this book on a Best Of list of celebrity memoirs, and it didn’t disappoint. I laughed out loud countless times at the humor and gasped at the absurdity of many of Rick’s stories. Stories highlight his early exposure to legendary performances, the musicians who inspired/intimidated/infuriated him, and the hits he wrote for himself and other artists. As enjoyable as the book was, James’ story is a sad one. He lived his life with a chip on his shoulder, always wanting what others had, certain he could amount to greatness, but repeatedly made terrible choices that derailed him and those around him. His story is heartbreaking, hilarious, tragic, and bizarre all at the same time.
December 30, 2017
David Ritz's writing in assist of Rick James is as professional as ever. However, Rick James's long-running addictions to drugs and sex makes for tedious and somewhat gruelling reading, alleviated by flashes of insight and brief appearances by many famous people. Had the interactions with the other celebrities been fleshed-out in more detail, I'd bump up the rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews