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Dynomite!: Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times—A Memoir
Jimmie Walker was raised in a violent and abusive home in the Bronx. Starting in small clubs and eventually opening for Black Panther rallies, he ultimately became an icon playing J. J. Evans on Good Times. Walker was the first successful young black sitcom star, and his catchphrase--“Dyn-o-mite!”--remains an indicator of the era. He saw sudden and enormous fame in everything from comic books and a talking doll to pajamas, trading cards, a bestselling album, and TV Guide covers. In Dyn-o-mite!, Walker candidly talks about his rise and the considerable tensions on the set of Good Times that contradicted the show's image of a close-knit, blue-collar family struggling to survive in the projects. Walker made “Dyn-o-mite!” a catchword for the Baby Boomer generation. Today, Dyn-o-mite! will inspire that same generation to rediscover what once made America great--the freedom of thought, the freedom of speech, and the belief in the individual.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2012
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260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 18, 2012
OUTSTANDING! Did I say OUTSTANDING? Let me just say I laughed my a*s off reading this book! Who couldn't remember Jimmie Walker's famous character on the popular 70s sitcom, J.J. Evans on Good Times and his favorite word that put him on the map--DYN-O-MITE! I tuned in every week to hear that word come from the skinny, wild and crazy artist, struggling along with his family in the projects (loosely based on the Cabrini-Green projects in Chicago)!
As many of you may or may not know, Jimmie was a stand-up comedian well before he became J.J. on Good Times. What I learned about his life was incredible. From growing up with an abusive father, to having a passive and submissive mother, a sister he wasn't that close to, alcohol induced uncles, etc., Mr. Walker has been through it all and that's no joke. In fact, laughter is what brought him through his pain.
There are so many shockers in this book, and never-before-told-stories that Jimmie felt was time to set the record straight and I'll say he went above and beyond. From his long-time friends Dave Letterman and Jay Leno, what you learn about their relationships in the early days of comedy is golden. I was so impressed with Jimmie's story telling and his honesty as only a comedian can deliver. Some may not agree with his political views and may even be surprised as to where he stands on "politically correctness" as he mentions throughout the book.
I could not put this put down. There are so many jokes he writes in the book, I couldn't stop laughing. Every so many paragraphs he'd speak to you seriously, and then turn around and slap you with a joke that you'd bust a gut. I so enjoyed reading this and I am positive you will too. I learned a lot about this comedian and I'm happy to see he's still with us and doing his thing as only Jimmie Walker can. Great job! FIVE STAR READ!!!! Get ready for the laughter!
As many of you may or may not know, Jimmie was a stand-up comedian well before he became J.J. on Good Times. What I learned about his life was incredible. From growing up with an abusive father, to having a passive and submissive mother, a sister he wasn't that close to, alcohol induced uncles, etc., Mr. Walker has been through it all and that's no joke. In fact, laughter is what brought him through his pain.
There are so many shockers in this book, and never-before-told-stories that Jimmie felt was time to set the record straight and I'll say he went above and beyond. From his long-time friends Dave Letterman and Jay Leno, what you learn about their relationships in the early days of comedy is golden. I was so impressed with Jimmie's story telling and his honesty as only a comedian can deliver. Some may not agree with his political views and may even be surprised as to where he stands on "politically correctness" as he mentions throughout the book.
I could not put this put down. There are so many jokes he writes in the book, I couldn't stop laughing. Every so many paragraphs he'd speak to you seriously, and then turn around and slap you with a joke that you'd bust a gut. I so enjoyed reading this and I am positive you will too. I learned a lot about this comedian and I'm happy to see he's still with us and doing his thing as only Jimmie Walker can. Great job! FIVE STAR READ!!!! Get ready for the laughter!
August 14, 2015
What a book!!! plus he's a no lie originally from the Boogie Down like myself, I really enjoyed this
November 26, 2021
Despite the turmoil at home I managed to avoid getting into drinking or drugs.
In fact, I have never done any drugs and I have drunk alcohol only once in my life.
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh yeah! You are telling me that someone in show business, a comic on the road for hundreds of days a year, doesn’t drink, do drugs or smoke?
What is he, some religious freak, someone on a morality crusade?”
Neither, my brothers and sisters. I did not follow the Ten Commandments as written in the Bible.
I followed the Ten Commandments as seen in the reality show.
I saw what not to do by watching the people around me.
I was influenced by good examples of bad examples.
In fact, I have never done any drugs and I have drunk alcohol only once in my life.
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh yeah! You are telling me that someone in show business, a comic on the road for hundreds of days a year, doesn’t drink, do drugs or smoke?
What is he, some religious freak, someone on a morality crusade?”
Neither, my brothers and sisters. I did not follow the Ten Commandments as written in the Bible.
I followed the Ten Commandments as seen in the reality show.
I saw what not to do by watching the people around me.
I was influenced by good examples of bad examples.
October 14, 2018
I was pleasantly pleased and surprised at the depth of Jimmie Walker’s memoir! It’s not at all *just* a story of his life and career, but a well-written summary of the comedy culture of the 1970’s. I learned so much about the rise (and fall) of many of Jimmie’s fellow comics such as David Brenner, Dave Letterman, Andy Kaufman, Richard Pryor, Freddie Prinze, and many many more. I’m just impressed. Good job Jimmie! I loved every page.
And PS.... I’m still one of your fans, as I listen to you in the car as you DJ on the 70’s channel on satellite radio!
And PS.... I’m still one of your fans, as I listen to you in the car as you DJ on the 70’s channel on satellite radio!
May 30, 2013
For some reason been reading a fair amount of biographies and autobiographies lately, especially of actor types, and this was one of the best. Charming, funny, touching, and very honest without being rude or ruthless.
Also his early days hanging out with and opening for the Black Power movement is eye-opening and inspiring.
My only disclaimer is, prepare yourself for the chapter where he suddenly shifts into politics. He takes a hard-right turn into politics, if you get my drift. Talking politics in itself isn't a problem, but he borders on getting a little preachy with his prefs.
Also his early days hanging out with and opening for the Black Power movement is eye-opening and inspiring.
My only disclaimer is, prepare yourself for the chapter where he suddenly shifts into politics. He takes a hard-right turn into politics, if you get my drift. Talking politics in itself isn't a problem, but he borders on getting a little preachy with his prefs.
September 30, 2012
Loved it! A top notch autobiography by a truly unique entertainment personality. Walker lived through an important time in comedy's history, in America's history. If the only side you know of Walker is JJ, think again! Reading this book will not only make you laugh...it may also make you a better person. From growing up in the Bronx, to life in Hollywood, Vegas and beyond plus an insider's look behind the scenes of the beginnings of many of today's top comedians...this book has got it all!
March 15, 2013
This book was DYN-O-MITE!!! Sorry, I could not resist. I was surprised by the tome, it gave me what I expected, and more. There was life before Good Times, and life after. Where some memoirs seem to focus on what made the author famous, or infamous, this one focused on the author, his life and career. After reading this, I am tempted to watch Good Time over again, (I own the whole series) and already ordered a book or two about comedy he mentioned. Highly recommended!
August 6, 2013
I learned so much about Jimmie Walker. He was so much more than just J.J. Evans the dyn-o-mite kid. He really was a class act. I was surprised to learn the parts he played in the starts of the careers of many talented people. He was so much more than I thought he was. To quote him, "I don't mind being a black sheep among black people. If you express your opinion and everyone likes you, you probably are not saying anything."
August 8, 2012
READ THIS BOOK AFTER SEEING INTERVIEW OF JIMMIE WALKER BY TAVIS SMILEY. I WAS NOT A FAN OF "GOOD TIMES". THE BEHIND THE SCENES STORY OF THE SITCOM WAS INTERESTING. JIMMIE CERTAINLY DESERVES KUDOS FOR RISING ABOVE HIS CHILDHOOD SITUATION AND HIS LIFE DECISIONS WHICH TOOK HIM OUT OF THE GHETTO AND AWAY FROM DRUGS AND DRINKING. HE CERTAINLY IS HARD WORKING, DOING STAND-UP ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
September 14, 2012
A quick and candid read from a comic legend. His insight into the "Good Times" portion of his career (which is really what anyone cares about) is a frank, funny and sometimes sad look at the lives behind the characters.
January 11, 2013
Dyn-O-MITE! I don't think i would have enjoyed this as much if i had been reading to myself. Mr. Walker's voice, cadance & word choice really made me feel like i had a good understanding feelings and personality.
January 21, 2013
Jimmie Walker gives an insightful peak into the world of stand-up comedy during a particular era as well as into the show Good Times. An enjoyable read although I did grapple with where he is now, in particular some of his political and social views but, that doesn't take away from the story.
September 10, 2013
Actually finished about a day after I started. It was a really good book. If you were a fan of Good Times it filled you in on how things were on the set. He also told a lot about the entertainers of that day eary 70's and a lot about his youth growing up. It was a very good read.
December 29, 2015
loved this book. Jimmy has lived a way more interesting life than I ever imagined. fascinating read. A deep look behind-the-scenes of the silver age of comedy. He pulls no punches and names names. The chapter he gives us on what it is like to be on the road was deeply revealing. Highly recommended
November 28, 2012
This book had everything that I was looking for and more!!
November 5, 2012
This was a good read. DYN-O-MITE!! This book narrates to us how Jimmie Walker grew up in the Bronx working in dingy clubs. He lived a epic life in his own right!
November 12, 2012
Surprising good read by Jimmie 'JJ' Walker. A lot more intelligent than one might think. He survived the ghetto and had a hand in helping many comics. I had no idea he did conservative radio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2013
Surprisingly good! I had no idea of the history this guy had... all very interesting. I'm glad I read this on a whim.
February 16, 2013
Some really funny parts. Most of the book is about his career, and a whole chapter has to do with his political views. I respect this guy for how he has worked to get where he is.
May 2, 2013
I picked it up, because I grew up with the show Good Times. The book was ok, but otherwise, not something I would go out of my way for.
September 20, 2015
I listen to this book-and Mr. Walker doesn't bother beyond first reading nor uses inflection.
February 20, 2017
What a story of heartbreak and raising to to best. Never give up
May 4, 2020
Half good, half bad. The good parts of the book include a lot of inside information on the comedy scene of the 1970s and 80s. It reveals the role Walker says he played in starting the careers of many famous comics, talk hosts, and sitcom producers. He takes credit for a lot of things (often mistakenly) and even started an agency that repped many of the future famous, but it was taken over by the infamous Helen Kushnick.
The chapter on Good Times is insightful but too short. Most of the book is not devoted to the TV show and there needs to me more details since that's the only thing most people know Walker for. The author loves stand-up comedy and too much of the book is devoted to his jokes and club appearances.
There's a great section that reveals the behind-the-scenes details about how Jay Leno took the Tonight Show away from David Letterman. Walker gave both their starts and employed them--he firmly comes out on the side of Letterman. Leno is a creepy, cheap, two-faced, selfish, untalented slob whose image was transformed by Kushnick, the woman who helped Leno cheat his way to the top. Once he becomes famous Leno turns his back on Walker and others.
However, half the book is not very good. The main problem is there is way too much black culture commentary and a ridiculously large amount of use of the N-word. It's totally unnecessary and Walker even devotes an entire chapter to defending his use of it!
His early years are rather dull, he says almost nothing about his person life other than that he cheated on every woman he loved, and he pushed a girlfriend into having an abortion of their baby.
During all this he claims to be conservative. While I praise him for standing up as the rare conservative black media personality who also doesn't drink or do drugs, it's hard to match that with the womanizer who pressures a girlfriend to have an abortion. He even becomes a conservative talk show host at one point but continued to spout liberal opinions about health care and he certainly is not pro-life nor pro-marriage.
So I enjoyed half the book and the co-writer did a good job, but the end wraps up too quickly and we never get a sense of what his final years are like. I saw Walker standing in line once at the Vegas airport and he appeared very sad. While he tries to spin his life as "good times" he needed to get much deeper into the bad times.
The chapter on Good Times is insightful but too short. Most of the book is not devoted to the TV show and there needs to me more details since that's the only thing most people know Walker for. The author loves stand-up comedy and too much of the book is devoted to his jokes and club appearances.
There's a great section that reveals the behind-the-scenes details about how Jay Leno took the Tonight Show away from David Letterman. Walker gave both their starts and employed them--he firmly comes out on the side of Letterman. Leno is a creepy, cheap, two-faced, selfish, untalented slob whose image was transformed by Kushnick, the woman who helped Leno cheat his way to the top. Once he becomes famous Leno turns his back on Walker and others.
However, half the book is not very good. The main problem is there is way too much black culture commentary and a ridiculously large amount of use of the N-word. It's totally unnecessary and Walker even devotes an entire chapter to defending his use of it!
His early years are rather dull, he says almost nothing about his person life other than that he cheated on every woman he loved, and he pushed a girlfriend into having an abortion of their baby.
During all this he claims to be conservative. While I praise him for standing up as the rare conservative black media personality who also doesn't drink or do drugs, it's hard to match that with the womanizer who pressures a girlfriend to have an abortion. He even becomes a conservative talk show host at one point but continued to spout liberal opinions about health care and he certainly is not pro-life nor pro-marriage.
So I enjoyed half the book and the co-writer did a good job, but the end wraps up too quickly and we never get a sense of what his final years are like. I saw Walker standing in line once at the Vegas airport and he appeared very sad. While he tries to spin his life as "good times" he needed to get much deeper into the bad times.
January 22, 2022
A great autobiography of the TV star who I also was fortunate once to see live doing stand-up at a room in Oxford, MI as the sole male member of a bachelorette party (long story). Jimmie JJ Walker ("Dyn-o-mite!") as an American actor and comedian imprinted on me with his role on the CBS television series Good Times, which ran from 1974 to 1979, and is thus part of my youth. It was great to read of his youth and an admirable desire to prove himself and succeed and break out of patterns he witness "in the ghetto". This led to assistance into a career in radio, mostly as an engineer, and through fits and starts as comedy M.C. for events and musical acts, including the routing "Motown Revue". This leads to great stories and memories about musicians from Martin Gaye to Barry Manilow and recalling the murder of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Black Panther Party. Walker had an official role as comedian for the East Coast BPP although his politics developed into a more conservative, libertarian direction. He talks about these views, his love life including why he has avoided marriage, his shunning of booze and drugs, and more. Walker has a long career and comedy and recalls many comedians' careers, legendary clubs, and the late night wars with relevance to his friendship with Letterman and seeing Leno develop self-serving motives.
August 27, 2021
If there's anything I learnt, its this
"I don't mind being a black sheep among black people. If you express your opinion and everyone likes you, you probably are not saying anything."
I really enjoyed, even though I didn't understand some stuff since I grew up in an era very different from the one described, and I know nothing about stand-up comedy, I enjoyed every moment of reading it.
Plus, it's funny too!
"I don't mind being a black sheep among black people. If you express your opinion and everyone likes you, you probably are not saying anything."
I really enjoyed, even though I didn't understand some stuff since I grew up in an era very different from the one described, and I know nothing about stand-up comedy, I enjoyed every moment of reading it.
Plus, it's funny too!
May 12, 2018
Entertaining and enjoyable read by a former star who fully realizes his time has come and gone. Instead of angst and laments over missed opportunities and how unfair life is, Jimmy Walker takes it in stride and appreciates what his time in the limelight gave him. However, he has no love for the show that made him famous. He does dedicate three chapters to the show though.
December 8, 2021
One of the best books I have read when it comes to memoirs. Humorous, sad, analytical, and down to earth. I thought Jimmie Walker just faded away after the series Good Times ended. It seems he is still around somewhere. This memoir explains how.
August 25, 2022
I applaud Jimmy for not only hurdling obstacles never meant to be scaled, but for writing his story. Favorite chapters were 'Black Sheep among Black People' and 'On the Road'. Both summarized much, albeit in a painfully powerful way. Well done. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2021
Very balanced and honest telling of his life, though he is not a terribly exciting person.
August 10, 2022
I love this Audiobook on CD, written by Jimmie Walker himself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews