James Brown's Ghostwriter Bruce Tucker
Tucker wrote Brown's memoir, The Godfather of Soul, which was recently reprinted. He joins Fresh Air to talk about Brown's rise as a soul singer, the evolution of his stage persona, and his recent conviction and imprisonment, a punishment which Tucker believes is too severe based on the charges.
Edward Bruce Tucker
Brown, James, 1933-2006
Other segments from the episode on September 4, 1990
Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 4, 1990: Interview with Bruce Tucker; Review of the New York Composers Orchestra's self-titled album; Interview with Steven Wright; Review of John McPhee's book …
New York Composers Start Their Own Orchestra
Rather than shop around their works to established big bands, the New York Composers Orchestra founded their own ensemble. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead is impressed by their self-titled debut.
Stand-Up Comic Steven Wright
Rather than spend minutes setting up elaborate jokes, Wright comedian delivers one-liners in a deadpan, stoic manner. He has a new HBO comedy special coming up, and also appears in movies. Wright won an Academy Award for the short the Appointments of Dennis Jennings.
A New Book on the Overlooked History of the Merchant Marines
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews John McPhee's Looking for a Ship, about the U.S. Merchant Marines. McPhee joined the crew on one of the last remaining ships for a forty-two day voyage to South America.
Transcript currently not available.
Funk Idol Bootsy Collins
Collins got his start with James Brown, where he "defined the finger-popping funk bass style" (Rolling Stone). He went on to work with George Clinton as part of the Parliment-Funkadelic tribe, before forming Bootsy's Rubber Band. On stage, he created alter egos, including Bootzilla, Boot-Tron, and King of the Geepies. He's put out more than 30 albums, and has just released "Blasters of the Universe," with a new band.
The Godfather of Soul's Sax Player
Maceo Parker was a member of James Brown's horn section. Parker was hired along with his brother, but soon made a name for himself. His new album is a straightforward jazz record, called Roots Revisited.
Novelist Scott Spencer on Hack Writers
Spencer's new book, Men In Black, was called "charmingly funny-sad" by the New York Times. His previous books include Last Night at the Brain Thieves' Ball, Endless Love, and Waking the Dead.
Scott Spencer