There Was a Time

By Alan Leeds,

Book cover of There Was a Time: James Brown, the Chitlin' Circuit, and Me

Book description

As seen in the Wall Street Journal!

“Alan Leeds was a protegé of James Brown and a true historian of the world that nurtured the great entertainer. Alan was a witness to the vibrant black music scene of the ’60s and ’70s—whose book is both a memoir and a document…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked There Was a Time as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Alan Leeds does a wonderful job presenting his eyewitness experiences as part of the James Brown entourage in the 1960s and beyond. The reader can’t wait to find out what happens next in the riveting story he presents of Soul Brother No. 1, the “hardest working man in show business.” It’s a fascinating tale, which presents Brown as an innovative musical force, determined artist, forceful businessman, and unpredictable personality. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the Chitlin’ Circuit when soul music was taking off as a dynamic new genre—as recalled by a young, Jewish kid from Queens who joined James Brown’s…

From A.J.B.'s list on rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s.

Want books like There Was a Time?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like There Was a Time.

Browse books like There Was a Time

Book cover of Dreams to Remember: Otis Redding, Stax Records, and the Transformation of Southern Soul
Book cover of Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell
Book cover of How Sweet It Is: A Songwriter's Reflections on Music, Motown and the Mystery of the Muse

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in music, Leeds, and the Civil Rights Movement?

Music 734 books
Leeds 8 books