Why am I passionate about this?
I am a professor, writer, and musician who performs and produces Jamaican influenced music. I have always loved ska, reggae, dancehall, and dub music since I first heard it as a child. Since starting in ska bands, I have been lucky enough to travel around the world performing and was extremely lucky to be able to study and record in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies Reggae Studies Unit and Anchor Music Studios. In writing about music, I had always taken an outsider looking in approach before this book. For this book I wrote from the inside, and everything changed because of it.
Eric's book list on books to nod your head to: Jamaican inspired music and sounds
Why did Eric love this book?
I have read all of David Katz’s material and absolutely loved every bit of it. This book is essential as it details the life and times of a master.
The interviews and behind the scene look at a person who changed everything for Jamaican popular music kept me engaged throughout the writing. Katz brilliantly organizes the book and kept me engaged throughout the entire thing. His voice is heard but not overwhelming and this book is, not only about a master and Jamaican music, but about how to write an interview effectively.
One of the best biographies I have ever read in my life.
1 author picked People Funny Boy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
'David Katz's in-depth portrayal of his genius is to be commended and is an essential addition to any serious music fan's collection' David Rodigan MBE OD
'For the complete picture of this musical genius you can't get better than David Katz's People Funny Boy - if you're into Scratch, it's essential' Don Letts
Arguably the most influential force in Jamaican music, Lee Perry brought Bob Marley to international stardom and has since collaborated with artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, The Clash and The Beastie Boys. The book delves behind the myth of Perry to give a fuller examination of…