From Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of the award-winning hip-hop group the Roots, comes this vibrant book commemorating the legacy of Soul Train—the cultural phenomenon that launched the careers of artists such as Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, and Aretha Franklin. Questlove reveals the remarkable story of the captivating From Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of the award-winning hip-hop group the Roots, comes this vibrant book commemorating the legacy of Soul Train—the cultural phenomenon that launched the careers of artists such as Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, and Aretha Franklin. Questlove reveals the remarkable story of the captivating program, and his text is paired with more than 350 photographs of the show's most memorable episodes and the larger-than-life characters who defined it: the great host Don Cornelius, the extraordinary musicians, and the people who lived the phenomenon from dance floor. Gladys Knight contributed a foreword to this incredible volume. Nick Cannon contributed the preface.
Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation
From Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of the award-winning hip-hop group the Roots, comes this vibrant book commemorating the legacy of Soul Train—the cultural phenomenon that launched the careers of artists such as Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, and Aretha Franklin. Questlove reveals the remarkable story of the captivating From Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of the award-winning hip-hop group the Roots, comes this vibrant book commemorating the legacy of Soul Train—the cultural phenomenon that launched the careers of artists such as Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, and Aretha Franklin. Questlove reveals the remarkable story of the captivating program, and his text is paired with more than 350 photographs of the show's most memorable episodes and the larger-than-life characters who defined it: the great host Don Cornelius, the extraordinary musicians, and the people who lived the phenomenon from dance floor. Gladys Knight contributed a foreword to this incredible volume. Nick Cannon contributed the preface.
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Richard –
I read this book as part of research for my next tv show that I'm prepping. It was a fun read, not only because of all the cool photos, but also due to The Roots drummer ?uestlove's conversational style. He's not a professional scholar or historian so the book is mostly personal reflections about the show and its impact. It makes for a less academic approach to the material and something a bit more casual, but still very informative. So if a strictly scholastic approach to Soul Train's history i I read this book as part of research for my next tv show that I'm prepping. It was a fun read, not only because of all the cool photos, but also due to The Roots drummer ?uestlove's conversational style. He's not a professional scholar or historian so the book is mostly personal reflections about the show and its impact. It makes for a less academic approach to the material and something a bit more casual, but still very informative. So if a strictly scholastic approach to Soul Train's history is what you're looking for, this might not be it. But if you're looking for a piece of informative appreciation written by a big fan, check this one out. For me, not being a fan of reading non-fiction, this one was right up my alley.
Ian –
Lovely, plush coffee table book treatment for this institution of African-American culture but valuable mostly for the photos and iconic imagery. Questlove's accompanying text is largely a personal, facile take on Soul Train rather than an authoritative overview or analysis. There's virtually no insight into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the show and obvious things like indices of guest artists, hosts, famous alumni dancers etc. are curiously absent. This is an ok book but it should have Lovely, plush coffee table book treatment for this institution of African-American culture but valuable mostly for the photos and iconic imagery. Questlove's accompanying text is largely a personal, facile take on Soul Train rather than an authoritative overview or analysis. There's virtually no insight into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the show and obvious things like indices of guest artists, hosts, famous alumni dancers etc. are curiously absent. This is an ok book but it should have been great. Missed opportunity.
Monique –
I absolutely LOVED Soul Train. My dad and I planned our Saturday fun around who was singing that week. The photos bring back so many memories. The commentary is a trivia lovers dream. This book is all that I thought it would be and more. I plan to purchase several copies to give to my music loving friends.
Winter Sophia Rose –
The Hippest Trip In America!
Mitch –
I've never seen an episode, and I don't know a lot of the names, but there's nothing better than reading an author who's truly, deeply in love with their subject. Questlove bangs it out in short bursts, giving you a history of black music from Motown to LL Cool J. It seems like if you search any song he mentions in here, you'll recognize it from a sample in hip hop (especially Bad Boy songs). Yep, this gave me a musical education. It also gave me a look into the pre-hip hop world where hardness I've never seen an episode, and I don't know a lot of the names, but there's nothing better than reading an author who's truly, deeply in love with their subject. Questlove bangs it out in short bursts, giving you a history of black music from Motown to LL Cool J. It seems like if you search any song he mentions in here, you'll recognize it from a sample in hip hop (especially Bad Boy songs). Yep, this gave me a musical education. It also gave me a look into the pre-hip hop world where hardness wasn't the rule, where innocence and fun were more on display. I can't tell you how many times I stopped reading to youtube a Soul Train episode he was talking about. The book does start to get a little repetitive in it's short profiles and constant episode recaps, but like I said, it's done with so much love it's still a joy to read.
Sherrie –
Soul Train was a big part of my Saturday afternoons as a child although I didn’t tune in as much as a teen. This book brought back so many memories and was quite a nostalgic read. This book is a new favorite of mine my only complaint is I wish the photos were larger and easier to view on Kindle. Hope to see a revival of Soul Train soon as mentioned at the end of the book.
Kelli Fillingim –
It is a fantastic book! First of all, because Questlove is an awesome person, and because he has a photographic memory, like me, and can remember every episode of Soul Train. Secondly, because I was his editor, and we spent a lot of time on the phone going episode by episode, and photo by photo. I learned a great deal working on this book, which is why I love being an editor!
Megan Lucy –
This is an absolutely gorgeous book. It has over 350 huge color photographs from the 1970s through 1990s. An amazing chronicle of a wildly influential piece of popular culture. I would definitely recommend it for anyone with an interest in music, dance, or fashion.
Turtleberry –
Good book I enjoyed this. Now I want to search for a box set of the shows. Pictures were great. So many memories.
Julie –
This is a 'coffee table' book and of course these books are dependent on the photographs more than written text. I have the digital copy of this book, and of course in this case that's hardly a comparison to nice glossy paper photographs. However, the digital book was a lot of fun to thumb through and the pictures were very nice, mostly in color, and the information is organized into sections, reminding readers of many fond memories. The book covers the performers, highlighting standouts and inf This is a 'coffee table' book and of course these books are dependent on the photographs more than written text. I have the digital copy of this book, and of course in this case that's hardly a comparison to nice glossy paper photographs. However, the digital book was a lot of fun to thumb through and the pictures were very nice, mostly in color, and the information is organized into sections, reminding readers of many fond memories. The book covers the performers, highlighting standouts and influencers. Naturally, the dancers are featured prominently, as well has the clothing and hairstyle trends. Overall, this was fun book to thumb through, but I'm sure the hardcover is the way to go in this case. A must for the hardcore Soul Train fan. 3 stars
Ron Maskell –
For a coffee table book, this book is just great. Excellent little tidbits of information and trivia. Questlove always has a certain way with words, especially for pet projects such as this one. This book, though, does not go deep enough for my liking but considering it's a coffee table book then the format is well met. For a coffee table book, this book is just great. Excellent little tidbits of information and trivia. Questlove always has a certain way with words, especially for pet projects such as this one. This book, though, does not go deep enough for my liking but considering it's a coffee table book then the format is well met.
Zandra –
All fans of the ground-breaking television show will love this book. Questlove provides an intimate, in-depth look at a show that helped to shape his childhood. I especially loved the larger than life colorful photographs contained throughout and unique insight into the various episodes. This one brings back great memories and is highly recommended.
Simon Sweetman –
A wonderful trip down a memory lane I'm only just walking for the first time (via YouTube). Questlove is a great writer, passionate, articulate, knowledge-filled, enthusiastic and there's a nice autobiographical thread to this. Stunning pics too. A wonderful trip down a memory lane I'm only just walking for the first time (via YouTube). Questlove is a great writer, passionate, articulate, knowledge-filled, enthusiastic and there's a nice autobiographical thread to this. Stunning pics too.
Michelle Bucci –
A nice tribute. You learn something new everyday!
Deadra Boardman –
Awesome journey through music history. Questlove gives a wonderful history of Soul Train. The pictures are amazing and the stories behind the journey are inspiring. Go Soul Train!
Liz –
Carrie –
Dave Keller –
David Keep –
Lori –
Yvonne –
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alcatra –
Anna Goodman –
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Dr. Detroit –
Tommy Dott –