Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records

This book is an EXCEPTIONALLY well-written and thoroughly researched biography of Stax Records (it's auspicious beginnings, glory years and downfall). Mr. Bowman is obviously a huge fan of both Stax Records and Southern R&B--and his tireless efforts to interview as many people who were part of or connected with Stax has resulted in this extremely entertaining book. Stax was a label that went from being just another regional independent to an R&B powerhouse and also from being White-owned (Jim Stewart) to Black-owned (Al Bell) and its rich musical legacy is still relevant today. While I truly commend Mr. Bowman for his hard work and his willingness to present the Stax story from as many different angles as possible, I'm under the impression (and it's just a personal opinion) that he (at times) desperately tries to portray Al Bell as a man who could do no wrong and who was mercilessly persecuted by Union Planters Bank and that the bank's actions against Bell (and Stax) were as morally reprehensible as could be. The truth is that Al Bell made many mistakes (including the ill-fated distribution deal for Stax with CBS Records that ultimately destroyed the label as CBS no longer cared about Stax after Clive Davis was fired in 1973). Had Al Bell not been so obsessed with turning Stax into an empire that would rival Motown, had Al Bell not hired people like Johnny Baylor (and his cohorts) and had the company's own overexpansion not been so great...Stax just may have survived and be around today.

If you're interested in finding out about this iconic record label, I can certainly say that this book is EXHAUSTIVE. The author has done his homework, interviewed as many people as he possibly could, and produced a very complete history. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars from me is that the copy I received (a reprint) is poorly printed which makes the small type size of the copy extremely difficult to read for long time periods. The reproductions of the photos are very poor, as well. The publisher should update their production files to current standards for POD books -- something this book deserves. Bravo Rob Bowman! And thank you.

I'm sure it's a great book, but the font is tiny and it seems as if the pages were printed on a cheap dot-matrix printer. The photos are a joke. I'm returning for a refund. Pity.UPDATE: Believe it or not, I met the author Rob Bowman a few weeks after posting this review, and I complained about the shoddy production of the book. He was a little annoyed (not at me), suggesting that it was a print-on-demand version, cheaply and nastily done by amazon. In the meantime, I had already bought a hardcover version at a 2nd hand book store, and it was a great read. If I had to pick a small fault, I would say he does not linger too much on the death of Otis Redding, since that really marked the beginning of the end for Stax in some ways. The MLK death gets more ink. These books are important. Many of the interviewees have since died, and most of the rest will be gone in 10, 15 years -- well, not Steve Cropper, if his dad's continued longevity is anything to go by.ANOTHER UPDATE: "On the night of September 31 ..." (p.364) Ooops!

I love Stax recordings and have been listening to Steve Cropper's tribute to the 5 Royales. A recall seeing a rockumentary on Stax and wanted to learn more. Soulsville, U.S.A. certainly did that. My lower rating reflects the fact that the book contains so much detail it reads like a text book (especially considering the number of footnotes). Nothwithstanding, the book is the author's labor of love, I learned a lot, and I suggest it to anyone who appreciates R&B/rock history.

Great book! Great information! I would recommend this to anyone who loves music - especially if you love the Stax soul sound from the 60's and 70's!

A truly great book about a truly great record company. An absolute must read for music fans in general and Stack fans in particular. Rip to all the great Stack artists and musicians that are no longer with us.

THIS WAS A WELL PUT TOGETHER BOOK ON STAX RECORDS, I HAD WONDER WHAT HAPPEN TO STAX RECORDS,THIS BOOK GOT RIGHT TO THE HEART OF WHAT HAPPEN AND WHY IT HAPPEN. THIS WAS ONE OF THE FIRST BLACK RECORD COMPANY RIGHT ALONG THE SIDE WITH MOTOWN THAT MADE GREAT MUSIC.WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC GONE TOO?

Tells the whole history and goes in depth and is very detailed its a very good book a must read

A+

The story of one of my favourite record labels, the print size is very small and the book goes into lots of detail.....a great reference source, great insight.

Wow - this book is the best I've read about a specific record company !! Perhaps too much detail on the financial aspects & management & not quite enough on the artists & the records - But still more than I would have accepted.I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN !!!!!!!

looks a a good read, bought for a Christmas present , good price very quick delivery

Ausschweifend, detailliert und doch keine Seite zu lang: die unglaublich gut recherchierte und liebevoll zusammengetragene Geschichte von Stax Records, die einem gleichzeitig vieles über die Geschichte der Soulmusik und des zeitgenössischen Musikgeschäfts vermittelt. Licht und Schatten, goldene Cadillacs und das Finanzamt.