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Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him
Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him
Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him
Audiobook9 hours

Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him

Written by David Henry and Joe Henry

Narrated by Dion Graham

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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About this audiobook

Richard Pryor was arguably the single most influential performer of the second half of the twentieth century,and certainly he was the most successful black actor/comedian ever. Controversial and somewhat enigmatic in his lifetime, Pryor's performances opened up a new world of possibilities, merging fantasy with angry reality in a way that wasn't just new-it was heretofore unthinkable.


His childhood in Peoria, Illinois, was spent just trying to survive. Yet the culture into which Richard Pryor was born-his mother was a prostitute; his grandmother ran the whorehouse-helped him evolve into one of the most innovative and outspoken performers ever, a man who attracted admiration and anger in equal parts. Both a brilliant comedian and a very astute judge of what he could get away with, Pryor was always pushing the envelope, combining anger and pathos, outrage and humor, into an art form, laying the groundwork for the generations of comedians who followed, including such outstanding performers as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K.


Now, in this groundbreaking and revelatory work, David and Joe Henry bring him to life both as a man and as an artist, providing an in-depth appreciation of his talent and his lasting influence, as well as an insightful examination of the world he lived in and the influences that shaped both his persona and his art.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateNov 5, 2013
ISBN9781452685571
Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him

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Rating: 4.092307538461539 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I can't remember why I wanted to read this book, I really didn't know much about Richard Pryor apart from seeing a few of his movies and knowing he was a stand-up comedian. For whatever reason I picked it up I am happy I did because this was such an informative book. A must read for fans of Mr. Pryor and people who want to know more about this time period. The authors cover so much more history instead of just sticking to Richard Pryor and his life. You can tell that Joe and David Henry are big fans of Richard but they don't gloss over his life. Nothing is left out, all of his accomplishments and demons are on display for us to see.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It took me six months to start this book, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.I know the name Richard Pryor, but I've only seen a few clips of his work. The Henry brothers manage to bring Pryor's routines to life in a way that makes clear Pryor's place as one of the two or three most important entertainers of the 20th century.The brothers are at their best when they hold themselves a step back from their subject (serving, I would argue, as proper biographers), but they can't seem to help reminding the reader that they came to this project as fans first. Al the same, the clarity they bring to the era and to Pryor's place in pushing boundaries makes me wish that every biographer was willing examine our great performers so fluently and critically (in the sense of honest evaluation, not just judgement).Their book makes me want to watch more Richard Pryor.I do have a complaint about one comparison- Pryor to Shakespeare's Falstaff, who the Henry Brothers suggest appeared in Henry IV pt 1 and 2 and Henry V. Except that Falstaff (famously) does not appear in Henry V; he dies offstage at the beginning of the play- a clear signal to the Elizabethan audience that they should not confuse Henry V with some sort of Henry IV part 3. I don't know enough of Pryor or the era's history to do more than absorb what the authors tell me, but when I came across that error in the book's closing pages, it did make we wonder what other sorts of fact checking errors they might have made in a book that draws liberally from a huge range of art, music and film.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A well written, easy to read, engaging work of hagiography. A gold ring bio in a pig's snout life. Pryor was a wicked person who was extremely gifted at making people suffer. And laugh. The Bros. Henry give us a portrait of a highly influential comedian whose comedy can't be imitated, and whose life shouldn't be.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I was excited to review “Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and the world that made him”. I don’t generally read biographies but Pryor was one of my favorite entertainers back “in the day”. The last part of the title, ‘the world that made him’ seemed to promise some of the social history that I most enjoy. It turns out that the book, written by brothers David and Joe Henry, is neither a biography not a social history, at least not in any form that I am familiar with. This has been a difficult review to write. The Henry brothers writing is very readable. They do look at the entertainment world that Richard Pryor existed in. The book lacked the documentation I expect but it was never meant to be a scholarly work so that is my problem not a flaw with the book. I learned quite a bit about Pryor and the state of the entertainment industry that I did not know. Ed Sullivan was a pioneer presenting black entertainers on network television? I never knew that and found it surprising that the King of plate spinners and marionettes would also showcase artists like Richard Pryor. Whenever a new movie or comedy album was discussed, it seemed to me, that the entire body of Pryor’s work was gone over again until I was totally confused about what the new project was, what came before and what was being discussed that had not happened yet. I don’t read about entertainment, maybe that is normal in the genre. I found it confusing. My biggest problem with the book, what made this review so difficult to write, should be a plus for the Henry brothers as historians, they managed to stay impartial on Pryor’s violence with the women in his life. They simply reported the facts, as soon as there was serious commitment Pryor did what he could to drive women away, violence was a common tactic. They reported it, they did not try to hide it, they did not try to sugarcoat it, but I really wanted something more. What I am not sure, perhaps a look at the socioeconomic and cultural conditions that empowered him to beat multiple women and prevented them from leaving him. Maybe talk to the woman and get their side of the story? Of all of Pryor’s self destructive behavior it was the way he treated women that bothered me the most. Overall this is a well written book but be prepared for Pryor, and others, bad behavior.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    David and Joe Henry have produced an inspired and insightful biography of American comic genius Richard Prior who rose out of the ghettos of Peoria, Illinois to expose the angst at the core of American society.Brothers Henry not only deliver a searing portrait of this tragic yet irrepressible force in American cultural history but lay out a social history of comedic performance in America and examine the heavy burden of race relations in that country.The book would have benefited from the inclusion of illustrations and an index, otherwise the volume is a well documented, memorable and entertaining biography of "Dark Twain", who illuminated truth with a brilliant and ferocious light that would ultimately consume him.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this book through the Early Reviewer program here on LT. I suppose it wasn't all that early, as it was published in 2013. It is a biography of Richard Pryor. It also is a history of the political, social, and comedic environment that existed at the time Pryor was growing up, and the environment that was greatly affected by what he accomplished.This is by no means, a pretty story. Richard lived a hard life, from growing up in his Grandmother's brothel, to a gargantuan drug habit that would have killed a normal man several times over, to the illness that ultimately took him off the road and took his life. An excellent read.S: 11/6/14 F: 11/21/14 (16 Days)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    “Richard was a junkie first, a genius second. Always. - Paul MooneyThe words of comedian Paul Mooney, whom few would contest is Richard Pryor’s greatest and most knowledgeable disciple, capture the two facets of Richard Pryor’s life most already know. However, Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and the World that Made Him by David and Joe Henry, adds the perspective needed to understand how truly great Richard was as a comedian, and how unbelievably tragic it was that Richard’s genius was consumed by his addiction. There is no flinching at all while looking at Richard’s life, and there is much that would make one flinch. The best example is Richard’s return home to Peoria, Illinois after becoming a star. Looking down the seemingly endless line of folks waiting to get an autograph, or book signed, Richard recognizes a face from his childhood. It is the neighborhood bully who sexually assaulted Richard when he was in elementary school. Had the Henry brothers flinched in discussing this episode of Richard’s life, and the many, many other disturbances that would follow, it would have diminished Richard’s great achievement on stage. Richard told the truth on stage, and no matter how painful that truth, Richard offered no hiding place from it’s light, or offered any other option than to laugh.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This well written and thoroughly researched biography paints a vivid picture of Richard Pryor. The book was easy and enjoyable to read, the writing was lyrical and and I got a sense that the authors had done their best to really get to know Richard Pryor, a task that unfortunately seems to have been impossible. Richard Pryor seemed to deny anyone access to really knowing him. Being a successful comedian seems to come with an unknowable burden of pain and emptiness. Richard Pryor seemed to be seeking approval, from the world, from those around him, from himself. He was always reaching for greatness, all the while running from himself. The painful conflict of his life seems to repeat itself over and over again. It is unfortunate that those that make us laugh the hardest are often unable to harness a measure of the joy they bring to others.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and the World that Made Him is a well-written, well-researched page turner by brothers David and Joe Henry. Whether you're already a Pryor (1940-2005) aficionado or if you're from another planet and have never heard of him, this book has something for you. It is a funny, sad, detailed account of the comedian/actor and a snapshot of the era he grew up in. From his grandmother who raised him to his unsettling and often violent relationships with women, from the drugs that literally fried him to Hollywood and its omnipresent racism, the Henry brothers do not hold back. Richard Pryor was never satisfied with himself despite his unquestioned genius. Read this book. Then watch some Richard Pryor stand-up. You will not be disappointed.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Title: Richard Pryor And The World That Made Him Author: David Henry and Joe HenryPublisher: Algonquin BooksReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: 4Review:"Richard Pryor And The World That Made Him" by David Henry & Joe HenryBook Description...."No one who saw Richard Pryor alone on stage with nothing but a microphone in his hand could have doubted that here was a man possessed of genius. But few have any sense of the strange, violent, and colorful landscape from which he emerged.His childhood in Peoria, Illinois, was spent just trying to survive. Yet the culture into which he was born—his mother was a prostitute; his grandmother ran the whorehouse—helped shaped him into one of the most influential and outstanding performers of our time.Pryor attracted admiration and anger in equal parts. He was a comedian who many consider the greatest ever, yet his triumphant stand-up work has been largely eclipsed by his mediocre movie output. His personal life was likewise something of a contradiction, because Pryor was a man of deep intelligence and sensitivity yet was also someone who could never seem to make the pieces of his life come together to create a whole. His was a fascinating, larger-than-life personality; he was as pivotal and essential a figure as Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, or Muhammad Ali. Pryor the solo artist brought to a pop-obsessed generation the news that they had a past with deep roots that spoke to our shared humanity. Through David and Joe Henry, Richard Pryor speaks to us still."What I like about this novel.....I found this novel very interesting. Yes, I was one who watch some of Mr.. Pryor's movies. I especially love watching with my sons the one called 'Moving.' I never laughed so hard in my life...oh well let's get to my thoughts on the novel where after reading this novel I found is story rather a sad one. The authors however did give the reader a well written script of Mr. Pryor's life that gives a thoughtful look at this person, his relationships, his work and his internal struggles. Yes, even with all that was on Mr. Pryor was one of the greatest stand up artist. I thought the read was good and very informative read of Mr. Pryor, who was a 'standup comedy, pop and social cultures during the years of 1960 and 70's, and historian of those turbulent decades.' If you are a fan of Mr. Pryor, this read would be of interest to you and I would definitely recommend this to you.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wow! Great book.. not only was Richard Pryor Furious Cool , describes this book too. Fast paced , lots of information, plenty of detail of a troubled man.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I absolutely loved this book. I requested it from Early Reviewers just to try something a little bit outside my normal literary fiction genre and wow, am I glad I did. This is no dry biography, but the authors pick out the more interesting parts in Pryor's life, not only in regards to his development, but the world around him at the time. I really began to see what an innovator he was and was equally a poet and performance artist as well as a comedian. It sure is a sad, heartbreaking biography to read though as he was a deeply troubled man and just never seemed happy or even remotely content about his life, talents and fame. He also was absolutely awful to some people (as they were to him), so that is all hard to read. However, there is a lot to say here too about genius, innovation, not only the downfalls but benefits (albeit at an enormous price) of drugs, and the climate those things succeed or fail in. Highly recommended (if you can handle the crude language/sex, drug abuse and the cruel treatment of women subject matter - as there is much of all three).
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. As always, this did not effect my review.This is a fairly thorough look at a very complicated man. It pulls no punches, which is good, but it also presents little that is new. For those who are interested in Pryor, and who do not know much about where he came from and how that colored everything that happened thereafter, this is a very worthwhile read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Henry brothers have given us a well researched and written book about the complex and troubled comic genius Richard Pryor, a man who could never escape his personal demons. The authors show both sides - his brilliant groundbreaking and innovative work in stand up and films and his problems with drug abuse and the dysfunctional relationships he had with others. The book also gives us a look into the comedy of Redd Foxx, Bill Cosby and many other comedians prominent during that era. Since much of Pryor's humor stemmed from the inflections of his voice and his facial expressions this is a tall order to do justice to it on the written page but the Henry brothers do a wonderful job in this regard. There also a lot of flat out funny jokes and anecdotes in the book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As a child of the 1980's, I really only knew Richard Pryor as a movie actor. In fact, the first movie I ever saw without my parents was "Brewster's Millions". By the time I was 13 I was a die hard George Carlin fan and it was through him that I started listening to Richard Pryor, the stand up. So as a result, I've known that Richard was a "comic genius", but never really was able to fully embrace that idea.This book helped to put a lot of things in perspective for me. I had recently watched Pryor documentary "Omit the Logic" so I had some basic background information on his life. For much of the first half of the book, the book play more or less in chronological order, but later begins to segment itself into categories (his movie career, tv, etc). It feels much more stream of conscious than a straight biography as the timeline jumped back and forth. There was nothing particularly wrong with that plan, but sometime I had difficulty putting certain events in context because I was not sure what other things were also going on in his life at that point.The authors do not pull any punches and I have a hard time seeing how anyone could have a great view of Pryor as a person from reading this book. They seem to be beating you over the head with the "tortured genius" card. From his drug use, spousal abuse, and general discord with other people, Richard comes across as an incredibly screwed up person who was able to translate that difficult life in the dazzling comedic performances.Overall I enjoyed the book, but like many other things that try and convince you someone is a genius because they or their friends tell you so, Pryor's genius has to be discovered and earned by each person through his recorded performances. Like Lenny Bruce, some of Pryor's genius comes from the revolutionary things he was doing at the time and one wonders how long his genius will be remembered once his contemporaries are no longer around to tell us that.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Firstly and as usual, I received this book for because someone was giving it away in exchange for a review. Despite that kindness I'll give my candid opinions below.This book is at once a biography and a textbook on sociology. The opening chapters focus on black comedy and the environment into which Pryor entered the entertainment world. Throughout the book the names fall like rain and anybody who ever was or hoped to be anybody entered the scene for at least a bit. About a third of the way in we get down to the man himself.On the positive side, the background presented in this book is thoroughly entertaining and much of the information was eye-opening and uniquely informative. I found myself scrounging YouTube looking for snippets of the people and bits referred to. It's a fascinating period of history. As to the bits about Pryor himself, the story of his life is at once horrifying and hilarious. This lived a life of incredible pain, as with most comedians, and the book doesn't hesitate one bit to be absolutely candid about what happened. From the sexual abuse he suffered as a child to the night he set himself on fire, this book goes into it all in sometimes painful detail.On the negative side, all that detail can sometimes be a bit much. The story is only roughly chronological and meanders in sometimes confusing fashion. All the parts of a great story are here but they need to be straightened out a bit into a more cohesive whole. I felt at times that we were just jumping about for no good reason. There's a real lack of cohesion.In summary, after the first third of the book I thought this would be a keeper. I tend to get rid of almost all the review books I get but on rare occasion I'll keep one about permanently for future rereading. After getting to the end though, it's just not quite earned the bookshelf space. The first half makes me want to find a more general book about show business in the 60s-70s and put THAT on the shelf instead of this.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Interesting book placing Richard Pryor in the culture which made him and showing how he changed the face of personal comedy for those comedians who came after him. Anyone interested in 20th/21st Century comedy will certainly enjoy this book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Unlike most biographies, clinically assembled from reams of letters, with forced neutrality and distance, Furious Cool is a product of two lifelong fans’ clear passion. They give the book a perspective and an evaluation you don’t often see, at least not competently. Furious Cool puts the whole package together tightly and swiftly.Richard Pryor was a comedic trailblazer, but he did it almost by accident. He stumbled for years. His skills came along later, and he abused them like he abused his wives, his friends and himself. He did not recognize his own peak as it passed, thankfully, onto DVD instead of oblivion. He missed his rapid descent, because he didn’t care any more. His later films were all useless trash; he freely admitted doing them for the money, which was freely tossed at him because of his fame.He reminds me of Lenny Bruce, flailing in all directions at the end – about his own plight - while succumbing to drugs and alcohol. Pryor was at his sharpest when he portrayed an entire community of characters, at his weakest when he explained Richard Pryor. The authors compare him to Shakespeare’s Falstaff, but that is too superficial. His tragedy was a slow motion violent train wreck over decades, preventable at every step of the way, but irrelevant to Pryor himself.When he was on his game, he was in total control – of the whole world: “You perched on the edge of your seat, just in case Richard at any moment did something that would make it necessary for every black person to suddenly drop whatever he or she was doing and run like hell.” He knocked over racial barriers and taboos like sandcastles, freely stepped on toes and raised race to a new high in public conscience and appreciation.He lost that power because he couldn’t handle the fame, the money, or the love of anyone. He kept guns and used them at the slightest whim, making him a danger not only to himself. His fits of anger could be controlled by his dysfunctional nuclear family who wouldn’t stand for his spoiled brat fits. But as a star, he could beat his many wives and mistresses with total impunity and for no reason whatsoever. He could show up late, drunk and stoned, and no one could call him on it. He became the monster he parodied: exaggerated, larger than life, living absurdly.His humor evolved from Cosby-imitation jokes, to outlandish character stories, to just plain horrific truth. No punchline required. But with a delivery that by then was so evolved, you laughed till you cried. He never worried about anyone stealing his jokes; they could only get laughs from Richard Pryor.It’s been a very long time since I laughed out loud reading a book. Couldn’t help it.