Love Unlimited : Insights on Life and Love

Rating:
Summary: Love, According to "The Maestro"
Review: Producer/arranger/composer/singer Barry White has now added "author" to his long list of accomplishments and what a "first time" it is. White, along with co-author Marc Eliot, has written a very revealing look at his past that should prove satisfying to his millions of fans. He also offers suggestions for establishing meaningful relationships with that "significant other" in one's life. White's insight into the machinations of the respective record companies for which he has worked in his long career will make the reader pity how the "heads" of these giants abuse their employees just for the sake of profit. White, never bitter about any misfortune that has befallen him, writes in a simple, yet effective, journalistic style. Some of his sentences read like the passionate lines that are so common to his "bedroom music." The accompanying discography at the book's end is a welcome addition. On a more personal note, it revealed to me how big a Barry White fan that I am. Of the 40 titles (White as solo artist, the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and the girl group Love Unlimited) that Mr. White has had a hand in, I own 36 of them. And I will probably add the remaining to make my collection complete.

Rating:
Summary: The Sound of Distinction
Review: When most people think of Barry White they remember the smooth, sexy baritone voice, which always seemed to resonate love. His voice was distinctive and so was his musical style, but his life was a rags-to-riches tale. LOVE UNLIMITED, written prior to his death, describes Barry's life from the rough streets of Compton, California through his rise to fame as "The Maestro". Readers will also get a glimpse into his love of family and his true love, Lady Music.

Barry White was raised by a single mother who did all she could to make sure her sons would do well and become successful. However, it didn't stop them from being acquainted with gangs and spending some time in jail. Yet, Barry was the only one of her sons to realize that he didn't want to spend his life in jail or become a disappointment to his mother. The one thing Barry had an affinity for was music. He loved music and when a spiritual voice came to him one day encouraging him to follow the musical road, he did just that. Dropping out of high school and on a wing and a prayer, Barry set out for Hollywood to follow his calling. His road to success was long and hard work. Even with marriage and a family, he refused to give up his dream. With the help of friends, support of his mother and pure determination he accomplished much with little formal training.

LOVE UNLIMITED gives readers insight into the hard-nosed world of the music industry and Barry White's passion. He loved his family, took care of his children and when he loved, he loved deeply. There were lean years before the success and even with success there were problems. He persevered to follow the spiritual voice that continued to speak to him throughout his life. His music was an extension of him as a human being. This was a man of honor who didn't drink, smoke, or party. He was the epitome of his music. This was a wonderful and discerning look at The Maestro, as he was often called. There are no scandals to read within the pages, but it is a fulfilling look into Barry's life and the creative power behind his music.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers