KB MIND OVER MATTER: The Myths & Mysteries of Detroit's Fortune Records (Kicks Books)

I grew with bits and pieces of the Fortune story. My dad who was born and raised in Detroit, had bought records there, and almost certainly drove me past it on more than one occasion. I knew Johnnie Bassett had recorded sides along with Andre Williams. And I knew that George Clinton (yes, that one) had recorded a single with Johnny Powers for Schoolkids Records in the 90s. The latter being a puzzle that I couldn't begin to find the context to comprehend. Then along comes this incredible book that fills in a huge chunk of Detroit musical history, and I see that the Fortune Records story is the context. I can't recommend this book highly enough. The picture of John Lee Hooker turning out for the United Steel Workers Local 311 Baseball team is worth the price alone.

Wow this book is #1 classy!! A book you will be proud to have on your self. Well written and photos galore.

I read a recent article about Miriam Linna in The New Yorker Magazine and I quickly decided I *had* to buy this book. I received it yesterday, and it's as great (or perhaps even better) than I'd expected. I LOVE the (many) photos (some of which are in sepia) and the many colorful posters. Although it will take me awhile to read the whole book, I can tell from just skimming it that I'll thoroughly enjoy it.

Thisis an excellent and informative book about a wonderful record label

Fortune is one of those vintage R&B labels fans and collectors obsess about, with its releases spanning styles, trends, and even genres. At a mighty 500+ pages, Mind over Matter unlocks the Fortune mystique in mind-blowing detail—deep oral histories from artists and devotees, color label pix, and tons of memorabilia from the label’s people, places, and things. Casual and studio shots of the acts, trade-paper ads and reviews, pictures of clubs and neighborhood streets—it’s all here. You’ll want to eat lunch with Jack and Devora, and hang out with Nolan and Andre at the Twenty Grand. An indispensable musical and social portrait of Detroit, preserving a near-vanished era of independent labels.

Fortune is one of those vintage R&B labels that fans and collectors obsess over--a ton of mystique-filled releases spanning styles, trends, and even genres. At a mighty 500+ pages, Mind over Matter unlocks the Fortune story in mind-blowing detail with deep oral histories from artists and devotees, color pix of labels, and a trove of photos of Fortune people, places, and things. Clubs, neighborhood streets, performances, casual and studio pictures of the acts, plus trade paper ads and reviews, ads for local gigs, and related memorabilia--it's all here. You'll want to have lunch with Jack and Devora, and hang out with Nolan and Andre at the Twenty Grand. An indispensable musical and social history of Detroit, and an indelible portrait of the industry during a near-forgotten era..

Congratulations to Miriam, Michael and the Kicks Books staff for getting this to the finish line after Billy’s passing. If you can afford the cost of this book, do not hesitate as it is a first class publication in all aspects. A massive book loaded with pictures, records sleeves, Fortune Records ephemera and a great story to tell of the colorful characters that make up the history of the label. One of the best music related books you will ever see. Highly recommended!

Haven't had a chance to read the whole book yet. What I have read so far I really enjoyed. I will take my time and savor every word and picture!

I don't know when I've ever been so excited to receive a book! This is a clear labor of love. If you're going to take on a great topic like Fortune Records, this is how you do it. If you are thinking of getting this, don't hesitate. I cannot recommend it enough.