THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE MYSELF: THE AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF RUDY RAY MOORE AKA DOLEMITE by Mark Jason Murray
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Get the story behind the 30 year journey writing the Rudy Ray Moore biography in this special edition podcast with author, Mark Jason Murray.
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“Finished the book today and it is nothing short of a masterpiece. Impeccably researched and tells his story with incredible kindness. I will even admit I got choked up with his final years. Thank you for doing this fantastic book!” – William
“One of the best biographies I’ve read in a long time.” – Louis
“The book is just incredible and is truly a labor of love. It’s probably one of the most amazing biography books I’ve ever seen.” – Loren
“At 380 pages, the book gives plenty of room to Moore’s early life leading up to his comedy beginnings and recording career before delivering deep dives into each and every title in the actor’s filmography. Murray’s lengthy friendship with Moore allowed him access to information you will not find elsewhere, and his tireless interviews and research undoubtedly make this the last word on the subject. Plus, the whole thing is illustrated with hundreds of photos, from rare promotional items to unique behind-the-scenes shots to never-before-seen personal photographs and more, the majority in full color! Add in a ridiculously thorough discography and filmography, and you have not just an entertaining, informative read, but an essential reference guide as well.” – Cinema Arcana
“Mark Jason Murray has created the definitive biography on Rudy Ray Moore but I feel it stands for much more than just a biography. I feel like I got an award… like I received something special for being a Rudy Ray Moore fan from Mark. It’s like he’s given a gift to everyone.” – Death by Dvd podcast
“Simply put, if you have any interest in Moore’s career, this is something you need to acquire. It will enhance whatever appreciation of Moore’s work you already have and will likely teach you a lot about African-American culture that will reveal the important niche that Moore’s work fills in that culture. It’s the tribute he’s deserved for decades, written with intelligence and humanity that brings his wild legend back down to earth and unveils the depth of the man behind those otherworldly cultural artifacts.” – Schlockmania
“This is as definitive and exhaustive a biography as there will ever be on one of the most influential figures in the development of underground black comedy, party records, indie cinema and rap music. It’s a thirty-year labor of love, a veritable textbook on the man and his times, with surprising, often heart-wrenching revelations on virtually every page. It’s a deeply humanizing, intimately private portrait of a sensitive man with a mythically large public persona, and the contrast between the two makes his work and achievements seem all the more impressive. I came to the book already loving and admiring the Rudy Ray Moore of the records and films. I came away from it loving and admiring the real man behind those works even more. It’s a book to treasure, a meticulously researched reference work I will come back to again and again. If you are even casually interested in Rudy Ray Moore, his work or his melieu… order yourself a copy before they’re gone.” – Millionmonkeytheater
As a dancer, singer, comedian and filmmaker, Rudy Ray Moore teetered on obscurity his entire life. Finally, with the creation of his “Dolemite” character and the release of several controversial and groundbreaking hit comedy albums and self-produced films during the 1970’s, Moore achieved his short-lived success. As the decade changed and he struggled to survive, Moore’s work fueled a new generation of fans and artists, who would help resurrect his career. He would become known as the “King of the Party Records” and the “Godfather of Rap,” influencing comedians, musicians and pop culture, long after his passing. His tenacity and achievements were so inspiring, a part of his story was the basis for the hit Netflix film, Dolemite is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore.
Throughout his life, Rudy remained a very private person. He would end his live performances by commenting to the crowd, “Thank you for letting me be myself!” Yet, Moore was far removed from his public persona, and personal details of his life were rarely shared. Many people, including those closest to Moore, believed they knew him well, yet the complete and detailed story of his life remained untold.
Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself reveals Moore’s unknown origins as he escaped poverty and abuse to enter the world of show business. Every period of his life and career is discussed in tremendous detail, with great effort made to place everything into proper historical and cultural context. Speculations will be cleared and truths will be told through the controversial last year of his life… and beyond.
Inspiration. Icon. Legend.
This is the story of Rudy Ray Moore.
The definitive authorized biography on Rudy Ray Moore! 30 years in the making!
“Rudy Ray Moore became this little hero of mine. He was the loser who refused to lose.”
– Eddie Murphy
“Long before there was Spike Lee, John Singleton and Robert Townsend, there was Rudy Ray Moore. A true pioneer who gave future generations of black filmmakers hope.”
– Arsenio Hall
“Without Rudy Ray Moore, there would be no Snoop Dogg, and that’s for real.”
– Snoop Dogg
“I am the King!”
– Rudy Ray Moore
DELUXE HARDBACK WITH DEBOSSED COVER TEXT!
380 FULL COLOR GLOSSY PAGES INCLUDING OVER 600 PHOTOS!
FULL DETAILS ON THE MAKING OF ALL OF RUDY RAY MOORE’S CLASSIC FILMS!
EXTENSIVE DISCOGRAPHY – VIDEOGRAPHY COVERING HUNDREDS OF RELEASES!
THE BOOK HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THESE COLLEGES AND AFRICAN AMERICAN RESEARCH LIBRARIES:
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – New York, NY.
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Firestone Library, Princeton University – Princeton, NJ.
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Harvard University Library – Cambridge, Mass.
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