Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story

This book really details Redd Foxx’s life as well as all of his trials and tribulations. Born Jon Elroy Sanford (As cited in this book, NO “h” in Jon despite what the Internet says) Redd Foxx was a definite pioneer in the entertainment industry and knocked down several doors for black entertainers. After reading this book I truly believe there would be no Bill Cosby, no Richard Pryor, no Eddie Murphy without him. Really.The book depicts all of Redd’s many battles with each producer, netw [...]

This book combines two of my favorite non-fiction genres: the celebrity biography and twentieth-century Black social history. As a child in the seventies, I was of course a big fan of Sanford and Son (I had a little crush on Lamont). As an adult Sirius/XM Satellite Radio subscriber, I have heard some of Redd Foxx's "dirty" stand-up routines. I remember his troubles in the late eighties, when the IRS raided his house, collecting clothing, jewelry, cars, and artwork to pay for back taxes. This boo [...]

If all you know is Redd Foxx from Sanford & Son, you only get a small piece of the intricate puzzle that was his life. Interesting man and well-written book.

One of the world's most naturally hilarious men because deeply unpleasant after big dollars start rolling in (Sanford & Son). A wonderful & thoroughly researched bio -- recommended.

What a dandy read. Such an interesting though difficult man. Sanford and Son is my all time favorite show. Allow me to say one more thing. "Ya big dummy !"

One of the main reasons I love reading biographies and memoirs is because I enjoy learning what made a person who they are, and I must say, this book was of no disappointment by any means. What I discovered about the "Chief" as he was known by his close friends and employees, was astounding to say the least. This biography blew me completely away because it just goes to prove, we know celebrities from the characters they portray on television, but we really do not know the celebrity up close and [...]

I appreciated the candor of this book's look at a legendary but troubled star. I was amazed to learn of all the break through's, the first's that Redd Foxx accomplished through his tough comedic approach to showbiz. Amazing stories of his interactions with early Bill Cosby, they shared ownership of a club at one point, to being picked up by Frank Sinatra for some comedy albums. Foxx's background deeply embedded in the Jazz Clubs and infamous Chitlin Circuit show through in the little scat and so [...]

First off, I want to say it was about time someone tackled the biography of one our greatest comic treasures. But if I am going to be honest ,and I am , I found it lacking a lot . Some biographies are written out of love, some from close associates ,and with great knowledge of the person being written about. I am sorry to say , this book is far from any of those . It had some good information , although it left me asking more questions . My main question was why Mr. Starr decided to be the one t [...]

Fantastic biography of the late influential dirty genius - Redd Foxx! Well-paced and fair book that puts more emphasis on Redd's achievements than his shortcomings, but in an unbiased way. It's not heavy on repeating jokes or routines verbatim, which is nice for a comedy biography. Highly recommended to everyone, especially those that only know Foxx for playing Fred Sanford They're in for a BIG surprise.

I enjoyed reading and learning about the life of Redd Foxx--he lead a colorful life and is an interesting character. I found little tidbits like the fact that his father and brother were named Fred G. Sanford, or that he was friends with Malcolm Little (aka Malcolm X), to be fascinating. What I didn't care for was the writer's style. He haphazardly jumps back and forth in time, and is quite repetitive. Still, it was an interesting tale.

Redd Foxx definitely contributed to the world of comedy and rash language. Despite his demons it was apparent in the reading he had a soft heart for people in trouble.The pressures of helping others with a hand out and his constant drug problem is what probably contributed to his death. Very good book and written for those who love the comedies of Redd Foxx.

I'm a fan of Redd Foxx's party albums and Sandford and Son, so I was eager to read this book. This is the real, raw story about Redd's life. The author holds nothing back, delivering the good, the bad and the ugly. As real as it gets.

This was a total skimmer for me. Since the author used other published sources to write his book, there was nothing new here that hasn't already been told.