5 comments about Jack Johnson: -In the Ring-And Out.

1. This autobiography is a much-needed corrective to playwright Howard Sackler's artistically over-licensed opus "The Great White Hope", dramatized on stage and in film in the late 1960's. As a self-portrait of a Black man living in a particular time and place, it is not only a record of Mr. Johnson's matchless skill as a boxer, but more importantly, it is a journey into an all-encompassing Black mind, an intellect as well as a striking physical specimen, who broke out a new mold for the image of the athelete as someone capable of possessing as much "brains" as they had "brawn." Johnson was so clearly head and shoulders above his peers and detractors that it is no wonder why he was hated and feared by many whites. When enough people of color have read this book, it is likely that Mr. Johnson may be put under the same sun that shines on the likes of Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson: Black "Renaissance" men whose lives outside of their sport(s) have been obscured because of their insight, outspokeness, and general refusal to be limited by their "race." Don't let "Black History" month slip by without attempting to get onto, and into this priceless autobiography by a true "giant" of a man.



2. This autobiography is a much-needed corrective to playwright Howard Sackler's artistically over-licensed opus "The Great White Hope", dramatized on stage and in film in the late 1960's. As a self-portrait of a Black man living in a particular time and place, it is not only a record of Mr. Johnson's matchless skill as a boxer, but more importantly, it is a journey into an all-encompassing Black mind, an intellect as well as a striking physical specimen, who broke out a new mold for the image of the athelete as someone capable of possessing as much "brains" as they had "brawn." Johnson was so clearly head and shoulders above his peers and detractors that it is no wonder why he was hated and feared by many whites. When enough people of color have read this book, it is likely that Mr. Johnson may be put under the same sun that shines on the likes of Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson: Black "Renaissance" men whose lives outside of their sport(s) have been obscured because of their insight, outspokeness, and general refusal to be limited by their "race." Don't let "Black History" month slip by without attempting to get onto, and into this priceless autobiography by a true "giant" of a man.



3. This book is a must read, not only for boxing fans seeking more information about the first black heavyweight champion, but also for students of American history and specifically race relations in the U.S. Johnson's writing is insightful, eloquent and scholarly. He refused to allow the abysmal prejudice of whites to deter him from his goals, and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He maintained his dignity and judgement despite the efforts to break him. His book shows him to be a man of immense intellect, who could have excelled in any field of his choice. His views on the pace of 'modern' life, diet, physical fitness and race relations are as relevant today as they were in 1927. This book was a great surprise to me as I picked it up as a boxing fan, but the scope of Jack Johnson as a man goes far beyond the squared circle. His life was epic and his words timeless. This is a book for all times, by a passionate, inspired and inspiring man.



4. Jack Johnson was the first African American Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World. He became the heavyweight champion in 1908 when African Americans were exploited by Racism in a close-minded White America where hundreds of African Americans were murdered without trial by white mobs of hatred.
   
   With this context of hatred, Jack Johnson, matter of factly talks about his life during this troublesome time in American history as if it were a minor annoyance. In over 250 pages, he discusses his childhood and boxing career. He also speaks of the adventures in his life and anecdotes that all have an excitement, the kind that makes "Carpe Diem" seem like a non-event.
   
   Bull Fighting in Spain; fleeing to Europe from a US government intent on exploiting the marvels of his success with grotesque technicalities of Laws biased against African Americans; storms through the rough ocean off of Mexico; encounters with wild Indian tribes; Russian spies prior the Bolshevik's revolution; somehow managing to win a poker game with 4 Aces when two others with 4 Queens and 4 Kings accused one another of cheating not realizing that they'd both been defeated.
   
   Jack Johnson is the most underrated American Hero. To me, after reading his story, I felt no bitterness in his diction. I read no scars from all the hatred thrusted upon him. On the contrary, I read the voice of a man who probably would have lived to 200 years old had it not been for his tragic auto accident death when he was in his late 60s.
   
   The book has amazing historical insight. He discusses the implication of the "Jazz Age" and how it affects family values. Oddly, today, the Jazz Age was when the family was still in tact. I thought Devil Worshipping Heavy Metal destroyed the family. No wait, wasn't it that rebellious punk rock music? No, wait, wasn't it that selfish "me-generaton" Disco? That evil Rock'n'Roll? No wait.... It's amazing how musical trends imply collapsing humanity. Still Johnson's insight was intellectually pragmatic and insightful.
   
   The book is an amazing read when one considers that Jack Johnson had only a 5th Grade education. Yet we read of a man whose expressive skills excede those with Doctorate Degrees. Notice how I forgot to emphasize that he was a heavyweight boxer? When, fights were often 20, 30 rounds long? All those punches, yet his mind extremely sharp in his autobiography.
   
   He's entertaining with much to say and with deep insight few autobiographies have.
   
   If you find true individualists to be a source of inspiration, Jack Johnson's "In and Out of the Ring" is a must for your collection.



5. Jack Johnson remains perhaps the most controversial athlete in American professional sports. And for that, it has been the constant rewriting of his life by his critics and/or racists.
   
   His autobiography, published in 1927 when he was approaching his 50th birthday, should dispell the myths surrounding the greatest heavyweight champion ever. But more than his ring exploits, Johnson truly believed in a world without labels, a world where a celebrity can truly make a difference in people's lives and a world where dreams can truly be sought after and achieved.
   
   He has pointed comments concerning critics who never gave a balanced account of his life and has a lengthy account on the fix he claims was arranged for him to lose the heavyweight title to Jess Willard. A chapter on physical fitness is timely today and demonstrates how Johnson was setting new standards on working out for his sport and general fitness.
   
   You may have viewed the PBS special and read the recent biography on his life, but nothing beats reading Johnson in his own words. Johnson was truly a champion for honest play inside the ring and - most importantly - in the game of life.

2 comments about Jack Johnson - Anthology.

1. This song book is a great buy for the Jack Johnson fan. The song selections are great and they are arranged well. The only thing I did not like was the fact that the book says "Artist Approved", but the chords are not written the way Jack would play them. They are not wrong, they just are not Jack. That said, this is a great Strum and Sing book that I would recomend to anyone that wants to chill and sing the music of Jack Johnson!



2. This book is great for the casual Jack Johnson fan. All of his most famous song are included in this book in alphabetical order. I personally LOVE his music and this was a great asset to my collection. Also, the seller is great and fast.

5 comments about Curious George: Jack Johnson and Friends - Guitar Recorded Version.

1. Another excellent CD from Jack Johnson. Even though it is a kid's movie the music is great!!! A great listen while you are in the car.



2. a great option to learn all the fun songs from the movie and cd on the piano at home! It's so much fun, and my children love it!



3. I guess I missed the part of the item description which said this book doesn't have guitar tabs in it. I have the three other Jack songbooks which correspond to his other three albums and mistakenly assumed this would be in the same format. Oops. Great album, though.



4. Not sure if the negative reviewer bought the same book. This does have all the songs in tab format and alternate tunings.



5. I received this book last night and love it. Even the children's songs (that I dismissed at first as throw-aways) are good and fun to play. It even has Ukulele tabs, which is great because I'm learning to play that now. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because I would've liked to see the piano notes as well. Overall though, I'm very pleased with this book, as I love the music of Jack Johnson and all the other musicians on his label that make appearances, and highly recommend this book.

No comments about Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static.

2 comments about Jack Johnson - On and On.

1. Jack Johnson is a true artist. His music and words are amazing!! On and On is the first album I discovered by him and it is truly remarkable!!!



2. This is the authentic book from Jack with all the correct tablature. A great buy and a great album.

5 comments about Jack Johnson - Strum and Sing (Strum & Sing).

1. That's what the title should be. I think if Jack were to actually take a look at what is printed in here that there would be problems with the publisher. These are most definitely NOT the chords that Jack plays. The only reason I didn't give it a 1 rating is because it is nice to have all of the lyrics in one place.



2. In one of the negative rewiews below, a reviewer says: "So, if you are not that interested in reproducing the details and intricacy of the included songs and simply want to "strum" basic chords and "sing" along to Jack's song, "Strum and Sing" is for you."
   
   The author's statement basically says the book's title reflects its contents well, and yet the book is still given a 1-star rating.
   
   I own the book and it's certainly not meant for advanced or even intermediate guitarists. It's designed for Jack Johnson fans who want to strum along to his music using basic chords.
   
   If you are looking for a highly detailed tablature book, common sense should tell you not to buy something called "Strum and Sing." The very title reeks of simplicity.



3. Ok, First of all, read what it says on the front of the book. STRUM AND SING, not Tab, NOTE FOR NOTE from the original recordings. If you read what it says on the front of the book, you will know what you are getting. Its not comprehensive with hammer ons, bends, etc. Its chords and words. Simple. People never cease to amaze me, when they complain about things they get, expecting it to be something different, when they should have read what it said in the first place, then they would know. If you only want the chords, and words, and want to just sing along and strum, this book is for you. If you want a tab book, with all the goodies, then this book is not for you. Get the individual books with the tab, or the Greatest Hits complilation tab book. Take this book for what it is, an easy way to get into JJ's music....Nothing more....



4. Chords and Vocal ONLY -- that is the key to the ease of this book. From the first time you pick it up, you will be able to play a few of these songs - no problem. It is a very simplified chord only lay-out. And it has 40+ songs! What a great buy for $10!!
   
   No tabs here.



5. i have played this product cover to cover several times and enjoy it immensely. a word to those who may have perused their local music/book store, come across this book, and felt offended by it's simplicity: i dont believe the target market for this book was the "underappreciated-guitar-greats", but people who would simply like to "strum and sing" the music. i have a great time showing this book to friends who dont know how to read music. i like this book so much that i am currently looking for similarly simple titles to purchase and/or refer my friends to.

4 comments about Jack Johnson - Brushfire Fairytales (Play-It-Like-It-Is-Guitar).

1. The book is correct and contains accurate tablature for all the songs as far as I'm concerned. I can now play all the songs I am capable of, although the end solo for Flake is the trickiest thing I've ever attempted in my amateur life.



2. I got this and the other Jack Johnson, play it like it is guitar books for my boyfriend. He loves them, We are huge fans. He loved how the book was so simple to read and understand.



3. I thought this book was awesome. I like Jack Johnson's music and style of playing, and this book shows you how to copy it.



4. I purchased this for my son and he loves it. From what I hear it does a great job giving the musical break down.

5 comments about Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams (Tab).

1. The tablature in this book is very accurate. If you want to play it exactly like the CD, this is the book for you. While it is true that Jack Johnson's songs are pretty easy to figure out, it is worth my $15 so I can be 100% accurate. I really want the little details of the solos and fills that are included in the book. Hey, I'm a perfectionist with my guitar playing :)



2. This was the first songbook of Jack's that I bought and it, just like all the others are great and I learned a lot from them.



3. I thought this book was awesome. I like Jack Johnson's music and style of playing, and this book shows you how to copy it.



4. This book of tabs is very accurate, and I would recommend it to any other Jack Johnson fans who love guitar.



5. Well, it's my favorite Jack's CD and I decided to buy this excellent book, the main recommendations is with tablature for people who don't read standard music notation, you can learn to play acoustic guitar a lot with this great musician!