About the Artist:

Polar Blair's Thoughts on the Artist:  I like Rick James.  I thought he made great music and had an exciting stage show, especially in the pre-1986 days.  I even find his cocky attitude amusing.  However, I do think there are funk stars with better voices.  And the Stone City Band MADE Rick James.  They were a great ensemble!  After the 1986 split, Rick James music was never the same, nor was it as popular.  The "Chapelle's Show" skit that spoofed Rick James, aired on February 11, 2004, is what made Rick James popular again...in a HUGE way!  It spawned a number of catchphrases, the most popular being, "I'm Rick James, b****!", and it made Charlie Murphy popular on his own.  Unfortunately, Rick James didn't live long to enjoy this newfound popularity, dying on August 6, 2004.

    Rick James is an interesting, colorful personality.  There needs to be someone like that again.  And, let's face it, "Superfreak" is an all-time classic.

Personnel:

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Videography:

Rick James- Super Freak Live 1982 (2005, Eagle Rock Entertainment)-  83 minutes.  MUST HAVE!  This is the definitive Rick James concert video.  It was filmed at Grugahalle in Essen, Germany on April 3, 1982 for Germany's "Rockpalast" TV show.  Rick James and the Stone City Band put on quite a show, with lots of costumes, hair glitter, pyrotechnics, and other special effects.  Lead guitarist Tom McDermott is an absolute marvel, and at one point is given his own guitar solo.  The stage presence is incredible throughout, and will delight even the casual Rick James fan.