Mike Posted June 9, 2006 Share Posted June 9, 2006 Recently thanks to Stevie Cato, been in touch with Author Kimasi L. Browne who's dissertation entitled "Soul Or Nothing" was featured in a recent news item He sent me such a enjoyable and interesting email that felt a need to ask him if ok to post it up here as it explains the background to "Soul Or Nothing" and other things much better than my words could ever do. Not only did he say ok to passing on the email , but he also passed on a copy of a recent paper based on the dissertation that was given at the Manchester Institute of Popular Culture at Manchester Metropolitan University yesterday. Many thanks to Kimasi both for the email and the copy of the paper, as it says he will be at Cleethorpes this weekend The email is below, and the paper will be up in the articles section in a moment or two mike I'm in the UK carrying out follow-up research to convert the dissertation into a "hard copy" book manuscript. The study looks at the scene in 1998 and traces its roots from the early 1960s. At the time I began the study in 1996 there were only two books on Northern Soul ("Nightshift" and "Soul Survivor"). In "Soul or Nothing" I review all of the books on the subject that I could reasonably locate up to 2005. As a dissertation my writing s deliberately academic, however I purposefully wrote everything with the Northern Soul community an intended audience. When I was on the scene in 1998, everyone treated me with so much love and respect--never failing to help me to ultimately understand just what Northern Soul was all about. I don't know if I completely understand everything, but I have tried to be true to what so many fans told me was important to them. They made it perfectly clear that they don't want to be documented as some kind of social objects, like they feel the mainstream media has done. I have also tried to address all issues based on what the fans presented to me on what they felt was important. I feel like I am a part of the Northern Soul scene now, even though I'm African American and Californian--not a collector, no longer a dancer, and not knowledgeable about so much on the scene (too much to learn--even in eight years). While I'm in the UK I want to connect with all of the people who were informants on my project. I want to personally give them a digital copy of the work and to shake their hand and thank each one personally. . I will be.presenting a paper based on the dissertation tomorrow at the Manchester Institute of Popular Culture at Manchester Metropolitan University in City Centre. I am attaching the paper that I will read at 14:00 on Thursday. Afterwards, you may post it on the site for the fans to read and comment if they want to. The paper is being presented at an academic conference called "Manchester: Music and Place" to a group of cultural studies scholars from all over the world, most of whom have never heard of Nothern Soul. I hope to meet you Mike, since I'm in the UK for 2 months. I will be at the Cleethorpes Weekender so I can give a copy of the dissertation to Ady Croasdell. And, I know I'm going to enjoy being in a warm and loving Northern Soul environment once again. (I hope they don't kick me out of the country after reading what I've written). Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted June 9, 2006 Author Share Posted June 9, 2006 article featuring the paper just been posted in the front page article section Kimasii is a member on here so am sure any comments more than welcome https://www.soul-source.co.uk/artic...le.php/12458/c2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soul-slider Posted June 9, 2006 Share Posted June 9, 2006 article featuring the paper just been posted in the front page article section Kimasii is a member on here so am sure any comments more than welcome https://www.soul-source.co.uk/artic...le.php/12458/c2 What an absolute fascinating read! Straight from the heart and 'telling it like it is'. Don't think i've ever read such an in-depth and truer account of the scene! Well done Kimasii... John Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted June 14, 2006 Author Share Posted June 14, 2006 just a quick note that the article has been tidied up a bit and such, as said Kimasi is over in the uk at moment and sure if have any questions or comments be more than happy to answer mike Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest James Trouble Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 I met this chap on Friday night at Cleethorpes. A very nice gentleman indeed. I think a few folk understandably mistook him for an artist. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Get involved with Soul Source
Add your comments now
Join Soul Source
A free & easy soul music affair!
Join Soul Source now!Log in to Soul Source
Jump right back in!
Log in now!