An idea 50 years in the making, this entertaining cookbook from a cult music legend is chock-full of stories and soul food

Before there was Snoop Dogg there was Swamp Dogg. The original was born Jerry Williams Jr. in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1942. He first won fame as a 12-year old soul singer called Little Jerry–before he later decided, at the end of the 1960s and after several hit records, to create a new identity for making music and mischief.  Thus did Little Jerry become Swamp Dogg—a  legendary singer, songwriter and record producer whose singular voice and ideas have shaped the history not merely of soul music, but of country and hip-hop and a dozen other genres.  He also made history in the music business, early in his career, as the first Black  A&R man at Atlantic Records, where he oversaw music by The Drifters and Gary US Bond–just two of the storied acts whose sounds he’s shaped.  

If You Can Kill It I Can Cook It is a book for those who appreciate recipes seasoned with personality and history, and stories to go with dinner. This is more than a cookbook: it is a biographical artifact and a journey into the mind of a chef who’ll teach you how to make “Baked Beans Bo Diddley”, “James Brown In Flight Chicken” and “Willie Nelson Potatoes Platter”. It is also a glimpse into the savory life of a musical genius, richly illustrated with tales and photos of family, food, music, and business.