Book Review: Calvin Richardson’s New Book, “Do You, Without Them”
Soul singer, Multi-Grammy Award nominated artist, and songwriter Calvin Richardson released his debut book, Do You, Without Them in September of this year. I finally got my hands on the book recently and goodness what a delight!
The book is just over 100 pages, but it packs quite the punch. In Do You, Without Them, the North Carolina star shares his personal story of success, but more than anything this outstanding book offers practical advice to anyone with a dream.
The introduction alone was quite powerful as Richardson shared sagely advice for those who are looking to pursue their own vision.
Richardson starts the book by expressing how he grew up in Monroe, Carolina as one of nine children in a two bedroom home. The story moves from his early childhood of being very active in the church as a young gospel singer, to pursuing a music career as part of an R&B group in the early 90’s, to his success as a solo artist, and the many heartaches along the way.
This book reads like you are joining an older cousin over coffee as he expresses the sentiments of his life, all while giving you encouraging and quite truthful advise on pursing your own goals head on.
Today, Richardson is so smooth on stage one would never guess that he experienced a rather rough adolescence and several early disappointments in the music industry while he was a new artist.
The truth is Calvin Richardson should not be still standing as a living and successful musical artist. He had several intimate brushes with death and was even dropped from a music label. Richardson admits he owes his life to his Creator, his prayerful mother, and his ambitious spirit.
The singer uses his rich life experiences to offer courage to others on their personal journeys to success. The book is filled with inspirational quotes, encouraging stories, and lyrics from the artist. Richardson also offered advice to those pursuing a career in the music industry, young men growing up without a present father figure, and even candid relationship advice.
The superstar revealed many of the life experiences that became muses for his lyrics, but the resounding message of the book was ‘do you, without them’. This statement basically translates to “be your authentic self, work hard, never quit on your gift, and never worry about the critical opinions of others”.
Calvin believes that with a good attitude, hard work, and spirit of willingness, there isn’t a dream out there that isn’t attainable.
Do You, Without Them is brimming with anecdotal stories that fans will love and helpful insights that anyone could easily enjoy.
As the Holidays approach, Do You, Without Them will make a great stocking stuffer for Christmas, a coffee table conversation piece on Thanksgiving, and could even be thrown into a treat bag on Halloween for a teen or adult who could use some encouragement.
Also Birmingham, Alabama, do not miss the Calvin Richardson Experience! The artist will be in town on Friday, October 25, 2019 for the AEG & Tom Joyner Present: The Magic City Music Fest. Coincidentally, the artist has a new album being released on the same day of the concert entitled Gold Dust, be sure to check it out as well.
To learn how you can get your tickets to see Calvin Richardson along with many other artists at the AEG & Tom Joyner Present: The Magic City Music Fest click this link :Everything you Need to Know about the BEST Magic City Classic Concert
To enjoy a playlist I curated of songs mentioned by Calvin Richardson in Do You, Without Them click here:
To reminisce on another time Richardson preformed in Birmingham, Alabama, click here: AEG Presents: A New Year’s Celebration Starring Betty Wright
Comment below if you have read Do You, Without Them or plan on picking it up soon.
