Dynomite!

Good Times, Bad Times…Our Times - A Memoir

By: Jimmie Walker, Sal Manna

Narrated by: Jimmie Walker

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Born into the violence of South Bronx ghetto life, the comic pioneer of TV’s Good Times fame offers a hilarious and politically charged review of his career as one of television’s first hugely successful Black stars. From opening for the Black Panthers and getting his first Tonight Show spot to becoming the first “Black” TV sitcom star, having comedians David Letterman and Jay Leno writing jokes for him, recording number-one comedy albums, and opening for rock n’ roll bands in 50,000 seat stadiums, Walker’s career hit all the highs.

Of course, celebrities seldom stay at such highs. But despite going from the cover of TV Guide to becoming a journeyman comedian, Walker’s story is one of courage and unbridled belief in oneself. He never crashed and burned like so many in his profession - notably fellow comedians like Richard Pryor and Freddie Prinze. Instead, he kept at his profession through 300 comedy gigs per year, remembering where he came from and where hard work had got him. He developed a view of the world through a conservative social lens, and as a black man in the entertainment industry he surprised many - and pissed off others – with his “conservative” views.

In his stand-up routine in 1974, Jimmy frequently told this joke: “I think pretty soon there is going to be a black President. Inaugural theme be playing the 'Theme From Shaft'. Prez pulls up - white El Dorado, white bucket seats, bubble top. Prez gets out, tilts his beaver skin hat to the side, braids flowing down his shoulders, looks at the crowd and says, Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, I am very happy to be elected President of these great United States. But moreover, I am even happier to be elected the first black President of these great United States. Right now, I’d like to give you the Inaugural Address but first…the number for today: 7-5-6. You got it? Then you the vice president!”

It's 2011. We now have President Barack Obama. Yet Jimmy Walker - ever the outspoken contrarian - recently escorted conservative columnist Ann Coulter to an awards ceremony. Walker is a frequent guest on Letterman and The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. And J.J. Evan’s "Dyn-o-mite!” endures - and was recently voted by People magazine as one of “The Greatest Moments In Pop Culture, 1974-2011.”

©2012 Jimmy Walker (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

An transparent story of a socially but funny American icon.

Relief brought from a beautiful and well written autobiography from
Mr. Walker.
It is very seldom indeed that one who plays a character of a most beloved and awakening view of an impoverished family who never gives up is not only one whom experienced a life in the ghetto buy a continuation by his efforts to leave the ghetto to thrive in his art like his character JJ. Jimmy then opened his mind to experience and embrace other culture and ignore the social pressure of conformity. Thank you Mr. Walker. I hope to shake your hand some day.

My Man Jimmie!

underrated. Jimmie gives us an interesting behind the scenes picture of some of the most successful comedians of all time. He came up with the Lettermen's and Lenos. l had no idea Jimmie played instruments and did.radio talkshows. l knew about his radio work as he's done on the 70s Sirius Radio station. Hate his politics.

Way too much foul language!

Would you try another book from Jimmie Walker and/or Jimmie Walker?

I would not buy another book due to his foul language.

Was Dynomite! worth the listening time?

I love autobiographies and thought that there might be some insight about life I could glean from his story. Unfortunately, I didn't learn much and don't plan to listen to his story a second time.

Fantastic

it had a lot of great stuff about the life of Jimmy Walker as well as the history of Comedy in America from his days. Throughout the book, he tells lots of jokes, most of which her pretty funny.

The other Barbara?

Very well-written and well-spoken, James Carter.
I didn’t know what to expect but I did learn alot more than I knew about Jimmie.
“Barbara number 2” is mentioned, but no “Barbara number 1”? Odd, but then again I’m glad this Barbara isn’t mentioned!

Not so Dynomite

I really struggled to finish this title after awhile as it became too much name dropping

Fun, entertaining stories, but a little light

If you've ever heard Jimmie Walker interviewed then you've heard some of this book. I don't think it's because he was selling the book but because the book is Jimmie Walker. It's the tale of a comedian who became a '70s cultural icon , an '80s rerun stalwart, and finally a historical footnote. His personal life feels somewhat glossed over but it's difficult to tell if it's because he's holding back or because he's a comedian above all else and the rest is just what he had for lunch on Tuesday.

Very Underrated

Even though it was written in 2012 very informative book . Had no idea Walker had such a horrible childhood but thank God he had success