Alan Leeds on the Chitlin’ Circuit
“Who is this Alan Leeds?” you ask. The name is definitely known among us music nerds who follow Prince lore. (And among historians of popular music, as well as those who work in the business.) So I will forgive you, dear reader, for having to ask that question…but only this once. :)
As Prince's tour manager for about ten years—starting with 1999 and Purple Rain—Alan Leeds is a legend. And that’s only one of the major accomplishments that’s defined his career. In 1989, Leeds even spent a stint as the president of Paisley Park Records. And his brother, Eric Leeds, was a trusted member of several of Prince’s ‘80s bands. But Alan’s storied history in the music business began way before Prince, and goes strong to this day…
Leeds also worked with Kool & the Gang, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass, Kiss, and Cameo. Plus in recent years, he’s managed the tours of D'Angelo, Chris Rock, Raphael Saadiq, and The Roots. And none of the names above are even the biggest feather in his cap! For that, see below…
Leeds was publicist and tour director for James Brown, from 1969 to 1973. In fact, Brown was the performer who gave Leeds his first break in the touring business. His 2020 memoir, There Was a Time: James Brown, the Chitlin' Circuit, and Me, tells the crazy story of Leeds’ nonstop ride working for The Godfather.
After taking in this engrossing book, I have no doubt that James Brown represented the most exciting and unpredictable era of Leeds’ career. (Heck, by the time he got around to Prince, he was probably bored and unimpressed!)
Within the story of Leeds’ turning his childhood love of soul music into the adventure of a lifetime, he tells several entertaining anecdotes from his exploits. I didn't know James Brown was such a character. And although I’ve read stories by many black artists about their experiences on America’s “Chitlin’ Circuit”—from P-Funk, to L.A. Reid, to my uncle Ray Griffin (who was a funk bassist in the ‘70s and ‘80s)—the best ones I’ve read/heard to date are straight from this book!
By the way…If you're into audiobooks, this one is a must-listen. My only negative comment is regarding the announcer-like narration. It’s not dry or monotone—in fact, it’s the exact opposite. The narrator tries too hard to sound charismatic and lively—it comes across as fake. But the less-than-genuine delivery is worth powering through, because Leeds’ story is that thoroughly entertaining!
As one of Prince's closest business partners, it's a shame Leeds hasn't yet written about his time working with Prince...hopefully he will. To paraphrase, he once said, "[If] I could chronicle my experiences with Prince, it would probably be a textbook for how to be a tour manager." Well, get on that textbook...we're waiting!
Further down the Rabbithole…
Check out Alan Leeds’ There Was a Time: James Brown, the Chitlin' Circuit, and Me, at Audible.com and Amazon.com, You will be glad you did!
For extra credit, also check out The Chitlin' Circuit: And the Road to Rock 'n' Roll, by Preston Lauterbach. After reading Leeds, I bought this book in Kindle format, for supplementary reading. Once done, I will likely review it here.
One more great resource: In March 2020, Questlove’s excellent podcast Questlove Supreme hosted Leeds for an amazing and revealing three-part interview! Check it out on Spotify! (Parts 1, 2 & 3.)