Episode 398 - Rick James Part 1
Summary
Hosts Rachel Fisher and Desi Jettikin begin their Rick James series, detailing his chaotic early life in Buffalo, including his mother’s mob ties and his own heroin addiction. The episode covers his AWOL escape from the Navy to Toronto, where he formed the band The Mynah Birds with Neil Young, and his subsequent imprisonment for desertion. After moving to Los Angeles, James navigates the 1960s rock scene, survives the Tate-LaBianca murders by chance, and attempts drug smuggling before returning to Detroit to pursue music.
Topics discussed
Barefaced Skincare Ad and Podcast Promo
Introduction to Rick James Biographies
Rick James's Childhood in Buffalo
Teenage Years, Music, and Brother's Accident
Heroin Addiction and Jail Time
Naval Reserve and AWOL to Canada
Life in Toronto and The Sailor Boys
Meeting Morley, Neil Young, and Motown
Arrest, Deportation, and Neil Young's Diss Track
Prison Escape and Return to the Brig
Ground News Sponsor Segment
California Scene: Acid, Doors, and Jay Sebring
Relationship with Seville and Theft in Toronto
Pimping, Salt-N-Pepa, and Daughter Ty
Hash Smuggling from India and Cocaine Tricks
Developing the 'Super Freak' Image
Rise to Stardom and Episode Conclusion
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