Joy Ride! The Stars and Stories of Philly's Famous Uptown Theater

by Kimberly C. Roberts

Joy Ride! The Stars and Stories of Philly's Famous Uptown Theater is the exclusive, behind-the-scenes, inside story of iconic disc jockey Georgie Woods' spectacular R&B shows at Philadelphia's Uptown Theater, and how the controlled creative chaos at the majestic movie house inspired "The Philly Sound" Told by the people who actually lived it, "Joy Ride" is the fi rst comprehensive history on the Uptown, which was once a mandatory stop on the legendary "chitlin' circuit" It features the intimate, amusing, outrageous and sometimes scandalous stories of dozens of decorated entertainers, including 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. All agree that like Georgie Woods' soulful theme song that opened his R&B extravaganzas, every show at the Uptown Theater was a"Joy Ride"

190 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2013

Reviews

[RinTinTin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of fun stories and interviews for those interested in the Philadelphia Sound. The Uptown Theater’s historical significance has unfortunately been buried more than those of equivalent spaces like the Apollo. Roberts - who sadly passed away earlier this month - shows her journalistic chops and decades of experience as a Philadelphia Tribune reporter here, and her passion for the Theater and its history is apparent.

[robert richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it ☺

[RYCJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about Philly’s famous ‘Uptown Theater’, when it generated life in Philadelphia communities, reminded me of 'cuttin' teeth... as in this was the place where once upon a time (the 70’s and earlier) this was the place where the Who’s Who and lessor known iconic voices and stage performers cut their teeth. The excitement in reliving the memories could be felt reading this classic historical timepiece.

[Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kim C. Roberts for writing this book!! I enjoyed it very much, especially since I never went to a concert at the Uptown!!