Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself is the definitive and complete account of the life and career of Rudy Ray Moore, known to millions as his famous character “Dolemite.”
As a dancer, singer, comedian and filmmaker, Moore teetered on obscurity his entire life. Finally, with the release of several controversial and groundbreaking hit comedy albums and films during the 1970’s, Moore achieved his short-lived success. As the decade changed and he struggled to survive, his influence fueled a new generation of fans and artists who would help resurrect his career. Eddie Murphy said Moore was “the loser who refused to lose” who tirelessly fought for relevance. He would become known as the “King of the Party Records” and the “Godfather of Rap,” influencing comedians, musicians and pop culture even after his passing. His tenacity and drive were so inspiring, a part of his story was the basis for the hit Netflix film, Dolemite is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy as Moore.
Throughout his life, Rudy remained a very private person. He would end his live performances by commenting to the crowd, “Thank you for letting me be myself!” This phrase was chosen as the book’s ironic title, as Moore was far removed from his public persona, and personal details of his life were rarely shared. Many people, including those closest to Moore, believed they knew him well, yet the complete and detailed story of his life remained untold.
Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself reveals Moore’s unknown origins as he escaped poverty and abuse to enter the world of show business. Every period of his life and career is discussed in tremendous detail, with great effort made to place everything into proper historical and cultural context. Speculations will be cleared and truths will be told through the controversial last year of his life. Originally authorized and supported by Moore as the official story of his life, the project remains recognized as such by his estate.
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