All Blood Runs Red

The Legendary Life of Eugene Bullard-Boxer, Pilot, Soldier, Spy

By: Phil Keith, Tom Clavin

Narrated by: James Shippy

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

The incredible story of the first African-American military pilot, who went on to become a Paris nightclub impresario, a spy in the French Resistance and an American civil rights pioneer

Eugene Bullard lived one of the most fascinating lives of the 20th century. The son of a former slave and an indigenous Creek woman, Bullard fled home at the age of 11 to escape the racial hostility of his Georgia community. When his journey led him to Europe, he garnered worldwide fame as a boxer, and later as the first African-American fighter pilot in history.

After the war, Bullard returned to Paris a celebrated hero. But little did he know that the dramatic, globe-spanning arc of his life had just begun.

All Blood Runs Red is the inspiring untold story of an American hero, a thought-provoking chronicle of the 20th century, and a portrait of a man who came from nothing and by his own courage, determination, gumption, intelligence, and luck forged a legendary life.

©2019 Phil Keith and Tom Calvin (P)2019 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Interesting

I enjoyed this book, very informative - but racism described is sad as it always is when I read about or see it or hear it. The historical work on this book is interesting, verifications on anyone’s life is difficult because their memories are just that memories which many times are flawed. Autobiographical material is always somewhat flawed depending on the person. Still I thought this work is wonderful and fits our times - I like the slogan All Blood Run Red - it’s fitting - it feels right to me.

Fascinating

The life of Eugene Bullard writes itself. The fact that his life story hasn't been turned into a movie (other than a fictionalized representation in the movie Flyboys) only serves to demonstrate just how much Hollywood lacks imagination. Destitute stow-away on a German Freighter. Professional prize fighter. Highly decorated and severely wounded infantry soldier during World War I who became the first black fighter pilot. Successful nightclub owner who rubbed elbows with the likes of the future king of England, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong and who Ernest Hemingway wrote into one of his novels. Successful jazz drummer who recorded and toured with Louis Armstrong. Member of a French spy network who almost died in a gunfight in his own nightclub while tangling with gangsters. Unofficial "soldier" in World War II and wounded fighting the Nazis. Refugee who barely escapes occupied France with his life. A larger than life character who also had many faults (drinker, hair-trigger temper). Devoted father who raised his two daughters pretty much as a single parent. The story is almost too incredible to believe.

Now, that being said, this audiobook has its faults. The authors' attempts at dialogue are choppy and probably should have been avoided.

James Shippy has a nice voice but also has a Shatner-esque cadence that at times drove me mad. Take this little gem from chapter 24, "...even met with the legendary commissioner of baseball, Kennisaw Mountain Landis.......to push for inclusion......to no immediate effect." Furthermore, he is often inconsistent with his French.

If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.

Bullard, An almost forgotten hero

This book fills in the details of Bullard’s life, well beyond his exploits as a WW1 aviator. A must read / listen for anyone who is interested in early aviation. But also an excellent tale of life in America prior to the Civil Rights era. Enjoy.

An Extraordinary Life

This is a wonderful book with an inspiring biography about a true American hero. I had never heard anything of him before, and was completely captivated by the ingenuity, grit, and sense of duty of Eugene Bullard. Shippy did a great job with the narration. This is a great read.

Black history

While I enjoyed all the information, it was at least 13 sentences too many about other people ie Paul Robeson.

Try not to let the narration stop you

The story is amazing! It was hard in the beginning and I wasn't sure i was going to continue. As for most biographies - the beginning is a bit dry. And the narrator struggled - his performance is admirable but not good.

Alas, once Bullard gets to France - the story is incredible.

The book is well researched and presents the information within the context of the roaring twenties and two world wars - ending with the beginnings of the Civil rights era. What a life!!! What an amazing human!!! And what a story!!!

All I can recommend is that you get past the poor narration and make it thru - well worth the story. I'm very glad I stuck it out.

A hero that needs to be known

Eugene Ballard's life was of one to be lived 100 times over. Adversities never stopped him from being a better man. A father, a Soldier and PILOT, entrepreneur, owner, friend, interpretor, superior athlete, and so much more. Civil Rights being key to it all, asking for respect based on the merits of hus actions and character.

We can all learn be more like him, and countless others who will never have recognition for being a pioneer.

this better turn into a movie someday

I have been telling everyone about this book because the story is unbelievable. What a human!

One of the best biographies I've ever listened to

one of the best biographies I've ever heard
this is one of the best biographies I've ever heard. there is never a dull moment and this man's life was one of the most exciting and full I've ever been exposed to. I feel that five stars is not enough. this book should get 20 Stars. highly recommended

What an amazing man

This book chronicles the life of a truly amazing man. The story of Eugene Bullard deserves a blockbuster movie. One of the best biographies I have read. Why have I never heard of this American- French hero?

Hidden gem

An amazing life story which has gone under the radar and shows a real life hero taking surreal and extraordinary moments in their stride

inspirational figure

Great book extraordinary life of Eugene Bullard
Legionnaire pilot boxer musician spy and black hero.

An eye opener and an inspiration

Full respect to him for all the hardship that he faced and still kept going. Would recommend this to those who enjoy learning about the lives of others.