Soulless

The Case Against R. Kelly

De: Jim DeRogatis

Narrado por: Jim DeRogatis

The essential account of R. Kelly’s actions and their consequences, a reckoning two decades in the making

In November 2000, Chicago journalist and music critic Jim DeRogatis received an anonymous fax that alleged R. Kelly had a problem with “young girls”. Weeks later, DeRogatis broke the shocking story, publishing allegations that the R&B superstar and local hero had groomed girls, sexually abused them, and paid them off. DeRogatis thought his work would have an impact. Instead, Kelly’s career flourished.

No one seemed to care: not the music industry, not the culture at large, not the parents of numerous other young girls. But for more than 18 years, DeRogatis stayed on the story. He was the one who was given the disturbing videotape that led to Kelly’s 2008 child pornography trial, the one whose window was shot out, and the one whom women trusted to tell their stories - of a meeting with the superstar at a classroom, a mall, a concert, or a McDonald’s that forever warped the course of their lives.

Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly is DeRogatis’ masterpiece, a work of tenacious journalism and powerful cultural criticism. It tells the story of Kelly’s career, DeRogatis’ investigations, and the world in which the two crossed paths, and brings the story up to the moment when things finally seem to have changed. Decades in the making, this is an outrageous, darkly riveting account of the life and actions of R. Kelly, and their horrible impact on dozens of girls, by the only person to tell it.

©2019 Jim DeRogatis (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

An evolution of evil

DeRogatis takes readers (or listeners) along as he pulls together the many disparate threads that tell the story of the evolution of evil that IS R Kelly. The facts are horrific: The failings that allowed a monster to prey on so very many women and girls, the propensity of America to disregard celebrity crime, and the long, long road to bring that monster to justice are difficult to hear. DeRogatis, however, puts just the right amount of emotion into his reading: he is incredulous, he is very slightly sarcastic, he is completely sympathetic, and he is outraged. It feels safe to go on this journey with him. And that is saying a LOT when telling the story of Robert Kelly.

i enjoyed your book.

i know people have lied and told truths. this case is a circus show. its so sad.

Heartbreaking story

Really enjoyed hearing the book read by the author. Jim DeRogatis is a humble, kind, heroic man and a fine journalist and author. If by some chance you read this review Jim, thanks for making the world a better place.

A new as Don Quote that isn't delusional, he delivers.

I will for ever be grateful that amongst the horrendous beings, the planet keeps on producing, there will always be an absolute honest, companionate and as amazing as Jim. Merci.

Jim D Thank you for rocking

I really loved this book. Not because I love tragedy or pedophiles but because I love a journalist who gets the story and sticks to that story for over two decades. Your voice helps some of those women gain a measure of peace by continually keeping after RK. After reading the first chapter, I was out with my husband walking and asked him, “ how is this piece of trash still walking free in this world?” The next morning I turned on the news to see that RK had been picked up on federal charges. Let’s hope this time it sticks. Keep rocking Jim D.