"Alan Leeds was a protege of James Brown and a true historian of the world that nurtured the great entertainer. Alan was a witness to the vibrant black music scene of the '60s and '70s whose book is both a memoir and a document of a lost world of sound."
– Nelson George
"Over the course of his long life in music as a tour manager, archivist, writer, and fan, Alan Leeds had a ringside seat for some of the greatest moments in soul and funk history, from James Brown in the sixties to Prince in the eighties to D'Angelo in the first years of the 21st century. His eye for detail and his abiding love for the music shine through in his affectionate, inspirational memoir. Alan is one of my all-time heroes!!!!"
– Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
"I learned, I laughed and I saw myself in Alan's history with my father. Alan's business and personal experiences with Dad will enrich each reader. Mr. Leeds may not be a doctor, but he's a great writer!"
– Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of James Brown
"One of Alan Leed's greatest gifts is that of a storyteller. There Was A Time: James Brown, The Chitlin' Circuit and Me is one of the most entertaining, informative and gripping memoirs I've ever read. Mr. Leeds continues to inspire generations of musicians and music fans with his insights and innate hipness."
– Christian McBride, Grammy-winning bassist & bandleader