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Alfred
P. Gladden: A “Cut” Above the Rest
Review
by Alvin K. Brunson
A
Barber by definition is someone who uses edged instruments to
cut, trim, shave, shape or change a person's hair to make them
look a “cut” above the rest.
Alfred P. Gladden, a barber in East Baltimore for over 40
years, has written a book entitled The Barber’s
Close Cut.
I myself am an avid reader and collector of books written
by or about African Americans from Baltimore.
This book is a definitely a “cut” above some of the
other books that I have researched.
In my opinion this book is a classic, a diamond in the
ruff. So sit on the
edge of your chair and enjoy the ride.
Al
is a Barber and friend to the “Stars.”
His clients are a Who’s–Who among African American
from Baltimore. The list includes basketball legend Allen
“Skip” Wise; Ernest Graham; Tyrone “Mugsy” Bogues,
Reggie Williams, David Wingate, and Sam Cassell; and actor
Charles “Roc” Dutton. His list of friends include actors
Jada and Will Smith; actress Kim Fields; and actress Nicole Amir
Parker; fashion designer Travis Winkey; hair designer Irvin Dett;
rapper/actor Tupac; R&B singer KC and Jo-Jo and Jimmy
Briscoe and the Little Beavers; drummer and song writer James
Carter and basketball stars Dominic Wilkins. As you can see, Al is a “cut” above the rest.
In
his own words, Al openly talks about his life. He takes you from
playing marbles in the Lafayette projects; to having women at
his “beck and call.” As
you know, every man wants three things in life: good looks; good
hair, and a good woman in his stable.
Al was the chosen one.
He had it all. A player/lady's man, he was.
Outside
of being filled with good celebrity stories and pictures, this
book is a great reference guide. Al introduces you to many of
his friends before they became Big Stars.
I
totally enjoyed reading this book; it brought back a lot of good
memories. It made
me remember growing up in West Baltimore and hanging out in
front on Well’s Lounge on Popular Grove waiting to give a
“shoe-shine” to all of the well-dressed Black men before
they went inside the club.
Thanks Al, for opening up your world to me. Now your friends are my friends. You are a “cut” above
the rest.
* * *
* *
The Barber's Close Cut
(2002) by Alfred P. Gladden is distributed by Afrikan World
Books / 2217 Pennsylvania Avenue / Baltimore, MD 21217 or order
by money order ($18.95 + 4.25) from Close Cut / P.O. Box 13002 /
Baltimore, MD 21203
The Center for Cultural Education Inc.,
will host a “First
Fridays’ Jazz
and Heritage Hour @ Union Coffee House, located at 1201
Druid Hill Avenue beginning March 7, 2004, from 6:30 p.m. until
8:30 p.m. Come out
and enjoy an evening of good jazz; great food; in an intimate
setting.
www.culturaled.org.
For
reservations call 410-669-2975 or email me at: alvinkbrunson@aol.com
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