"It is about time that the roots of Rock and Roll were given its proper respect!"
"J.Othello has done a phenomenal job in showing the validity of the bebop, soul, rock and roll, hip hop culture and its history!"
- Amazon.Com, Nov. 2004

"The Soul of Rock 'N Roll is a literary tribute and celebrates how African Americans changed the face of popular music!"
- California Voice, Jan. 2005

"One of the most entertaining and culturally important books of its kind!"
"Dazzling and intellectual!"
- Oakland Post, Jan. 2005

"Fantastic book!" "This is a 'must read' for anyone who considers themselves a fan of rock 'n roll!"
- In Alameda, Jan. 2005

"Author, songwriter, activist, and agitator for social change, J. Othello is a man with a mission and a message you won't want to miss this soulful, personable, engaging speaker at his next lecture and book signing!"
- In Alameda, Feb. 2005

"Pop music owes its very life to African Americans, as J. Othello reveals in his book The Soul of Rock 'n' Roll. The former hard-rocker-turned-monk has returned to secular life!"
- East Bay Express, Feb. 2005

"The Soul of Rock 'n' Roll" looks at how African Americans have set the sound, style, and performance standards of rock 'n' roll for the past 50 years."
- Contra Costa Times, Feb. 2005

Diablo Magazine calls J. Othello "The East Bay's Prominent R & B Expert!"
- Diablo Magazine, July 2005