Behind the Music

Episode Synopsis

In the early 80s, Rick James was the king of funk, dominating the charts with hits like "Superfreak," "Mary Jane" and "Give It To Me Baby." James was best known for his outrageous live concerts and flamboyant drug use. Ironically, it was his notorious cocaine habit that cost him his freedom and nearly cost him his life. James went to prison for assaulting an associate while high on cocaine.During this episode James does not hold anything back, speaking frankly about his destructive behavior, how his mother's death devastated him and how prison was the best thing that ever happened to him. Among those interviewed in "Rick James: Behind The Music" include one-time love Linda Blair, his new wife Tanya and former Motown executive Suzanne DePasse.