“Old photos and archival materials — concert fliers, newspaper clippings and even a Cadillac registration — are interspersed with Swamp Dogg’s writing, making the book more of a visual autobiography or scrapbook than a standard cookbook. The musician hopes it will influence others to live with the same sense of purpose and creativity, in the kitchen and beyond.” -Elissa Suh / The New York Times

Reserve your copy of If You Can Kill It I Can Cook It to save your spot at the book signing on September 20 in MASS MoCA’s Research & Development Store

Jerry Williams Jr. first rose to fame as a 12-year-old soul singer called Little Jerry. As an adult, he went on to reintroduce himself as “Swamp Dogg” — a legendary singer, songwriter, and record producer whose singular voice and ideas have shaped the history of soul, country, hip-hop, and R&B.

An avid foodie, Swamp Dogg once proclaimed in 1972 that he would write a cookbook so transformative that the legacies of culinary giants such as Julia Child, Betty Crocker, and even Colonel Sanders would pale in comparison. Now, more than 50 years later, that work is finally here.

If You Can Kill It I Can Cook It (Pioneer Works Press) is a book for those who appreciate recipes seasoned with personality and history, and stories to go with dinner. This is more than a cookbook: it’s a biographical artifact and a journey into the mind of a chef who’ll teach you how to make “Baked Beans Bo Diddley,” “James Brown In Flight Chicken” and “Willie Nelson Potatoes Platter.” It’s also a glimpse into the savory life of a musical genius, richly illustrated with tales and photos of family, food, music, and business.

The book and signing pair perfectly with Swamp Dogg’s performance on Saturday, September 20, as part of this year’s FreshGrass Festival.