Soulless

The Case Against R. Kelly

By: Jim DeRogatis

Narrated by: Jim DeRogatis

The essential account of R. Kelly’s actions and their consequences, a reckoning two decades in the making

In November 2000, Chicago journalist and music critic Jim DeRogatis received an anonymous fax that alleged R. Kelly had a problem with “young girls”. Weeks later, DeRogatis broke the shocking story, publishing allegations that the R&B superstar and local hero had groomed girls, sexually abused them, and paid them off. DeRogatis thought his work would have an impact. Instead, Kelly’s career flourished.

No one seemed to care: not the music industry, not the culture at large, not the parents of numerous other young girls. But for more than 18 years, DeRogatis stayed on the story. He was the one who was given the disturbing videotape that led to Kelly’s 2008 child pornography trial, the one whose window was shot out, and the one whom women trusted to tell their stories - of a meeting with the superstar at a classroom, a mall, a concert, or a McDonald’s that forever warped the course of their lives.

Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly is DeRogatis’ masterpiece, a work of tenacious journalism and powerful cultural criticism. It tells the story of Kelly’s career, DeRogatis’ investigations, and the world in which the two crossed paths, and brings the story up to the moment when things finally seem to have changed. Decades in the making, this is an outrageous, darkly riveting account of the life and actions of R. Kelly, and their horrible impact on dozens of girls, by the only person to tell it.

©2019 Jim DeRogatis (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

An evolution of evil

DeRogatis takes readers (or listeners) along as he pulls together the many disparate threads that tell the story of the evolution of evil that IS R Kelly. The facts are horrific: The failings that allowed a monster to prey on so very many women and girls, the propensity of America to disregard celebrity crime, and the long, long road to bring that monster to justice are difficult to hear. DeRogatis, however, puts just the right amount of emotion into his reading: he is incredulous, he is very slightly sarcastic, he is completely sympathetic, and he is outraged. It feels safe to go on this journey with him. And that is saying a LOT when telling the story of Robert Kelly.

i enjoyed your book.

i know people have lied and told truths. this case is a circus show. its so sad.

Heartbreaking story

Really enjoyed hearing the book read by the author. Jim DeRogatis is a humble, kind, heroic man and a fine journalist and author. If by some chance you read this review Jim, thanks for making the world a better place.

A new as Don Quote that isn't delusional, he delivers.

I will for ever be grateful that amongst the horrendous beings, the planet keeps on producing, there will always be an absolute honest, companionate and as amazing as Jim. Merci.

The FULL Story Beyond Surviving R. Kelly

I have been captivated by the R. Kelly scandal ever since I read the Buzzfeed article claiming he ran a cult. At the time it seemed ridiculous to me. I’d heard about the infamous “Pee Tape” as a teenager, and I’d known there was some controversy. But watching Surviving R. Kelly opened my eyes to how far reaching this man’s crimes have been and this book filled in the details.

When I found this audiobook I assumed it would be a rehash of the same information I already knew. To a certain extent this is true, this book does retell and reference the Lifetime documentary. But Jim DeRogatis goes further. Jim was on this case from the beginning, he is the reporter who turned in the infamous tape. He has been chronicling this story for years and has spoken to all the major players. He and Sparkle watched the tape together, and was even compelled to testify at R. Kelly’s trial. There is no one who knows this case better excepting Robert Kelly himself.

If you watched the documentary and wanted to know more, this is THE book to listen to for answers. Jim compassionately shares these women’s stories and his outrage on behalf of the victims is palpable throughout his narrative.