The cool gent

the long version

Known as the Cool Gent, King of the Dusties, and the Mayor of Bronzeville, Herb Kent is one of radio’s most illustrious and legendary stars. This fascinating autobiography details both the high and low points of Kent’s life—including his poverty-stricken childhood in the Chicago housing projects and his straight-A years at Northwestern University—while providing a vivid picture of African American music, culture, and personalities from the second half of the 20th century to today. Despite not being a musician himself, Kent lived a typical rock 'n' roll lifestyle full of drugs, alcohol, all-night partying, and women, eventually hitting rock bottom where he finally faced his personal demons. Throughout the years, Kent has sustained his debonair, classy persona, and uncanny knack for picking timeless tunes.