Bongo

Based On A True Story

For Bongo, music – piano, percussion, and voice – was a natural gift. It could have opened wide the doors to notable success for him, had he heeded his mother’s advice. Fate derailed her dream for him, as he moved from petty thefts to riskier criminal activities to a life sentence.

Born James Allen on Chicago’s South Side, his mother nicknamed him Sammy for his dark brown hue. As an older kid, Sammy served as a look-out for local drug dealers in the neighborhood. Whenever he saw a cop approaching, he would beat on a car hood, pretending to play the drums, earning his Bongo nickname.

A stint or two in federal prison taught him the benefits of foregoing purse snatchings and other petty thefts. His rise to lifer status in prison included riskier crimes – hitting banks, jewelry stores, furriers – as well as running prostitutes out of state. He was bold but not cocky, and he earned a measure of respect from law enforcement for maintaining a status well above the ordinary street crook.

During his life sentence, he acquired a respectable measure of remorse and rebirth. “I would rather live on beans in freedom than dine on prime rib if the side dish was more time behind the walls,” he concluded. Bongo passed away in 2006.

Reviews

5-Star Review By Joyce B

I was entranced by the book, BONGO, thanks to the dialog and the flow of Ms. Giffin’s words. She has an excellent way of describing scenes and characters. I was so drawn to the story that I completely lost track of the time. That’s what makes a good book. I didn’t want to stop reading. I wanted to know what happened next! And now, I want to hear Bongo’s music.

Review By Charles L.

BONGO brought back many memories I have of James Allen. I enjoyed listening to him play the piano. He had the ability to play every instrument he placed his hands on. He also wrote music. The prison group Spectrum showcased all of his music. Bongo had a good heart but his life was corrupted by drugs. I remember going to his Bongo’s funeral. It shocked me to see all the old gangsters, pimps, and players who gathered to say farewell to one of their own. The book BONGO is a good read. The author captured every significant point about this man. Good job.