Melvin Van Peebles (August 21, 1932 - September 21, 2021)

We are so sad about the passing of way-larger-than-life Melvin Van Peebles, a creative titan who graced Akashic by letting us publish his book Confessions of a Ex-Doofus ItchyFooted Mutha. Melvin buzzed with wild energy for all of his long life. When we were negotiating his book contract, he told Johnny, "F**k you and the horse your rode in on!" Ten minutes later he signed the contract. He was an inspiration, an oddball, and is utterly irreplaceable. There will never be anyone else like him, ever. We mourn his passing, but celebrate all he gave us in film, literature, music, and so much more.
(Thanks to Alexis Fleisig for making this video!)