An idea 50 years in the making, this entertaining cookbook from a cult music legend is chock-full of stories and soul food
Before there was Snoop Dogg, there was Swamp Dogg. Born Jerry Williams Jr., he 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 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. Jerry Williams Jr., also known as Swamp Dogg (born 1942), sang under his own name in the 1960s while also working for record labels such as Musicor and Atlantic Records. In 1970 he adopted the moniker Swamp Dogg and has recorded 25 soul and R&B albums. His collaborators have included John Prine, Jenny Lewis and Bon Iver.
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
The New York Times: T List
Elissa Suh
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.
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Featured spreads are from the If You Can Kill It I Can Cook It, the one-of-a-kind cookbook by legendary singer, songwriter and record producer Swamp Dogg. Out now from Pioneer Works Press, this spiral-bound album features much more than recipes from an avid cook and bon vivant. Family photographs, career mementos, a discography and rich tales of life among the most creative and influential musicians of the twentieth century intermix in a most appetizing way. While the “Whores d’Oeuvres” chapter contains recipes for Devil Went Down to Georgia for Eggs and Pâté Quincy Jones, “Noodles” contains recipes for Fettucini Jerry Lee Lewis and Spaghetti and Meatballs LL Cool J. The “Pork” chapter lists Lionel (Ham)pton and Pork Chops Stuffed With (Charley) Pride, etcetera. Published to coincide with the documentary film, Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, this is a book that brings the joy, the humor and the passion to all of life. continue to blog
FORMAT: Hbk, 9 x 12 in. / 210 pgs / 275 color / 30 b&w. LIST PRICE: U.S. $45.00 LIST PRICE: CANADA $65 ISBN: 9781945711213 PUBLISHER: Pioneer Works Press AVAILABLE: 7/29/2025 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Active AVAILABILITY: In stock TERRITORY: NA LA ASIA AU/NZ AFR ME
An idea 50 years in the making, this entertaining cookbook from a cult music legend is chock-full of stories and soul food
Before there was Snoop Dogg, there was Swamp Dogg. Born Jerry Williams Jr., he 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 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.
Jerry Williams Jr., also known as Swamp Dogg (born 1942), sang under his own name in the 1960s while also working for record labels such as Musicor and Atlantic Records. In 1970 he adopted the moniker Swamp Dogg and has recorded 25 soul and R&B albums. His collaborators have included John Prine, Jenny Lewis and Bon Iver.
