Bing and Billie and Frank and Ella and Judy and Barbra

Crosby, Holiday, Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Garland, and Streisand were the major interpreters of the American songbook, dominating American popular music for over fifty years. Frank is still the king of the songbook, but Bing's legacy is just as vital. Billie's legend grows, and Barbra is a living legend and a commercial force. Their song is largely ended, but the melody lingers on.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Crosby, Holiday, Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Garland, and Streisand were the major interpreters of the American songbook, and this is the interlocking story of their lives and careers.

Over a fifty-year period, these artists dominated American popular music, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. The story unfolds like a roller coaster ride, gaining momentum through the 1930s and 40s, reaching a crest of magical creativity in the 1950s and early 1960s, and then crashing down by the early 1970s.

Frank Sinatra remains the king of the songbook, his unparalleled output in the 1930s leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Bing Crosby's legacy is equally significant, with his unprecedented 1930s output adding a new dimension to the songbook's rich tapestry. Billie Holiday's legend grows year by year, and her exceptional artistry in the 1930s deserves to be celebrated and admired. Barbra Streisand, a living legend, continues to be a commercial force to be reckoned with, embodying the essence of the songbook and its timeless allure.

Each of these singers, in their unique way, reached out to audiences and offered new expressions and new dreams. While their song may be largely ended, the melody lingers on, reminding us of the timeless beauty and power of the American songbook.

Weight: 752g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641609227