Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1251245 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Synopsis
This bestselling guide to the lives & work of the R & B divas. Now in paperback. David Nathan profiles the greatest Rhythm & Blues vocalists of the past 30 years as never before with an unforgettable collection of fascinating, personal biographies. He celebrates such legendary performers as Diana Ross, Aritha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, and others in provocative behind the scenes portraits based on his long-standing personal relationships with these women.

Customer Reviews

TOP NOTCH! What an **excellent** book!
I am in the process of reading this book and I am enjoying every minute of it. This is a serious "must read". Even if you're only into one or two of the artists profiled, read it anyway! For those of you who are Phyllis Hyman fans, this is a rare opportunity to finally find out more about her life--and tragic,untimely death. Excellent reading!!

Inconsistent
How the hell can you have a book about divas and not include Barbra Streisand, Cher, or Madonna? And Janet Jackson a diva? In her dreams maybe.

'Could be subtitled "The Lord of the sing(-ers)"
David Nathan KNOWS his R & B. For close to four decades, the book's author has been a contributor, in some way or another, to the production of over 500 albums of soul music. He has done countless interviews, provided liner notes for recordings, served as producer on several, and even done a little background singing. It is obvious that if anyone knows what a "diva" truly is, David Nathan is that man.
"The Soulful Divas" covers the recording careers of the ladies profiled with little snippets of their non-professional beginnings, as well as individual highs and lows. However, it's these little "peeks" into the artists' characters that make the book such a fascinating read.

Not meaning to reveal much of the text, there are many little known facts reported in each profile. Each of the women has experienced her share of failed romantic relationships, legal battles with recording companies, perceived public opinions, peaks and valleys in album sales, and personal tragedies.

Most tragic of all showcased within the pages of the expose is the late Phyllis Hyman, a diva in every sense of the word. Like Nathan, I am a fan of hers, also, and her untimely demise still brings a lump in my throat.

But, the chapter on Millie Jackson is a welcome find. Jackson is the only diva profiled that is not represented in my musical library, save for a duet album with Isaac Hayes. However, after reading about the singer's body of work, as well as her down-to-earth and honest demeanor, I think that this is about to change.

I am curious about a certain "expletive deleted" symphony that she composed.

Note for the author: The next time around, include Patti Austin in volume two.