Reviews (2)

Gloria started the disco phenomenon, the book ignores this.
I bought I Will Survive, the book, with sincere enthusiasm. I wanted to know everything about how this legend started the entire disco scene, afterall she was/is the very first disco queen. And whilst the book provides the reader with a good insight into Gloria's religious convictions and all the many challenges that success and plain old life has sent her way, the book doesn't seem to capture the excitement that the great lady caused around the world with her pioneering disco beat. Frankly, I was left feeling a little let down by the time I reached the end of the book. If anyone is best placed to write the definitive book about the 70's disco scene, it is Gloria Gaynor. I hope she will have another go, because whilst disco was condemned by many in its day (they were jealous), the music has since become highly respected and sought after over the years. I love you Gloria Gaynor, you are my idol, but please 'dish the dirt' on disco in your next book (now there's some encouragement)and tell us a lot more about what went on behind the scenes. I Will Survive, thanks to you. Love always, Vernal Scott, London, UK. 6.10.99

Personal insight to a highly sensitive individual
Having met Gloria and her husband, Linwood, the book pieced the entire puzzle together. A surprising love story that truly sustained thick and thin.

I have realized a new found respect for this couple. Not in their sucess and the legendary status of Gloria Gaynor, but in how very "normal" they are as people, just like us. ... Read more

Book Description

A superbly illustrated, in-depth examination of the stories, events, places, and characters that inspired the songs of the Talking Heads, arguably the most significant band to emerge from the late-'70s New York punk scene based around CBGB's club. Led by guitarist-vocalist David Byrne, the band enjoyed major chart success on both sides of the Atlantic with infectious, incendiary singles like "Road to Nowhere," "Psycho Killer," and "Once in a Lifetime." During their influential seventeen-year career, Talking Heads assembled a body of raw yet intellectual rock music second to none. Then this year, having vowed to never work together again, the four original Heads reconvened and played live when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ian Gittins has written about music and popular culture for fifteen years for such varied publications as Melody Maker, Q, The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Time Out, MTV, and the New York Times. He lives in London, England. ... Read more

Book Description

A biography of the Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Mariah Carey. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A TOTAL MARIAH CAREY FAN!
THIS BOOK WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME,IT HAD HARDLY ANY INFO,ALTHOUGH IT DID A GOOD PICTURES THEY WERE IN BLACK AND WHITE,I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE.

I loved this book!
This book was so great! I love Mariah and I loved reading her life story in this book. After I picked it up and started reading it, I didn't want to put it down! Definitely the book for anyone who wants to know more about Mariah Carey!

THE LAST OF HER KIND
I have read the book and I have come to realize that she's one EXTRAORDINARY woman, gifted with a golden voice and heart. Now, that's what you call a TRUE DIVA!

Mariah "DIVA" Carey
This book was fabulous. I wish she'd make an auto-biography. I love Mariah Carey soooooooo much [as in a role modle type way]. Mariah has such a beautiful voice; and it could blow anyone away, she is a great person, and she is so beautiful. I am so determined to become a diva, just like her, but with my own style.~* ... Read more

Reviews (10)

If you like Nick or Aaron this is a book for you.
This book has tons of info. on Nick and Aaron. And also all the Backstreet Boys. So if you are a Nick or Aaron fan you should buy this book.

The Book 4 Aaron Carter and Backstreet Boy lovers!
This book is great! It has all the info you need to know onAaron and Nick plus the Backstreet Boys! It has got pics, a quiz,facts (like, did you know Aaron nearly got killed and Nick is part Blackfoot Indian)plus all of their biographies! I fyou're a Aaron or Backstreet fan, get out and get this!

More of a BSB fan's Book
Matt Netter has an interesting style that draws the reader in, because he describes events as if he were right there. Take, for example, describing one of ten-year-old Aaron's concerts. You feel like you're right there.

That said, I don't really think that this book should be Backstreet AND Aaron. Although Aaron highlights the front and back cover, there's only 3 chapters out of 16 dedicated to Aaron. That's understood, since he was just turning eleven when the book was being published, but all the same, I think Backstreet Boys (feat. bonus info on Aaron) would be a better description of this book. The information that is on Aaron is common knowledge told over and over again in the likes of Bop! and Superteen!.

But as far as the (majority) part on the BSB, this was a very informative book. Even for a long-time fan, it may provide some new facts for you. ALbeit, this book is outdated, but I find it fun to go back and reread it, even five years after I got it.

Basically: Great book for a BSB fan or beginner Aaron fan.

bsb and aaron
bsb and aaron are the best thing you can put together they are just the best i love them daily.

Backstreet Boys*Aaron Carter
This book has tons of awesome facts that are really interesting!And adorable pictures of Kevin Richardson, Howie D. Dorough, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean, Nicky Carter, and Aaron Carter!I couldn't put it down! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful pictures unseen elsewhere
Book is printed professionally, just like the pictures. You will find over 100 pictures of Céline Dion, sometimes with stars like Carole King, David Foster and Peabo Bryson. Captions are succinct without needless verbose descriptions. I particularly like the last few pictures which were taking more recently as Céline truely looked much better in. Not to say she's ugly when she was young, but in fact she has grown to look more sophisticated and elegant. One of the most celebrated of our modern artists... Perhaps one look at her you'll know what her vocals are made of :o) Buy the book! It's worth more than US$7.99.

It was great!!!!
Thsi book is terrific. It has great pictures of Celine, and any fan of hers would buy it!!

This Book is the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK if u r a Celine fan as big as me get this book it is so good! It told some interesting facts and the pictures i had never seen any so cool. Don't take my word for it just buy it it is well worth the money and the wait to recieve it. this is the best book i have EVER read!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

#1 ND fan
I love No Doubt so much and i wouldnt even care if this book wasn't good(though it was very good) cuz i love anything to do with ND. I think the author portrayed the story of their lives very well and in ok detial. As other reviews say, it could have had more detail but it's all good, i was just so happy to find another book about them!!!!!!!!! I do recommend this book to people who are true fans of No Doubt or people that want to be true fans of no doubt. I just wish there were more books and stuff about them cuz they are an amazing band!!!!!

No Doubt
I got this book in 1997 and I didnt know a lot about No Doubt and it taught me some stuff that I didnt know about No Doubt so I think you should get it if your a new No Doubt fan.

The Story of No Doubt
This book was great it explained a lot of things you didn't know about the greatest band on earth.....NO DOUBT! if you are a die hard fan like me you would know a lot of the facts, but you still will learn new things about this great band. I LOVE the pics. They are so colorful and big. There are some when they are performing live and some when they are just hanging out. It's very detailed and well put together. So if you are a no doubt fan this is a great book to add to your collection.

The Hobbit
I found this book tedious because the author went into page of detail on just about everything that happened

NO Doubt rulezzzzzzzzzzz!
the book could have had more detail but it was good im like no doubts #1 FAN so i knew alot of stuff that was in the book and i think no doubt should make a new CD cause i have all there CDs and i want to hear more cool songs from them! ... Read more

Book Description

Their albums enter the charts at #1. Fans follow them around the country, soaking up the incredible energy of their sold-out live concerts. From gigging at an Earth Day celebration and more frat parties than anyone can remember, Dave Matthews and his phenomenal band have electrified rock 'n' roll America. Now a music industry insider takes you to the heart of the Dave Matthews Band -- their meteoric rise to superstardom and the most extensive listing ever published of their tours and smash recordings, including the bootlegs that the band encourages.

Charlottesville, Virginia, 1991: Dave Matthews meets and jams with drummer Carter Beauford, bassist Stefan Lessard, saxophonist Leroi Moore, and violinist Boyd Tinsley. The band tours extensively for the next two years and puts out the self-released live album, Remember Two Things. Their enthusiastic grass-roots following in the Southeast and groove-ridden jams earn them a major label deal with RCA Records and the release of Under the Table and Dreaming, giving fans two smash hits and garnering a pair of Grammy nominations. But it is the heartfelt ballad "Crash Into Me" from their third album, Crash, that vaults them into the alternative-rock mainstream. Superb critical acclaim for their fourth bestselling set, Before These Crowded Streets, lands Dave on the cover of Spin, dubbed "the King of Rock."

Through interviews with close associates, collaborators, tour mates, and friends, along with a complete discography and "gigography" (the definitive list of all the band's phenomenal live shows), this book takes you inside the Dave Matthews universe. This multiracial quintet's unique mix of jazz, blue-eyed funk, world rhythms, and sensitive lyricism speaks to people across generations. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Very Informative
I am a huge DMB fan. I am from Hampton, Va. which is about two and one-half hours from Charlottesville, Va. where this all started, and I think people around here are starting to get an idea of what a great band this is! This book covered everything about the band. The interviews that were included in the writing were very nicely added by Mr. Martell and they flowed with the rest of the story that he was telling. I found out things about Dave and the rest of the band that I probably wouldn't have anywhere else. From the background of all the members of the band, to explaining the meanings of the songs, and what Dave and the band had in their minds when writing them. To all of the web sites mentioned and the list of all the CDs with all the songs listed too. If you are a huge DMB fan like myself and you want to get more inside info on the band I strongly recommend this book! I also strongly recommend seeing DMB in concert! It is well worth it because it is the best show around from the best entertainers around! Enjoy! I did and still do!

Must Read if you are a DMB fan
I really enjoyed this particular DMB book, it gave a lot of insight and clarity in the personal lives of the members. I learned a lot about how much it took so that DMB is a core-player in todays music scene. I also liked how Nevin Martell gave the dates of concerts, cd history, cover songs, special appearances, and great pictures of the band members, just an overall good book. You should definatly get this book!

Horrible Book
Being a fan of The Dave Matthews Band, I purchased this book hoping to find out more insight to the backgound about the band. I was surprised to find many inaccuracies. One would think that they would check the facts before pulishing it. If you want accurate information of the Dave Matthews Band than I would suggest you read "Step Into the Light".

Decent Book but definatly nothing special
This book gave very good insight into the history of the Dave Matthews Band, and especially Dave Matthews. The things I did not like about the book is that the author tries to emphasize the it is an entire band, but he focuses most of his writing on Dave himself. The author also uses very few primary sources for his history. Everything he writes about is taken from previous interviews with the band and other magazines or television shows. The author should have atleast had a personal interview and shared some of his own thoughts.

Great for the new DMB Groupie
This book is a great book for the fan that has recently become enchanted with the unique and exquisite sound of the Dave Matthews Band. It includes biographies on the entire band, including the story of how they all came together. Find out how Dave, a native of S. America, moved to the U.S. permenately after being served papers to join the S. African army. The back of the book is the most useful, listing every album, every gig, and also micellaneous covers that the band has played throughout the years. The only down-side to this book is its redundancy. Throughout the chapters, every song is listed with it's length in time. Basically, every chapter reads like the last. On the positive, the book gives the stories behind nearly ever song. A must have for the TRUE DMB fan. ... Read more

Book Description

The explosive New York Times bestseller-- Madonna

From motherless child to wife and mother, from "boy toy" to fiercely independent diva, Madonna is one of the most remarkable women of our time. With a career that spans two decades and ranges from the scandalous to the transcendent, she is a bigger phenomenon than ever. But who is the private woman behind the public image?

Andrew Morton, whose #1 New York Times bestsellers about Princess Diana and Monica Lewinsky have proven his ability to gain access to insiders who won't talk to anyone else, answers that question in this decidedly unauthorized new biography. Morton's extensive, in-depth interviews with members of Madonna's inner circle-- lovers, friends, and business connection, many of whom have never spoken out before-- allow him to go beyond the carefully constructed myths to unmask the real Madonna. Andrew Morton is able to make startling revelations, among them the real story of Madonna's family background; the events behind the violent attack that changed her views on sex and men; her relationships with Michael Jackson, Prince, John F. Kennedy Jr., Vanilla Ice, and other rock and Hollywood stars; the mystery man she wanted to marry; and the darkest days of her career when she threatened to quit show business. In this fascinating, richly detailed biography, Andrew Morton reveals Madonna in an entirely new light.

With 16 pages of photographs
... Read more

Reviews (29)

Even-handed and relatively informative
Morton writes in a pretty straightforward journalistic style about Madonna's life from childhood through to her marriage to Guy Ritchie. As a fan but not an expert on Madonna, I found the book to be very informative, particularly about her early years in NYC. I enjoyed reading about her relationships with people like the Gilroy brothers, and up until reading this book did not realize the extent of her days in NY, for example, that she had played gigs at Max's Kansas City. The info comes off as being very fair to Madonna in terms of her drive and her progress. She is often portrayed as a heartless climber, but Morton paints the picture of a bright personality who is extremely energetic, motivated, and also loving and caring, even if she does crave the spotlight and need to be the center of attention. The book is more telling about her than the typical Madonna mythology we so often hear. He details her generosity with certain friends, and with AIDS charities, her struggle to make her first marriage work, while also citing incidents of cheapness and bitchiness. Also interesting are the descriptions of her various business ventures, and her non-stop work ethic which spills over into every aspect of her life, from songwriting to running six miles and then working out with weights for an hour. My criticism is that, around the 3/4 point, Morton jumps back and forth a bit erratically in time after his initial description of the birth of Lourdes and the making of Evita. Up until that point, the format was chronological. The content of the book, including Morton's analysis of Madonna's personality, makes for a good bio despite the minor flaws of format.

Thorough and engaging, if not so well written...
As a loyal Madonna fan, I tried to resist buying the book, but I gave in. Though Morton's writing is weak, his subject is interesting enough to propel the book. Although it has been criticized for not really containing anything new, it is thorough (delving into Madonna's family history on both sides) and insightful. Morton has a tendency to analyze his subjects as if they were mental cases, and he does this to Madonna throughout the novel. His findings, however, are nothing new; Madonna needs attention, and Madonna needs to mother and be mothered. Nonetheless, the book is readable and insightful, and gives the best look that the public has seen so far at the woman behind the persona. Morton has done his detective work, and done it well, his findings giving some insight into the complexities that make the world watch Madonna.

Interesting approach; average execution
Andrew Morton's approach to describing the Madonna phenomenon is interesting in that he attempts to uncover what are the motivations that drive Madonna. I think he succeeds in that -- talking about her drive and insecurity. The book is an interesting read, however it falls short of puting Madonna in a broader perspective -- as a fascinating creation of American culture, as an entrepreneur and one of the notable pop music stars of the late 20th century. Other than her earnings and desire for control, Morton spends little time on the business aspects of Madona's success, which is no less fascinating than her musical accomplishments.

...
This book is so poorly written it's shocking. I lost count of the factual errors, there were at least one on every page. Many of the dates and "facts" are erroneous, he places her in Miami for Thanksgiving 1993 when in fact she was in Australia on tour. One of his so-called 'sources', ex-boyfriend Jimmy Albright, is shown in a photograph with Madonna but guess what? It's not him, it's one of her dancers from the Blond Ambition Tour. If he can make such an obvious mistake like that then how much of the rest of the book are you supposed to believe?

His psyhcoanalysis of Madonna is tiresome to say the least. How can he make such judgments about her character having never met her?

Wait for Madonna's own memoirs.

Some interesting bits, but mostly boring...
I only found a few bits of things that were interesting in this book. But most of the things written in this book are things that any Madonna fan will already be well aware of, and it's telling that the things I found interesting in this book were largely chunks of Madonna interviews that Mr. Morton had just re-published (note: they were not interviews the Mr. Morton had conducted with Madonna, rather they were interviews from magazines, etc.), as well as bits from others' articles about Madonna. That's the problem with unauthorized biographies, they have to resort to a lot of "gleaning" from other sources. I would suggest just going to the sources themselves, which any Madonna fan can do by buying magazines with her interviews, etc.

Andrew Morton's writing is rather uninteresting and dry. In his biographies of Lady Di and Monica Lewinsky, he at least had the cooperation of the subjects. Madonna was in no way affiliated with this book's preparation. Maybe some day she will write her own autobiography. Until then, we will probably have to endure many misinterpretations of Madonna, as I believe this book really misinterprets her. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn all about the highs and lows of Kylie's journey to stardom. A pint-sized pop queen, Kylie has sold millions of records worldwide and continues to be an object of fascination for both men and women from around the globe.From her suburban childhood in Melbourne through the Eighties pop stardom to the "indie" phase and a recent return to the classic disco pop, this is the chronicle of a performer with real staying power. Covering Kylie's relationships with Jason Donovan, Michael Hutchence and James Gooding, this is both a personal biography and look at her style changes from her quite unique career. ... Read more

Book Description

Sinatra: A Tribute is an all-encompassing aural portrait of Francis Albert Sinatra's life, from the beginning of his career to his death.A performer of international renown, Frank Sinatra was one of the most potent figures of popular culture, changing the face of music history and defining style for years to come.

Sinatra: A Tribute includes:

Book Description

A combined edition, for the first time, of two autobiographies by Cantor,My Life is in your Hands(1928, with David Freedman) and Take my Life(1957, with Jane Kesner Ardmore). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Eddie Cantor in His Own Words!
Eddie Cantor was a larger-than-life musical comedian in the first half of the twentieth century who made a splash on Broadway and in the Goldwyn Musicals of the 1930's. If you want to hear about old-time showbiz straight from the mouth of someone who lived it, seasoned with intimate memoirs, you've got to check these books out. What's more, you get two for the price of one!

Eddie Cantor has done it agian!
Eddie Cantor is truly a great comedian! The two new autobiographies that were just released; you hear Eddie's story about how he got in to show business, his sucess's and also failures. This is a wonderful book and I would advise it to any Cantor fan. ... Read more

Book Description

For the first time, New York Times bestselling biographer Anne Edwards tells the story-behind-the-story of the legendary Barbra Streisand, revealing the inner demons that have driven her career -- and shaped her tumultuous personal life. Based on interviews with more than 140 ofStreisand's friends, family, lovers, associates, and enemies -- many of whom go on the record for the first time -- Streisand takes you on a revelatory journey, from her Brooklyn beginnings to the controversies surrounding her latest movie, The Mirror Has Two Faces. Through it all, we come to know the real Barbra Streisand as we've never known her before. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Lovingly Documented and Well Researched Biography
I just finished Anne Edwards' biography of Streisand- in one day, and I am not even a fan of the woman. However, viewing Streisand through Edwards' eyes makes the reader root for the insecure teenager, the "homely" girl from Brooklyn, who despite a disturbing lack of support which started with her own mother's criticism of her career choice- managed to blast into world superstardorm as a Broadway headliner, bestselling recording artist and director, producer and star of her own Hollywood movies. She was a little girl who bought into the fantasy of movies- and was placed in the unique position to create fantasy herself, thanks to what Edwards calls her "chuptzah"- a winning mixture of charm, impossibly high standards, and absolute artistic control over every venture she undertakes. Edwards paints Streisand in bold strokes-quite subtly, with her warts and all. The reader may feel unsatisfied though, because although we get a thorough profile of Streisand the performer and businesswoman, it is still Barbra-the-human-being that is elusive. More insight into her relationship with her son, Jason (who happens to be gay) would have been in order. Regardless of these shortcomings- Edwards' biography triumphs as a beautifully written portrait of a wonderfully multi dimensional woman.

Edwards' Failure
In order to be fair I read this book twice. I adore Babs--I live my life to be like hers; I want my resonance to sympathize with her resonance. I want people to spend time with me and to think that they have really been in the company of Babs. Or at least AS IF they had been in her company--I want to leave a similar impression. I really really really do. I approached this book in much the same way. I wanted to think that this book was in Babs' library. Instead, if anything, Edwards' treatment locates this book not in her library but perhaps in her pantry--right between that canned vegatable that the previous owners left behind and the cantalope pie tin. Edwards' doesn't get Babs' main rhetorical mechanism--of putting the world on the defensive to protect her from her own defensiveness. Edward's BUYS INTO Babs' mechanisms rather than calling them out. In a sense, Edwards argues for the grandeur of the Emperor's new clothes. I give it 5 stars because, as the other reviews attest, her fans want to be duped. Hence, I celebrate 5-star stupidity.

An innocent child? Or a flustered fool?
I read Edwards' rendition of Streisand on a full stomach--indeed, had I eaten one more bite, I would have choked in a way that would have repulsed the most sea-tested sailor. Perhaps it was this context--a context at once full and barren--that allowed me to plunge into Streisand's persona with such plodding, cautious, phobic zeal. Would this book answer the main question: is Babs a hapless victim; is she an innocent child; or is she an immature hapless brat whose very own defensiveness results entirely in her tireless attempts to put others on the defensive in her presence? Once you are certain the world revolves around you, to put others on the defensive is your only resort when an unnamed discomfort disturbs your fragile psyche--when for a passing moment the reality that you are not as great as you think you are dares manifest itself; and you, with just slightly greater impetus, dare not see it for what it is really is: a truth that threatens the (necessary) house of cards that you --and your adoring lemmings--call reality. Edwards' treatment here sidesteps these questions by becoming a literary lemming. Her introduction and her conclusion are like two pies on a ledge of a house: screaming the warning "don't jump around or the pies may tip over and fall!" Edwards is a fan. That is why this book is so excellent. She loves Babs. I do. You do. Babs does. Andre does. Our president does. Buy the book and share it with your OWN Babs. Cross the line. To make a connection. A Streisand Connection.

Fantastic.
Barabra Streisand. She is one of the most fantastic ladies ever to walk this earth. This Biography is Fantastic. I love it.

Filled with fun facts but the end falls short
After reading, Edwards book on the famous singer, I found that Edwards has definately done her homework. There were many interesting and fun facts and factlets about Barbra's life and, especially, the people in them. However, the last few chapters fall apart and I couldn't help but wonder what the big rush seemed to be in not paying as close attention to detail as Edwards had early on in Barbra's life. Clearly, she holds Streisand in high regard, since Edwards presents her life as if she is one of her biggest fans. The book opens with the Las Vegas concerts and ends about 5 years after, giving the reader no sense of closure. A flaw in writing the biography of a person who's story isn't over yet. ... Read more

Book Description

'They became so successful, so quickly,that none of us were prepared for it.' - Suzanne de Passe, Motown RecordsWhat can be said about Michael Jackson, that hasn't already been said? Yes so much of what is written about Michael is either inaccurate or negative.The aim of this book is to tell Michael's incredible story as accurately, honestly and comprehensively as possible by focusing on hi music. The book includes a complete, chronological listing of every album (including track listings), one-off singles and collaborations Michael released in the USA and/or UK:In the pre-Motown eraFor Motown, solo and with the Jackson 5With the JacksonsThe book also features a complete USA and UK chartography, discographies from both the USA and the UK, a videography and a fascinating listing of Jackson rarities from around the world. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

really strong Book
this is really cool a book that covers early MJ&His Career&whatnot.this Book does a Great job of refelcting on the artistic side of MJ&going over His work.also a Great reflection on Jermaine,Tito,Marlon,Jackie&later Randy.it's about time the real reason why people got into MJ is mentioned&showcased fr more here with this book.

MJJ The Early Years
Any fan of Michael of any age is perfect for this book. Full of very rare stories of each album, and photos. Pure heart and soul of one man from a child to growing, but fully grown. Get a view of Michael we don't ever see anymore. From the J5 to solo with his bros, to acting as a man of his own in Epic. A true and beautiful book.

The Jackson Machine
Michael Joseph Jackson has made milions smile with his voice, passion and love, but what a lot of people don't know is where his roots of love come from. Michael is a man of soul, way back with the legendary Jackson 5.
With the book MJ The Early Years, it captavates Michael from way before Steeltown, to Steeltown, Motown, Jackson's, and every album and song that help led up to who Michael is today. Many unheard of people are discovered in this amazing book. I urge you to give it a try! You will love it, and most of all: It will place you in a state of shock!

The Jackson Machine
Michael Jackson the Early Years: An incredible book! The very first in a long time to tell you just where Michael came from. MJ The Early Years, paints you a picture of the Jackson household, telling you the ever lasting story of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.Remember Dancing Machine, I Want You Back, Ben? Well these are all here with the stories to back them up! You think you know so many things about Michael, and how the J5 started... You don't until reading this book. I dare YOU to try it.

Michael Jackson More Than A Thriller
At last a book covering Michael Jackson's early days, both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of The Jackson 5. Not only are Jackson's many recordings with Motown covered, but there is also fascinating account of his humble beginnings from Gary Indiana to Steeltown Records where is first ever recordings were produced. Rounding the main chapters off is a section on The Jacksons, who enjoyed success themselves after leaving Motown in 1975.

Written in an entertaining format, each album is taken individually with an appropriate essay of the period, covering facts, single releases and chart information. All this with additional material on unreleased recordings, a comprehensive discography, chartography, videography and an exclusive Jackson poll.

The last decade or so as seen the media concentrate more on Jackson's eccentricities than his prolific singer/songwriter credits. One glance at Michael Jackson The Early Years reminds everyone that Jackson's career spans a lot further than Off The Wall and Thriller, and if anything puts him up there with all of the universally recognised greats such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Any fan of Jackson or of popular music, interested in what makes a legend should look no further than this book, as it covers the backbone of an industrious career. ... Read more

Book Description

Perhaps the most important female entertainer of the last two decades, Madonna Louise Ciccone has led a fascinating life. This is her story. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

How Madonna Rises To The Top
Mark Bergo's updated edition -Blonde Ambition- book will guide you from Madonna's early beginnings all the way until the year 2000. The author takes you on a chronological timetable to help you learn more about how Madonna climbed to the top by describing the people she met, the choices she made, the ups & downs, her contributions, and how she dealt with it all.

What I most enjoyed was how he described all the different albums, movies, plays, concerts, and videos including their release date, success in the charts, and ratings-- The appendix also has a list of her albums, films, videos, concerts, plays, and movies to enjoy or gain knowledge of. There are great descriptions of all her producers, lovers, friends, childhood acquaintances, Hollywood contacts, grandparents, and family members.

There is even a picture of Mark Bergo on the inside of the book, which shows Madonna and him talking. There are other photos from her childhood, daily life, screen playing, films (A Certain Sacrifice), performances, videos, meeting with fans, posing with Jellybean Benitez, concerts, movies (Desperately Seeking Susan), pose with Sean Penn, with ex-Beatle George Harrison, paparazzi fight, a day with 1 of her trainers, a pose with Sandra Bernhard, "The L* Kiss", Madonna as Marie Antoinette, and other AIDS benefit events.

From all the books I've read I found this one to have a very nice description of Madonna--although making her look a bit too calculating and manipulating at times. There are lots of descriptions about how she was introduced into the music business, the struggles she underwent to be heard, and how she came up with her songs. Her collaborators were also mentioned as well as many of her close friends who died of AIDS. There are times in the book where you can sense Madonna's emotions, sorrows of her mother's sad death, struggles raising her brothers and sisters, conflicts with her step mother, fights with her dad, and even personal accounts of her first boyfriend.

There was a lot of stories on Sean Penn to make the reader know just how much Madonna was in love during that 3rd making of her album "True Blue". There were plenty of accounts on her different affairs throughout her life but not gory or scandalous like other books I've read. The author maintains professionalism, class, and quality. Guy Ritchie was only mentioned in the last chapter very briefly. This would be a great book for someone who isn't too familiar with Madonna. Already fans will enjoy this as an added compliment to there already collection of popular books. I like how the author ends saying, "Singer, actress, record company president, erotic sex goddess, mother, spiritual guru, and media icon, she never seems to tire of astounding the public." Excellent buy and highly recommendable!

**Note: There were a few spelling errors and 1 wrong year date (release of Like A Virgin says 1994 instead of 1984 in the appendix) on this book but it doesn't change the fact it was a fantastic purchase.

Pretty detailed information about Maddie
If you are a Madonna fan, you already know most of what you'll read in here regarding Madonna's career history, but the material is presented in a nice, chonological format that makes for a good night of reading.

I think that the author must be a little "square" of a person, given such mistakes as the misspelling of Charles Barkley's last name (here, he spells it "Barclay"). I'm no basketball fan, or sports fan for that matter, but I picked up on that error right away.

In his updated editorial since the original printing, he seems to have soured his attitude towards Madonna. He is a lot harsher on her, and makes her every career move since the Like a Prayer era to be calculated and cynical.

There were a couple of items of Madonna trivia here that I didn't know, but I'll let you find that out for yourselves.

All things considered, this is a worthwhile read for a Madonna fan. ... Read more

Book Description

Quotes from the woman hailed as the voice of the 80s. "Do you really think I’m a material girl? I’m not." ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not quite 5 ****
Well, I rec'd this book and began reading. I didn't realize the entire book was quotes from the actress herself, which don't get me wrong, being the strong Madonna fan that I am, is great; however I was expecting a little more I think. The pictures are good, but not some of the best pics I've seen her in. So, the pics could have been better and a little more words, maybe not from the actress herself, A nice collector's piece I guess.

Love or Loath Her you always find yourself listening
one thing about Madonna then as now She has never been lost with words on People,Places,&things.She has always had something to say on everything&everyone.I applaud Her for being Herself no matter what.interesting quotes through the years from her.

Slim read, but interesting for old quotes.
Madonna, someone who rarely minces her words, has become quite the quotable legand. She's not choosey, really, as this book samples from interviews and suchlike and chunks them together in different sections. Ultimately, it's a fun read because Madonna is a fun person to hear opinions from, whether you agree with them or not. As an added incentive, the last few pages give those Mo talks about, a chance to talk back. Some can get pretty mean, but Madonna gets mean right back.

Good
This book is interesting to read because you get to see Madonna's commentary on many subjects. She's one of those people that you're never quite sure if she means what she says or if she's just trying to cause a commotion with her words, and in that sense reading Madonna in her own words was an interesting time. ... Read more

Book Description

IT'S A SOUL THING

Lauryn Hill is the mighty force behind a hip-hop revolution. Her critically acclaimed solo debut album has sold millions of copies, earned her 5 Grammys, and placed her in the heart of the millennium's musical landscape.

The performer who is single-handedly rescripting the role of women in hip-hop is also one of the most intriguing people in music today. After singing her way through elementary school and junior high, she teamed up with buddies Wyclef and Pras to form the Fugees. Lauryn's searing vocals on the track "Killing Me Softly" became a defining sound of the '90s. But it is her poise, drive, and strength of character that propelled Lauryn to the top. HEART OF SOUL details her childhood and the family that shaped her, the life-changing experiences she had touring with the Fugees while still a teen, and the inspiring role her two children played in her skyrocketing solo career.

Lauryn Hill is a resounding success as a singer, an actress, and the voice of a generation. Now HEART OF SOUL takes you inside the dazzling world of this beautiful, amazing woman!
... Read more