Books like Diana Ross by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Marian Anderson, groundbreaking African‑American contralto and civil‑rights advocate, is chronicled from her humble beginnings to her historic Metropolitan Opera debut and lasting impact on social justice.

"'You ain't nothing but a hound dog' ... with these words shouted into the microphone she will always be remembered: Big Mama Thornton. Who is this woman who sang the megahit 'Hound dog' before Elvis Presley and who wrote 'Ball & chain,' the song that catapulted Janis Joplin to sudden fame? The story begins with her first musical attempts in the Hot Harlem Revue as a girl of 14 and follows her career until her untimely death at age 57 in 1984"--from publisher.

John F. Szwed’s biography of Billie Holiday draws on decades‑old new documents to trace how the legendary African‑American jazz singer’s life shaped her voice, her music, and her lasting legacy.

Aretha Franklin’s life and career, from gospel prodigy to Queen of Soul, is recounted through exclusive interviews, detailing her landmark 1967 hit "Respect," personal trials, and enduring influence on music and culture.

A virtual album of BeBe Winans' treasured memories of his friend and "sister," Whitney Houston. In the years between the first time BeBe Winans and Whitney Houston met in 1985, to the day he delivered the tribute that touched a watching nation at Houston's funeral, a deep and unique friendship bloomed and thrived. They considered each other family in the truest sense of the word. Now this very personal collection of remembrances offers us a seat at the table during Whitney's most unguarded moments. Here we see her in all her quirky, passionate, fiercely loyal glory though the eyes of her "brother", BeBe. For most of her public life, Whitney Houston was a mystery. In The Whitney I Knew, Winans has given us a wonderful gift---the gift of understanding. From profoundly moving personal moments to eye-opening accounts of triumph to the heartbreaking realities that led to her ultimate defeat, the untold stories are intimately woven throughout this book---along with online video links to behind-the-scenes moments, highlights of her career, and never-before-seen video of Whitney. Also included is an extensive photo section from BeBe's personal collection.

The Voice That Challenged a Nation is an award‑winning biography of Marian Anderson, the celebrated African‑American contralto whose 1939 debut at the Lincoln Memorial became a turning point in civil‑rights history.

A detailed history of Motown Records, chronicling its founders, major artists, and enduring influence on American music and the sound recording industry.