Sophisticated ladies : the great women of jazz

This handsome volume contains the stories of fourteen fabulous women, blues and jazz singers all. Their art reflected their backgrounds--often small, poverty-ridden towns in the South--and the influence of musicians who preceded them. Each singer adapted the culture of jazz and wove it into her own personal style. Jazz historian Leslie Gourse's biographies of Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Mildred Bailey, Mabel Mercer, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Rosemary Clooney, Cassandra Wilson, and Diana Krall offer a fascinating glimpse into American history and a continually evolving musical genre.

Bessie Smith : the blues -- Ethel Waters : stormy weather -- Mildred Bailey : sweet and pure -- Mabel Mercer : talking a song -- Billie Holiday : matchless lady day-- Ella Fitzgerald : simply the best -- Anita O'Day : swinging style -- Peggy Lee : all there is -- Dinah Washington : gospel and blues -- Sarah Vaughan : pure sass -- Betty Carter : pure jazz -- Rosemary Clooney : everybody's singer -- Cassandra Wilson : soulful and sensual -- Diana Krall : in the classic mode.