New Books

SHOWBIZ, PIONEERS, BEST SINGERS, MUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS FROM 1606 TO THE PRESENT
By Ruth Sielberg, London Monthly Herald, Staff Writer

LONDON-With great interest I read the 3 previous volumes of the World Who’s Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment. It is indeed a very informative and astonishing accomplishment, carefully and intelligently crafted by FAMSPA. The author, Dr. Maximillien de Lafayette deserves a lot of credits for this gigantic and meaningful effort. It will enrich the universal library of music and performing arts.

Miss Peggy Judy graced the front cover of Showbiz, Pioneers, Best Singers, Musicians and Entertainers from 1606 to the Present.

I was fortunate to receive a review copy of  "Showbiz, pioneers, best singers, musicians and entertainers from 1606 to the present," the Volume IV of the World Who's Who series. I could not put the book down. It is really amazing to learn about the wealth of the world of Jazz and cabaret, musical treasures hidden from many readers and the captivating secretive history of entertainment and underground music as illustrated by the author. This volume is a gold mine. The layout and design of the book are formidable. The contents overwhelming. The in-depth articles are astonishing; so many information, charts, biographies, comparative tables and substantial analyses. And as always, the covers of the volumes of the Who’s Who are splendid. This time, the front cover is more than striking. It is sublime, because the very expressive photo of the American diva Peggy Judy on the front cover is a knock out, a masterpiece. The background is mysterious, her face glowing like a goddess from Dante’s novel and her French Can Can outfit is beyond description. I was told, the mystique of showbiz and Hollywood golden era flair are part of the personality of Ms. Peggy Judy, and it shows very well. She is perfect for the cover.

Flip the book and you will be taken by the gallery of photos of wonderful singers from around the world. All are accomplished artists and enjoy the esteem of their peers. They are seven. Each one of the seven Jazz singers is a class act. Who are they? Here there are:

Ms. Zola

1-Zola who is originally from South Africa; she is an international singer with a multi-varied cultural background and the daughter of a comedy and theater star who performed at a Jewish Ghetto during the Nazi Occupation of Poland. Ms. Zola is an award-winning singer with many hits and first spots on international charts and music billboards.

The late Chayela Rosenthal on stage.

She comes from a musical family who produced 3 stars, her mother the late Chayela Rosenthal, her sister Navaa and of course Zola in person.

Continues