A most unusual book, for it has it all: Roots and history of American music as originated in the cotton fields of colonial America to what is going on today on stage in New York, Paris and London, the best and worst female cabaret and Jazz singers, la crème de la crème of musicians and hottest gossip in town. You will never put this book down. It is exciting, funny, refreshing and yet authoritative. The author is an authority in the field. He wrote on entertainment for twenty years and interviewed mega stars around the world, starting with Omar Sharif, Simone Signoret, Marlene Deitrich and ending with Amanda McBroom, Marlene VerPlanck, Sarita Montiel and Celia Cruz.

This is an enormous book of 722 pages packed with information, stories, CDs reviews, rating of singers and chanteuses, gossip, tips to chanteuses and singers on how to become a Cabaret Star, how to dress up, how to become famous, and above all what to do and what to avoid on stage. In that context, Entertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then and Now becomes an essential and indispensable reference material and companion to divas and starlets alike. You will learn a lot from reading this book. You may not agree with de Lafayette's frank, candid and sometimes arrogant viewpoints, but most certainly you will enjoy reading each page of the book. There is no question, this is the best and most authoritative book on Jazz and Cabaret ever published.

WHY MARLENE VERPLANCK ON THE COVER

The photo on the cover generated hot debates and steamy gossip. American first lady of Smooth Jazz, Marlene Verplanck graced the cover of this huge book. Some peers were delighted to see Verplanck on the cover, others got furious, let's say in plain English "Jealous". De Lafayette told Stars Illustrated:  "Ms. Verplanck was my first choice, because she is the best of the best in the business. She has superb stage presence, the technique, experience, repertoire, know-how, magnificent voice and authentic Jazz and American Standards repertoire. For God sake what else do you need to be a super diva, and what else do you require from a singer to take the lead? She is perfect for the cover. Marlene Verplanck fits the bill." Anyway, anyhow, read the book, get a copy, you will enjoy every chapter of it. This is the best book of the season....on Jazz and Cabaret, of course.

Valerie Constand, Staff writer