This wonderful book pays tribute to the lives of early song innovators Bessie Smith, Billie Holliday, Mildred Bailey, Ethel Waters, and the first lady of song Ella Fitzgerald. It also tells a different story about special song star Josephine Baker. Special chapters include legendary Frankie Laine's personal tribute to many big band singers he has known; band leader Warren Covington's historical account of the pied pipers singing group who once backed Frank Sinatra and Connie Haines; and world-famous disc jockey Al 'Jazzbeaux' Collins recollection of his legendary fables of the purple grotto. There are special segments honoring all of the known big band song stars, and even a list of those not so well-known. Richard Grudens provides a special insight into the lives of the song stars and provides over 60 exceptional photos to enrich your reading pleasure.