"A career in music ... is a calling with such a strong pull; you'd think a tide was sucking you under. It becomes an intense obsession of such great intensity that you can almost think of nothing else, it drives you with a fever and fervor."

In the early 70s, an idealistic young man - Brian Torff - arrived in New York to pursue his passion for music. During an excursion to Long Island, Brian found his dream instrument: a 1775 re-built Nicola Galliano bass.

Such was the beginning of a career that led Torff from Cafe Carlyle to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. He has toured worldwide with the greatest: from Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, George Shearing, and Erroll Garner to Stephane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, Mary Lou Williams, and Marian McPartland.

As Brian notes, "bass players do a lot of observing from the back of the bandstand." It is this supportive role that qualifies Torff to share his insight into jazz music, and its many personalities. Torff takes us beyond the music by adding depth with his vision of American music, and paints vivid portraits of the musicians with whom he played.

Torff's memoir is one of creativity, and determination mixed with timing, and plain good luck. His sharp narrative not only brings the legends of jazz to life, but reading about them here will certainly motivate you to add some music to your collection.

Miami, 1963. A young boy from Louisville, Kentucky, is on the path to becoming the greatest sportsman of all time. Cassius Clay is training in the 5th Street Gym for his heavyweight title clash against the formidable Sonny Liston. He is beginning to embrace the ideas and attitudes of Black Power, and firebrand preacher Malcolm X will soon become his spiritual adviser. Thus Cassius Clay will become 'Cassius X' as he awaits his induction into the Nation of Islam. Cassius also befriends the legendary soul singer Sam Cooke, falls in love with soul singer Dee Dee Sharp and becomes a remarkable witness to the first days of soul music. As with his award-winning soul trilogy, Stuart Cosgrove's intensive research and sweeping storytelling shines a new light on how black music lit up the sixties against a backdrop of social and political turmoil - and how Cassius Clay made his remarkable transformation into Muhammad Ali.

From Neal Gabler, the definitive portrait of one of the most important figures in twentieth-century American entertainment and cultural history.
Seven years in the making and meticulously researched--Gabler is the first writer to be given complete access to the Disney archives--this is the full story of a man whose work left an ineradicable brand on our culture but whose life has largely been enshrouded in myth.
Gabler shows us the young Walt Disney breaking free of a heartland childhood of discipline and deprivation and making his way to Hollywood. We see the visionary, whose desire for escape honed an innate sense of what people wanted to see on the screen and, when combined with iron determination and obsessive perfectionism, led him to the reinvention of animation. It was Disney, first with Mickey Mouse and then with his feature films--most notably "Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, "and "Bambi--"who transformed animation from a novelty based on movement to an art form that presented an illusion of life."
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We see him reimagine the amusement park with Disneyland, prompting critics to coin the word "Disneyfication" to describe the process by which reality can be modified to fit one's personal desires. At the same time, he provided a new way to connect with American history through his live-action films and purveyed a view of the country so coherent that even today one can speak meaningfully of "Walt Disney's America." We see how the True-Life Adventure nature documentaries he produced helped create the environmental movement by sensitizing the general public to issues of conservation. And we see how he reshaped the entertainment industry by building a synergistic empire that combined film, television, theme parks, music, book publishing, and merchandise in a way that was unprecedented and was later widely imitated.
Gabler also reveals a wounded, lonely, and often disappointed man, who, despite worldwide success, was plagued with financial problems much of his life, suffered a nervous breakdown, and at times retreated into pitiable seclusion in his workshop making model trains. Gabler explores accusations that Disney was a red-baiter, an anti-Semite, an embittered alcoholic. But whatever the characterizations of Disney's personal life, he appealed to the nation by demonstrating the power of wish fulfillment and the triumph of the American imagination. Walt Disney showed how one could impose one's will on the world.
This is a masterly biography, a revelation of both the work and the man--of both the remarkable accomplishment and the hidden life

Just after recording with John Coltrane in 1963, baritone singer Johnny Hartman (1923-1983) told a family member that "something special" occurred in the studio that day. He was right - the album, containing definitive readings of "Lush Life" and "My One and Only Love," resides firmly in the realm of iconic; forever enveloping listeners in the sounds of romance. In The Last Balladeer, author Gregg Akkerman skillfully reveals not only the intimate details of that album but the life-long achievements and occasional missteps of Hartman as an African-American artist dedicated to his craft. This book carefully follows the journey of the Grammy-nominated vocalist from his big band origins with Earl Hines and Dizzy Gillespie to featured soloist in prestigious supper clubs throughout the world. Through exclusive interviews with Hartman's family and fellow musicians (including Tony Bennett, Billy Taylor, Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, and others), accounts from friends and associates, newly discovered recordings and studio outtakes, and in-depth research on his career and personal life, Akkerman expertly recollects the Hartman character as a gentleman, romantic, family man, and constant contributor to the jazz scene. From his international concerts in Japan, Australia, and England to his steady presence as an American nightclub singer that spanned five decades, Hartman personifies the "last balladeer" of his kind, singing with a sentiment that captured the attention of Clint Eastwood, who brought Hartman's songs to the masses in the film The Bridges of Madison County. In the first full-length biography and discography to chronicle the rhapsodic life and music of Johnny Hartman, the author completes a previously missing dimension of vocal-jazz history by documenting Hartman as the balladeer who crooned his way into so many hearts. Backed by impeccable research but conveyed in a conversational style, this book will interest not only musicians and scholars but any fan of the Great American Songbook and the singers who brought it to life.

The story of The Wailers is a litany of betrayal and greed that's rarely been reported elsewhere. Written in collaboration with Family Man and other surviving members, "The Wailers' Story" reveals the truth behind the Marley legacy. The Wailers played with Bob Marley on all of his hit singles and albums - records that have sold an estimated 250 million copies worldwide, and established Marley himself as a cultural and musical icon. This book traces the early lives of the Barrett brothers before they joined Marley in the '60s and discusses how reggae artists like Lee 'Scratch' Perry influenced the band. It includes insider accounts of the assassination attempt on Marley's life and his exile in London. It examines how hits like 'Exodus', 'Waiting In Vain', 'No Woman No Cry', and 'I Shot The Sheriff' were made - songs that have helped change the face of popular music.

From Adolescence and Top Boy to So Solid Crew, Ashley Walters’ explosive on-screen performances and trailblazing music has always explored the same conflicting forces that have governed his life. Born and raised in Peckham, his father in and out of prison, Ashley found the gang culture in inner city London inescapable. At 15, he was stabbed in the neck and left for dead. At 18, he had a gun held to his head as he cradled his newborn son. At 20, he was sentenced to eighteen months in prison.

In this brave and inspiring book, Ashley opens up about his turbulent past. He writes candidly about his battles with identity, addiction, family and fame, and the realisation that, after years of struggle, only he could change his future.

‘Always Winning’ is the framework Ashley developed to turn his life around. Revealed for the first time in this book, explored through powerful stories from his life and career, he shares the principles of this philosophy and shows how anyone can use them to overcome their own challenges, helping them to align a true sense of purpose with inner happiness and personal success and fulfilment.

This memoir takes a look into the heart and mind of one man who suffers from schizoaffective and bipolar disorders.

Jeffrey Hochstedler's life has seen its share of twists and turns-a culmination of the many choices and decisions made at any one time. In this memoir, he shares revelations and meditations from events in his daily life and how these occurrences shaped the man he is today.

Written in diary format, "Forty Days from the Diary of a Delusional Man" illustrates how his mind thinks, feels, and perceives. He reveals details from many parts of his life-his birth in 1957; growing up in Indiana with his parents and brother; battling depression in his teen years; enlisting in the Army in 1981; dealing with his relationships and his schizoaffective and bipolar disorders; and finding solace in art.

With many examples of Hochstedler's art included, "Forty Days from the Diary of a Delusional Man" shows how he was affected by confusion and despair. But it also communicates how he leaned on art and God to survive each day.

Her memoirs cover the pre WWII period of the 1930's in her birth country, Bulgaria and her growing up in the German and Russian cultures of her parents and that of Bulgaria. The uprooting of her family because of WWII and subsequent events tells of the increasing horrors and dislocations not only of her family but that of countless others.

Carlos Acosta, the Cuban dancer considered to be one of the world's greatest performers, fearlessly depicts his journey from adolescent troublemaker to international superstar in his captivating memoir, "No Way Home."

Carlos was just another kid from the slums of Havana; the youngest son of a truck driver and a housewife, he ditched school with his friends and dreamed of becoming Cuba's best soccer player. Exasperated by his son's delinquent behavior, Carlos's father enrolled him in ballet school, subjecting him to grueling days that started at five thirty in the morning and ended long after sunset.

The path from student to star was not an easy one. Even as he won dance competitions and wowed critics around the world, Carlos was homesick for Cuba, crippled by loneliness and self-doubt. As he traveled the world, Carlos struggled to overcome popular stereotypes and misconceptions; to maintain a relationship with his family; and, most of all, to find a place he could call home.

This impassioned memoir is about more than Carlos's rise to stardom. It is about a young man forced to leave his homeland and loved ones for a life of self-discipline, displacement, and physical hardship. It is also about how the heart and soul of a country can touch the heart and soul of one of its citizens. With candor and humor, Carlos vividly depicts daily life in communist Cuba, his feelings about ballet -- an art form he both lovesand hates -- and his complex relationship with his father. Carlos Acosta makes dance look effortless, but the grace, strength, and charisma we see onstage have come at a cost. Here, in his own words, is the story of the price he paid.

PROLOGUE: Michael Izzo was born on 6/3/1987 in San Diego, CA. to be put up for adoption; but, was quickly moved back to LI, New York for reasons unknown... Michael's Grandparents were of German, Jewish decent, and his mother was the 1st generation American. Erna Avramavich was born and lived in Germany from April 8, 1928 to the mid 1950's. Erna Avram, a child of 12 moved solely to America, fleeing Germany, and escaped the damage caused by Adolph Hitler; as it's been told. Hitler's primary mission, was to kill all Jews & oppressors; because he was consumed by the Devil's mission to prevent the 2nd birth of Jesus Christ. Although, his motives are widely debated. However, God knew of this treachery and decided it would be best to disguise Jesus' new ancestors as German-Jews. Allowing Michael to be born one day in a free country, ridden of persecution to uncover his truth of being Jesus Christ. Similar to Jesus Christ, Michael Izzo also became quickly known at the age of 12; when he was published in the local town's newspaper: As a well known, local aggressive roller skater. In addition, no formal records are kept of Michael's teenage or young adult life; other than schooling and some medical records. However, Michael Izzo being who he is in nature, quickly started questioning & rebelling against society. As a result, he would fall into the hands of the law and even worse; the Devil & his mighty temptations. However, being as blessed and powerful as he is through trials, error, and sheer faith; Michael kept strong and asked God to forgive him in every testament of his faith. As of today, there are no official records of Michael's past dealings with criminal behavior or acts of Demonic pleasures. However, Michael finds the need for speaking only the truth through his music: as a form of forgiveness, for such trials of faith for Gods Will. He quoted to me - "I believe that there are no records of these days; meaning after turning 12, from than and now; because God didn't want the world to remember me for the bad times, only for the good ones. It is only on Earth that we SIN; but in Heaven we are Sinless." In Jesus' first existence, his mission was to bridge the gap between Heaven & Earth, and to be crucified in the process. Michael's mission is to finish what was started, by defeating Satan's evil eternally. In this autobiography, we shall embark upon the lost chapters of the life and times of Jesus Christ from age 13-26; with insights of Michael's proposed plans for himself, after his current age of 26. Such plans, can only be revealed with time and through the permission of God. However, Michael shall reveal his current mission to us; which is to salvage the remaining souls of humanity, during the end of days. Whilst destroying the Devil or known as the anti-Christ; creating, an eternal kingdom of peace in both Heaven and on the new Earth, AKA New Jerusalem. Aside from his lost journals; we shall see his prophecy revealed, through Michael's music of scriptures. This novel, shall uncover many secrets & truths of what is to come for the world; during the end of times, in order for a new world to begin. These truths, shall describe the outcome for all things; including, righteous followers of Jesus Christ, followers of the Devil, as well as everyone else thereof... In the bible, under (Luke 21:7-25) it states the following: (21:16) - "And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, & brethren & kinsfolk, & friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." (21:17) - "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." (21:18) - "But there shall not an hair of your head perish." (21:20) - "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." (21:21) - "Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto."

"Gene, you are going to go places you never dreamt of seeing and you will minister to people you never could imagine you would reach. Don't be afraid. I will be your seal of approval and, as long as you yield to My will, I will be with you. " This was the word given to an unlikely recipient, a self conscious young boy who was awaiting such a word to bring direction to his future. That prophetic message would begin a journey which has spanned over forty years and taken him from storefront churches and concert halls in the sixties, as part of one of America's first integrated Gospel groups, to ministry opportunities (to this day) both in the United States and abroad. Within the pages of this book, Gene, chronicles that journey in a frank, intimate and inspiring manner. He shares as an encouragement to his readers, the way God took a willing ordinary vessel and used it in unimaginable ways.

Born in a small railroad city in the far corner of Northern Vermont on a bitter cold January day, Cora and her twin sister were births number twelve and thirteen to an already over populated family that was suffering from poverty, mental, verbal, manipulation and incest abuse. At a very young age Cora learned how to become extremely loyal to disloyal people in her life. Feeling like she was always a shadow behind her twin sister, Cora grew up feeling like she did not exist even though she knew she was very much alive. Even when she had doubt, she knew she was alive by placing her hand on her chest to feel her heart beat just to reassure herself. After years of humilation Cora decides to head into Canada to escape, only to find herself so conditioned to a disloyal and abusive life that she returns back to Vermont and marries right into the life she struggled so hard to get away from. After thirty years of living with a replica of her father, Cora finally with the help of Alanon and several counselors learns that she has been addicted to addicts her whole entire life. finally breaking free she removes herself from the only life she ever knew. Today Cora still lives in that small railroad city that is once again in ression and is in a shockingly state of prescription drug abuse and is still home to some families who suffer from the same unfortunate fate as she did. Even though she does not feel like a shadow any longer, she struggles every day to stay focused in her own recovery while she fights anexity and heart ache over watching her own sibblings and loved ones who struggle to fight their own addictions and recovery.