For several years I have been entertaining the idea of authoring a book on a topic I researched extensively when I was a doctoral student at the University of Southern California. The book is finally here! Peggy Lee: A Century of Song, I am pleased to announce, is available for purchase at the website of my publisher Rowman & Littlefield.
This volume celebrates the one hundredth birthday of Peggy Lee, a pillar of twentieth-century American popular music, jazz, and blues. It recounts her expansive work as a film composer, actress, radio host, songwriter of 270 songs, voiceover artist, live performer, and recording artist of 1100 recorded masters. Lee’s contributions to American music run the gamut from a large catalog of recorded music and original songs (many which became hits), exceptional stagecraft and performance practice, exemplary musicianship, nuance, authentic style in a wide palette of genres, music advocacy, and much more. Her pioneering work as a female bandleader/artist/music creator paved the pathway upon which hundreds of her successors have traveled.
The book has earned a starred review from Library Journal and many favorable reviews from several media outlets including Talk Radio Europe, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Universal Music Group, and others. We will be launching a virtual book signing event August 20 on FaceBook Live at my musician/author page (@TishOneyFan) at 1pm EDT to which the public is warmly invited! That event will include personalized book signings from my home music studio, LIVE MUSIC, special guests, prize giveaways, and interactive Q&A. I hope you will join me for this free event. You can purchase your copy of the book in advance if you wish, and come ready to submit your questions! I look forward to seeing you there… Thanks so much, and please keep yourselves and those around you safe…