EDUCATION AND LEARNING

Icons grace the covers of the volumes of the forthcoming World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment (6 volumes), such as the legendary Jill Corey (left), who, three decades ago, also made the cover of Life magazine. Ms. Corey appears on the cover of Volume III. Excerpt from the book: "Jill Corey...One of the greatest artists of all time. Mesmerizing, divine. The ultimate diva! A living legend on and off stage. Her style, technique, stage presence, her voice, the quality and beauty of her repertoire, her rapport with the public and her unmatched individual originality and improvisation set her apart from the rest of the sparkling stars. She is “La Grande Dame” of entertainment par excellence! Press quotes: "A performer of unusual depth and insight…Jill Corey has made one of the most spectacular comebacks in cabaret…Corey's return is more than welcome, it's downright exciting."- Stephen Holden, the New York Times"

Ms Teri Roiger (left) is on the cover of Volume III.

LONDON- Another spectacular  masterpiece by entertainment critic and author extraordinaire, Maximillien de Lafayette. It is a gigantic set of 6 volumes exceeding 4,000 pages. An odyssey of the world of showbiz, music, jazz, American standards, and cabaret. And from a different angle, World Who’s Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment becomes a biographic encyclopedia of the who’s who in music, the pioneers, the composers, the musicians, the stars, the singers and musical organizations. In brief, it is monumental. Sailing into the immense world of the six volumes, we discover the unexpected, an aspect of biographical work rarely revealed to the public: The advice and tips, the author and his editorial board of 100+ give the readers, the performers and singers. An elaborate chapter on what a singer must know and must do when booking a venue for a live performance illustrates the intensity, the practical value and use of the voluminous set.

Ms Karmyn Tyler, former Miss Louisiana is in the book. De Lafayette said: "Ms Tyler is one of the most delightful finds and discoveries in jazz. She is first rate."

Canadian diva Carol Welsman with President Bill Clinton at the Magna International Gala Dinner. Ms. Welsman has a strong ally: Maximillien de Lafayette himself. She appeared on the cover of  his recently published huge book United States and the World Face to Face, and of course, she appeared once again on the cover of Volume I of the World Who's Who.

Carol Welsman on the cover of de Lafayette's voluminous book United States and the World Face to Face.

The World Who’s Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment could be compared to a continuous non-stop symphonic performance by an orchestra of 1,000 musicians from all genres and schools under the baton of an international conductor. Each one brings to the symphony a personal cache and unexpected notes. And it works! Because this heavyweight Who’s Who is astronomical. Just imagine what you could find going through 200 chapters in 3 volumes! And the biographical notes! Almost 30,000 entries. The Who’s Who is well crafted and divided into several parts, such as, biographies, data and facts, charts and analyses, and resources. In brief, it embraces all facets and aspects of the world of music and those who make music. Most impressive it is. Authoritative? Affirmative. Useful? No questions asked, simply because it is the world’s first who’s who of music, singers, performers and the business of music.

Photo: the stunning and legendary American diva, Maureen McGovern was described in the Who's Who as a legend and a divine diva. Excerpt: "Maureen McGovern, the ultimate diva, the living legend and the jewels of the crown of world entertainment. The trilogy of her magic consists of a mesmerizing stage presence, impeccable technique and that aristocratic classy command of lyrics and vocal virtuosity. Maureen McGovern's career, which spans  35 years, includes recordings, concerts, Broadway, theater, films, television, radio and composing. Maureen returned to Broadway's 2005 season, originating her Drama Desk nominated role of 'Marmee' in Little Women, The Musical and reprised her role as 'Marmee' in the first Broadway National Tour [2005-2006] of Little Women. "

Photo: Amy Baker who performed for President Clinton is on the cover of Volume I.

Volume III of the Who's Who is my favorite, for it contains an abundance of resources, data, facts, charts, directories of directories, lists of lists and photos of those fabulous artists and legendary performers and divas, such as Maureen McGovern, Marlene VerPlanck and Mark Murphy.

From L to R: Diva Stephanie Jordan is in. The enigmatic and captivating Peggy Judy is on the cover!

Photo: The queen of Harp, Aideen O'Donnell is in the book.

The gallery of photos is refreshing. It is extensive. It contains 200 photos of singers and musicians from all schools, styles and genres, ranging from traditional jazz to hostesses of open mic. events; artists like Teri Roiger, Ute Lemper, the most unusual Cynthia Bassinet, cabaret star Deborah Boily,  Diane Hoffman, Barbara Cook, Rufus Reid, Allan Harris, Suzanne Petri, Janine Alondres,  Irene Soderberg, Soraya Shaw, Cami Thompson, Janet Planet,  Katie Bull, Frank Jackson, Judie Neimack,  Jim Malloy, Barbra Streisand, Paulette Attie, Marlene VerPlanck, etc.

VERY SPECIAL HONOREES: THE DISTINGUISHED ONES!

Mr Donald Smith, (left) founder and organizer of the American Cabaret Convention, described as the father of Cabaret in America in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.

A large chapter in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment was devoted to individuals and groups who made significant contributions to Jazz, Cabaret and music in America. Although, Dr. de Lafayette, the author of this encyclopedic book is known and highly respected for his authoritative knowledge of the industry and unbiased reporting, in this Who's Who, however, he succumbs to his emotions. He wrote glowing articles about Mr Jim Eigo, a jazz business wizard and promoter, Mr Donald Smith,  and two other personalities as if they were the unmatched and formidable pillars of the music industry in the United States. This could disturb other figures who equally contributed to music in America. Mr de Lafayette wrote: "Donald Smith is the pillar of cabaret in America. Take him away from the scene, and cabaret in America will cease to exist."

On Mr Jim Eigo, (left) the author said: "This is the most productive, effective and honest man in the business. The wizard of jazz business and artists' promotion." HothouseJazz.com and their leadership got a glowing write-up in the book, especially HothouseJazz president Gwen Calvier and her team. (described by the author  as one of the most important jazz resources and services to artists in the United States). But in general, the book is unbiased, extremely useful, authoritative and well-written.

The Satin Doll Trio was selected as Best Trio in America.

Photo, left: The legendary performer, songwriter and actress, Paulette Attie, the recipient of 5 consecutive ASCAP Plus Songwriter Awards 2000 – 2004 and the National Poetry Award, 1998, and Woman of the Year 2004.

Honorable mentions were given to diva Marlene Verplanck, Paulette Attie, Soraya Shaw, Stevie Holland, Melissa Errico (described as the "fabulous one" and  the bursting talent on Broadway) Randa Ghossoub, Suzanne Petri has been  described and recognized as the cabaret pioneer in America, and Irene Soderberg was highly admired in the book for her talent and joie de vivre!

Melissa Errico described by Maximillien de Lafayette: "The fabulous one!"

Photo, left, diva Marlene Verplanck on the cover of Entertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz, Then and Now, a recently published massive book of 724 pages written by Maximillien de Lafayette. Ms Verplanck also appeared on the cover of Volume II of the World Who's Who.

Any negative report or yellow journalism? Certainly not, because de Lafayette does not believe "in badmouthing people. Those artists have to make a living. Don't cut off their chances. Everybody has to eat. If they are talented, promote them...if they are not so good, give them another chance...I don't advocate bad reviews. Just do not write about them..." said Mr de Lafayette whose column is read by more than 10 million readers worldwide.

It appears that everybody who is somebody in the entertainment business is in this book. The World Who’s Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment will be made available to the general public in late January or early February of 2007. Highly recommended. Five stars.

By David Nye, Staff writer.                                                                Continues on the next column.