11/01/2023
Gr 4–6—The career highlights of prominent Black musicians are chronicled in these volumes showcasing their subjects' musical achievements. Aretha Franklin began singing to cope with the loss of her mother, eventually becoming the "Queen of Soul." After winning a talent contest, Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald went on to become the "First Lady of Song" as well as the first Black American woman to win a Grammy. Jimi Hendrix taught himself how to play the guitar and was the highest paid musician in the world before his untimely death. Kendrick Lamar turned his writing skills into a successful rap career. Lizzo overcame body shaming while pursuing success with her music. Muddy Waters created the Chicago blues sound. This series emphasizes the music; outside birth dates and mentions of partners, little personal information is divulged. Photographs appropriately accompany the texts. Most of these subjects are covered in many other biographies, and the volumes on Lamar and Lizzo will quickly date. VERDICT The subjects are interesting and influential, but as other works are available on them, selectors should mostly consider these where collections need refreshing.
