American Singers

Whitney Balliett?s American Singers: Twenty-seven Portraits in Song is an homage to popular and jazz stylists who helped create and define American non-classical singing. He covers those who are justifiably famous, such as Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, as well as many who are known only to a loyal coterie of fans. The styles covered range from blues and jazz to cabaret and pop. His portraits of Bobby Short, Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, and others are perceptive and humanizing, fully steeped in musical history but also appreciative and emotional. American Singers humanizes and pays tribute to the best singers of uniquely American songs.