Ritz, David

A biography of the personal and professional life and career of American singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Marvin Gaye; with interviews from family, friends, and colleagues.

Aretha Franklin began life as the golden daughter of a progressive and promiscuous Baptist preacher. Raised without her mother, she was a gospel prodigy who gave birth to two sons in her teens and left them and her native Detroit for New York, where she struggled to find her true voice. She found fame, fortune, and that remarkable voice in 1967 with "Respect" and a rapid-fire string of hits. Aretha turned the industry on its head by refueling pop with heavy soul. The Queen of Soul had survived, and arrived.

Recounts the life of the Prince of Motown using interviews with him, his family, friends, and colleagues.

Text and accompanying photographs present a biography of the African-American singer who has triumphed over poverty, blindness, racism, and, drug addiction to become one of the most highly acclaimed musicians.