A book that's both a history of legendary singer Eartha Kitt, and a memoir of her daughter – told in a way that's deeply personal, and which gets at a side of Eartha's life that most of us never knew existed! Daughter Kitt Shapiro provides surprising details about Eartha's life as a mixed race singer, in a mixed marriage, at a time when such things were very difficult to navigate – and she tells the story of growing up alongside her mother, as she faced struggles and successes through the ups and downs of her later career. Book is hardcover, with some black and white images, 329 pages in length. Book

Bob Stanley's turned us on to plenty of great music over the years – via countless compilations on Ace Records, Cherry Red, and other labels – but this time around, he's going way way back – to look at the American scene in the early part of the 20th Century! Stanley argues that stardom in music existed way before rock and roll – and looks first at the creation of the 78rpm record, then sounds from artists who include Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Duke Ellington – next to some lesser-known artists, key songwriters, and other forces shaping the cultural scene at the time. Stanley really moves around a lot – even touching on hillbilly music, Broadway, and films as well – all with a dexterity and love of the music that almost rivals Nick Tosches in similar territory. Hardcover edition has some black and white images, and is 636 pages in length. Book