Akron Public Library

On the eve of the 2012 Grammy Awards, the world learned of a stunning tragedy: Whitney Houston, unquestionably one of the most remarkable and powerful voices in all of music, had been silenced forever. Over the weeks and months that followed, family, friends, and fans alike tried to understand how such a magnificent talent and beautiful soul could have been taken so early and so unexpectedly. Now, Whitney's mother, Cissy, relates the full astonishing...

"For the first time ever, legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton brings you behind the lyrics of 175 of her songs to reveal the personal stories and vibrant memories that have inspired sixty years of songwriting. Lushly illustrated and told in Dolly's inimitable voice, this rich collection offers an intimate, exclusive look at the colorful life, prolific career, and rags-to-rhinestones journey of one of the most revered entertainers of our time"--...

"In this unique combination of memoir and cultural history, we come to know one of the greatest stars the world has ever seen—Eartha Kitt—as revealed by the person who knew her best: her daughter. Eartha, who was a mix of Black, Cherokee, and white, is viewed by the world as Black. Kitt, her biological daughter, is blonde and light skinned. This is the story of a young girl being raised by her mother, who happened to be one of the most famous...

Known for her catchy lyrics and heartwarming smile, Taylor Swift has exploded on the music scene, breaking all boundaries between pop and country genres. Watch as Swift explores her musical talents and pens some of the decade's most popular albums in this up-close-and-personal look at America's sweetheart.

Taylor Swift has evolved into one of the greatest performers of all time. This film goes beyond the music and explores the trials and triumphs of 'Life on stage.'

Taylor Swift is one of the most popular singers in the world, and a billionaire who writes her own songs and plays several instruments. Find out how she became the star she is today from growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania.

"Brandi Carlile was born into a musically gifted, impoverished family on the outskirts of Seattle and grew up in a constant state of change, moving from house to house, trailer to trailer, fourteen times in as many years. Though imperfect in every way, her dysfunctional childhood was as beautiful as it was strange, and as nurturing as it was difficult. At the age of five, Brandi contracted bacterial meningitis, which almost took her life, leaving...

What's not to love about Dolly Parton? This Little Golden Book biography shares how someone from incredibly poor beginnings can blossom and persevere to become an award-winning songwriter and singer, actress, author, literacy advocate--and she even has her own theme park! Young girls and boys will definitely feel inspired after hearing Dolly's story.

Unlike some pop goddesses Stevie Nicks does not go in for constant reinventions of her own image. What has sustained her long career - apart, of course, from the great voice and the unerring rock'n'roll sensibility - is that she never gave away much to begin with, always leaving something for fans to wonder about. What lay beneath the hairdo, behind the mask and under the flouncing layers of chiffon and lace was anybody's guess.