David Freeland is an historian and artistic adviser at Columbia University's Miller Theatre.
Freeland spent his youth hanging out at black radio stations, listening to the deejays' off-air talk and hearing stories about the women who sang soul. He never forgot those who didn't achieve the success of Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner and who haven't enjoyed any comebacks, and his book offers the oral histories of seven of them: Denise LaSalle, Ruby Johnson, Carla Thomas, Bettye LaVette, Barbara Mason, Maxine Brown, and Timi Yuro. He puts each in the context of the 1960s and the development of the music business, and his comments stitch together the words of his subjects as he explores the limitations on women's advancement in the business at the time and how attitudes on gender and race have changed since their heyday. The seven artists recall personal suffering, disappointments, missed opportunities, and triumphs. Some focus on social injustice as well, and many still hope for a comeback. Freeland's passion for soul music and the singers' poignant stories make this a captivating book.--Vanessa Bush "Booklist"
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