...a sterling celebration of Welch as a musical artist and a vibrant personality, and as such is definitive. Bourne's daunting research has resulted in appendices that are sensationally good - comprehensive listings of the star's radio performances, her theatre work - in New York, Paris and the provinces as well as the West End, her films (with cast lists and ... Read moresong titles), her television work (nearly 100 titles), and her concerts, plus a discography, and even the records she chose on her two appearances on Desert Island Discs.
What's On In London
Stephen Bourne's highly readable biography of Welch (with a warm introduction by her friend and the Oldie's memorial writer, Ned Sherrin) traces the life of this unique entertainer whose talent transcended the generation gap. When Welch was in her eighties she was still appearing in sell-out concerts in London and New York where her fans included young and old alike.
The Oldie
...Welch led a fascinating life, all of which is captured in this charming biography...An affectionate tribute full of fascinating anecdotes, this will delight fans of the star, as well as those with an interest in popular song. FOUR STARS!>
Film Review
Stephen Bourne's book serves as a classy tribute to a classy lady.
British Pictures
Elisabeth Welch was an important figure in the world of African American entertainment in the inter-war years and as such was long overdue a biography. This book neatly covers the facts...
VJM's Jazz and Blues Mart, No. 146 (Summer 2007)
She had a longer recording career than Sinatra or Elvis, recording in every decade from the 1920s to the 1990s. In America, she shared the stage with the legendary Josephine Baker, popularized Cole Porter's Love For Sale, and introduced Stormy Weather (in 1979, she sang it at the end of Derek Jarman's The Tempest) to British audiences. She launched the Charleston, for heaven's sake, yet so few of us remember this massively important figure, Britain's first black star. This timely biography by Welch's close friend and uber-fan, Bourne, should hopefully go some way to addressing her absence.
Gay Times
...Welch led a fascinating life, all of which is captured in this charming biography...An affectionate tribute full of fascinating anecdotes, this will delight fans of the star, as well as those with an interest in popular song. FOUR STARS!
Film Review
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