The Soulful Divas
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The concept behind this book is very similar to David Freeland's excellent 'Ladies of Soul' in which each chapter is a mini biography of a female soul songstress. The exception with this book is that the final chapter, chapter 15, covers the work of three women. The explanation for this is that the first fourteen deal with more mature ladies whilst the final one is reserved for contemporary singers, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson & Toni Braxton. Whereas David Freeland's work is based on women who are well known in soul circles, but who might not be internationally recognised David Nathan is much more concerned with the upper echelons of the soul pecking order. The question I had to ask is what the point of this might be? Aretha Franklin already has one biography and one autobiography on the bookshelves, ditto for Diana Ross. Both Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle have also published autobiographies, whilst I suspect that Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan may also have them in the pipeline. How could single chapters on artists of this standing contribute anything more to what is known already? From the outset let me acknowledge what a beautiful writing style David Nathan has. One would expect little less than perfection from a veteran journalist with his experience, and with this book one gets it. In the chapters where he deals with lesser known divas such as Esther Phillips, Doris Troy and Phyllis Hyman the reading is gripping, because the quality of writing is supported by fresh material. This is also true of a middle band of artists, those who have rippled in the pop charts without really breaking through. In this category I would put Millie Jackson, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. The soul press will have carried numerous articles on these singers, and their names are recognised outside soul circles, but they, to my knowledge have never had comprehensive works written about them. If we concede these chapters are also excellent let us return to my main concern, those about the 'Superstars'. One advantage that Nathan has over many other biographers is the contacts he has accumulated over his illustrious career. He met most of the 'Superstars' when they first started out and therefore has had them as personal friends for a number of years. David is not slow to point this out, and there is an unquestionable element of "name dropping" in the way he constantly reminds us how close he is to these women. None the less that friendship and familiarity does mean he is given access to more private thoughts than another journalist might expect to get. He regularly reminisces on his earlier relationships with them, his arguments, his squabbles and his good times as well. This personal angle undoubtedly enhances the quality of the book. He also has a huge factual base to draw upon, and he regularly quotes from, or refers to, articles he has written in Blues & Soul. At some points he can be very damning, even to the point of character assassination but at other times he can be quite ingratiating. In any event he is an investigator who has great personal contact with his subjects. The book is unquestionably worth buying, but mainly for the material on some of lesser known or 'star' artists. Although not entirely a waste of time his chapters on the 'superstars' could well have been left out. I would have far preferred more information about those about who little is known. I suppose he must deal with material in which he feels comfortable, and I also suspect he might sell more copies by dealing with more recognised names. Maybe he'll write another one soon, because I'd certainly buy it. By then I just hope one of the girls will have taken one of the songs he has composed and keeps trying to foist upon them.
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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