EDITORIAL by Etienne Leroux
World Who's Who in Jazz Cabaret Music And Entertainment
From
L to R: Rebecca Spencer who is taking Las Vegas by storm and singer Teri
Roiger grace the cover of volume III of the World Who's Who.
Maximillien de Lafayette new ambitious and impressive project has materialized; a massive encyclopedic set of 4 volumes on divas, jazz, cabaret and the world of entertainment: World Who's Who In Jazz, Music, Cabaret And Entertainment. This is a major undertaking and astonishing accomplishment at the highest level. It encompasses every known aspect, facet and genre of the performing arts and the world of entertainment. The four volumes include 30,000 entries, thousands of biographies, reviews, analyses of the music industry sales, charts and hits, including the career highlights of mega stars and recently discovered talents and rising stars. In November 2006, de Lafayette's "Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now" became an international best-seller. It seems that divas are a hot topic, nowadays. And the author is cashing big time on it. Why not? We are fond of divas and femmes fatales, especially, when they are brought to life under a new light; the unknown persona of the Diva and the hidden mystique of la femme fatale. And de Lafayette did just that. He knows extremely well the " sacred, the damned and the risqué" flair and cache of those glittering stars. He has been writing about them for twenty years. I thought one volume will suffice. But after I have read two volumes of the set, I realized that two more volumes would shed more light on the subject, especially when 200 additional chapters are added to volume three and volume four. This is an amazing work. Intense, comprehensive and entertaining. Almost everything you need to know about cabaret, jazz, life entertainment and the business of music is explained at length and in-depth.
Peggy Judy appeared on the cover. Also, the legendary Jill Corey appeared on the cover of volume III of the World Who's Who.
There is no doubt World Who's Who In Jazz, Music, Cabaret And Entertainment is an international best seller material. This is the world first Who’s Who that deals with the world of entertainment, Jazz, cabaret, music, mega stars and new talents as well. It is an essential reference for all those who are involved in music and showbiz, music industry executives, performers, promoters, publicists, booking agents, and venue owners. Because of the in-depth articles, extensive and rich profiles entries of the stars, music lovers, music students, schools, libraries, and the general public will refer to it as an indispensable reference tool and a major guide in the field. The back cover of volume one included this statement from the editors: "Those who read who’s who books, whether they are in science, medicine, literature, and world personalities and celebrities, easily find one common denominator: who’s who books are dry and stiff. Rarely do we see warmth and personal touch in those highly respected reference works. Effort was made to avoid this tendency in the World Who’s Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment. Although it is based upon rigid fact and data, found in or supplied by reliable sources, including those who are written up in this book, personal feelings and material were added. To accomplish this, the world of the artist that is not usually seen on stage or behind the mic. was probed. Sometimes candid and personal stories, anecdotes, and intimate statements were either provided directly by the artist or told by friends and peers. After all, this is a world of enchantment, glamour, and fun – and so it cannot be treated like a mathematical formula! In traditional who’s who books, those listed are usually figures well known to the public or in their own field." In this Who’s Who you will meet, on equal basis, mega stars and celebrities, as well as outstanding talent you have never heard of. This book is not based on fame and fortune alone, but also on merit. This book brings to you those who are believed to be the best in the business." Highly recommend. Get your copy right away.