James L. Dickerson Libros

Based on unprecedented, original research and interviews with insiders, this authoritative investigative biography of Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997), Elvis Presley's lifelong manager, includes new revelations and insights into the music industry's most notorious and mysterious manager. Investigative journalist and music writer James L. Dickerson looks at topics such as Parker's illegal entry into the United States, his work as a carny with Royal American Shows, and his management of country singer Eddy Arnold, his partnership with Hank Snow, and how he manipulated Elvis Presley and his family to seize control of the singer's career, destroying career in the process.. The book, which covers Parker's life and career from birth to his death, examines Parker's greed, his indebtedness to behind-the-scenes players in Las Vegas, his gambling addiction, and his fear of deportation played a role in ruining Elvis's career. Because Colonel Parker was always there with Elvis, gazing ominously over his shoulder, the book presents behind-the-scenes glimpses of the entertainer's career that you will read nowhere else, thanks in part to the author's personal and professional relationship with Elvis's first guitarist, Scotty Moore, with whom the author wrote two revealing books.

Screening Adoptive and Foster Parents: A Guide for Students and Professionals combines the best of psychology and social work experience into a definitive guide for screening adoption and foster home applicants. Based on professional experience and research data, this book provides information on evaluating unhealthy parenting attitudes, interview techniques, and psychological testing.

Along with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Lillian "Lil" Hardin (1898-1971) was arguably the third most crucial figure in the creation of popular jazz, but today her important contributions are almost entirely unknown.Born in Memphis, with strong roots in Mississippi, Lil was, by her early twenties the most sought-after jazz pianist in Chicago, playing first with Freddie Keppard's watershed Creole Jazz Band and later with King Oliver's world-famous Creole Jazz Band. She was already well established in Chicago as a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader before she met and married Louis Armstrong (1898-1971) in 1924.Beyond her musical contributions to Louis as a songwriter, arranger, and pianist, Lil launched, guided and promoted his solo career. Her tireless efforts and musical craftsmanship (she was the only one in Louis's band who could read music) made possible his now legendary Hot Fives and Hot Sevens recordings. Later, after Louis divorced her in 1938, she established her own successful solo career. In 1931, in Harlem, she spearheaded the first all-female jazz band. It is a distinction that makes her the perfect role model for today's "Me Too" generation. Over the years, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee and others recorded her songs.

"Faith Hill: The Long Road Back" is a biography of country recording artist Faith Hill.

Focusing on Natalie Portman's transformative journey, this biography explores her evolution from Israeli roots to Hollywood stardom, highlighting her roles in acclaimed films like Black Swan and Star Wars. It delves into her personal and professional milestones, including her marriage to Benjamin Millepied in 2012. The narrative not only chronicles her achievements and challenges but also seeks to understand the motivations behind her choices, positioning her as a significant figure in contemporary cinema.

Memphis, Tennessee, has long been a hub of musical innovation, producing iconic artists from W. C. Handy to B. B. King and Elvis Presley, shaping American popular music for over a century. The vibrant scene began to decline after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, leading to a significant downturn in the music industry by the mid-1970s. Despite this decline, a few contemporary figures, such as Justin Timberlake and producer Boo Mitchell, have offered glimpses of Memphis's rich musical heritage in recent years.