Clyde McPhatter (1932–1972) was the golden voice behind a musical revolution—a soaring tenor whose electrifying performances helped define the sound of early rock ‘n’ roll. From his breakthrough with the Dominoes to founding the Drifters and launching a solo career, McPhatter left an indelible mark on American music, becoming one of the few artists inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Born into the gospel traditions of North Carolina, McPhatter brought spiritual intensi...

In What a Difference a Day Makes: Women Who Conquered 1950s Music, Steve Bergsman highlights the Black female artists of the 1950s, a time that predated the chart-topping girl groups of the early 1960s. Many of the singers of this era became wildly famous and respected, and even made it into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. However, there were many others, such as Margie Day, Helen Humes, Nellie Lutcher, Jewel King, and Savannah Churchill, who made one or two great records in the 1...

In All I Want Is Loving You: Popular Female Singers of the 1950s, author Steve Bergsman focuses on the white, female artists of the 1950s, a time that predated the chart-topping girl groups of the early 1960s. These popular performers, many of whom graduated out of the big bands of the 1940s, impacted popular music in a huge way. As the last bastion of traditional pop and the last sirens of swing, they undeniably shined in the spotlight. Yet these singers’ fame dimmed relatively q...

The Wanderers - Killer Teens, Rebel Teens, Gang Teens and the evolution of the last Great Greaser Featureby Steve BergsmanWhat in the cultural zeitgeist causes a movie to be made? Is it current affairs, a popular event or trend, a best-selling book, a genre of filmmaking or the will of a Hollywood director? In the case of the vastly entertaining cult movie, THE WANDERERS, from 1979, the answer would be all above. The setting of the movie is the Bronx, circa early in the 196...

In the annals of rock ‘n’ roll there have been a lot of strange characters, but there probably hasn’t been anyone as bizarre as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and this is his story. Known mostly for a single record, I Put A Spell On You, and emerging from a coffin to perform on stage, Screamin’ Jay was a whirlwind performer, lusty singer, prolific songwriter and a man who was total stranger to the truth.

Recording and performing in the early 1950s, Jesse Belvin, Guitar Slim, and Johnny Ace produced at least thirteen top-25 hits between the three of them. All but forgotten in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll, these artists have influenced musicians as varied as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and generations of soul singers. Their songs have been covered by artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Luther Vandross, and Paul Simon.In Earth Angels: The Short Lives and Controversial D...

Praise for MAVERICK REAL ESTATE FINANCING"Once you start reading, you won't be able to put the book down. You will feel you are part of the deals that industry leaders have put together. This is a real book about real people and how they address risk and reward."--Bruce S. Schonbraun, Managing Partner The Schonbraun McCann Group LLP"Bergsman applies a journalist's logic to the complex world of commercial real estate, making it easier for outsiders to understand. He w...

Intellectuals and critics attacked Levittown unmercifully, essentially calling it a boring environment that crushed the spirit of its population. Popular authors, such as Richard Yates, author of Revolutionary Road, used the modern suburb as a metaphor for creative sterility.When Pete Seeger sang, "Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of tickytacky; Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes all the same," everyone knew he was talking about Levittown and all that it begot...

According to author Steve Bergsman, the next decade will produce multiple investment currents in real estate. This book will help the sharp investor find the right current and stay the course for a long, profitable ride. By separating the asset classes that will remain stable from those that will continue to lose value going forward, Bergsman offers an essential roadmap to the changing real estate market. As a result, savvy investors will be able to capitalize on opportunities created by t...

Second homes continue to grow in popularity in the United States with some 3.34 million second homes bought in the U.S. in 2005, up 16% from the previous year. Unfortunately, given the uncertainties of the real estate market, buying a second home in the desirable vacation home areas in the U.S. has become impossible for many people. Increasingly, Americans are turning to more affordable regions overseas - some stay close by in Mexico or Canada while others are more adventurous, looking to ...

Nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Audiobook NarrationCarol Connors has lived her dream, and she shares her remarkable success story in her wild ride memoir Elvis, Rocky & Me. This special audiobook edition features two original bonus songs: “You Loved My Night Away” and “Only the Music, Only My Song.”As an entertainer Carol has done it all with her singer/songwriter talents recognized with two Oscar, five Emmy, one Grammy,...

In 1963, sisters Barbara Ann and Rosa Hawkins and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson traveled from the segregated South to New York City under the auspices of their manager, former pop singer Joe Jones. With their wonderful harmonies, they were an immediate success. To this day, the Dixie Cups’ greatest hit, “Chapel of Love,” is considered one of the best songs of the past sixty years.The Dixie Cups seemed to have the world on a string. Their songs were lively and popular, singing on ...