Böcker utgivna av Aquarius Press

Former fashion model, charismatic vocalist and devoted lover of David Bowie during his 1970s golden era, Chicago-born Ava Cherry waited for just the right moment to tell her story, and that moment is now...All That Glitters begins with Ava''s musical inspirations, family allegiances, Catholic education and reaction to living on Chicago''s South Side. Donning faded denim and "lots of fringe" during her early teen years, she frequents the all-black, opulent Regal Theater, where she dreams about performing live after watching Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson. The free-spirited Ava finds an early path into the world of fashion and entertainment as a young model.   Fast forward to a New York after-party, where Ava''s then-manager introduces her to flame-haired David Bowie; he''s instantly attracted to Ava''s short-cropped, dyed hair and down-to-earth persona. What he doesn''t suspect is that Ava has spent hours staring at the rock star''s image on the Ziggy Stardust cover while dropping the needle on each track and memorizing all the lyrics.  Bowie notices something else: When entering the club Genesis, Ava, along with A-lister celebrities, had broken into song, so it was only natural that the still-rising star would ask her, "Can you sing?" While singing wasn''t exactly Ava''s major career goal, she instinctively nods yes.  Bowie asks Ava to tour in Japan with his backing band, The Spiders from Mars. She hurriedly packs up her apartment, gives notice to her employer and says goodbye to her parents, but when a telegram from Bowie''s camp arrives alerting her that the tour had fallen through, Ava sets into place an intrepid plan...  Ultimately, Ava and Bowie have a multi-year affair during which time Ava influences Bowie''s own career vis a vis trips to New York''s Apollo Theater, thereby setting the stage for the award-winning Young Americans project. During this time, she also befriends young backup singer Luther Vandross. In the 1980s, Ava becomes a Versace-clad international backing singer for Vandross. Life is exciting, but rehearsals prove grueling. The pressure to succeed is on, as Ava feels constantly judged by her contemporaries-she sweats bullets when Diana Ross occupies a front row seat. On the other hand, Ava enjoys mentoring the likes of a young Whitney Houston.  Finally, Ava returns home to embark on her debut recording project, Ripe, helmed by producer Curtis Mayfield (Super Fly). She then works on the follow-up, Streetcar Named Desire, with producer Bob Esty (Bette Midler, The Pointer Sisters, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer). While Ava is grateful for the opportunity to work with such gifted producers, there is a dark side; she sadly discovers that talent is not enough-Ava faces discrimination on the airwaves and her solo career struggles. Throughout this memoir, Ava recounts fascinating tales of memorable times spent in the orbit of a multitude of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and Bob Marley, among many others. She also has a heartwarming moment with Frank Sinatra and a humorous encounter in England with the Queen Mother.  What will quickly become apparent to the reader is Ava''s resilience, as she branches out into rap and contemporary dance music. Ava''s appearances at major Bowie fests and museum exhibits around the world keep her name front and center in the post-Bowie/Vandross years.   As Ava''s contemporary dance records continue to soar up the international charts, she enjoys reconnecting with her longtime fans as well as inspiring the next generation of artists. 

Poetry collection by Gary Copeland Lilley. Lilley's collection addresses flashpoints in African American history including the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 and Hurricane Katrina. Second edition with new poems.EXCERPT:Colonel Waddell on the Morning of November 10, 1898from High Water EverywhereThey vote Republican black. They walkOur streets with their heads up, with more freedomThan a white man, and now we have been madeTo conduct our city's business underThe rule of carpet-baggers and negroes.White men will suffer eternallyIf we do not honor that it's our bloodThat makes North Carolina sacred ground.If we don't act they'll soon have the landAnd all our grand history that's on it:The Confederate graves, all the gray menFrom all our families, to their proud deathsGive glory, honor the white way of life.Let black bodies choke the Cape Fear River.

Poetry collection by Detroit poet John Jeffire. Jeffire is the author of Motown Burning, Grand Prize Winner in the Mount Arrowsmith Competition.

Collection of poetry and song lyrics by Detroit rocker Carolyn Striho. Striho’s most recent album, Afterthought, was on the GRAMMY® Awards 2018 First Ballot for Best Rock Album of the Year. Carolyn has won 11 Detroit Music Awards and a Billboard Magazine Award for her songwriting, albums, musicianship and live performances. Carolyn also has toured overseas six times in Europe, and also had a two-month tour of Japan. She’s played many national and international festivals including Lollapalooza, Rome Italy’s Donne In Musica, London U.K. Meltdown, and many more. 

Poetry collection by Jamaican-born poet, creative writer, visual artist, and media professional. After graduating from Syracuse University (Newhouse and College of Arts and Science), Anderson began her career in television production at CBS News, where she worked as an associate producer for long-form documentaries like "A&E Biography." She went on to work as an associate producer for "NOW With Bill Moyers." Her poetry and essays have appeared in a number of national literary magazines, journals, and anthologies.