Sissieretta Jones

"Maureen Lee has done a fantastic job bringing to light the life story of Sissieretta Jones. Much of this important vocalist's life has been hidden and unknown. Lee brings forth small details about Mme Jones's life in a way that makes this story so enjoyable. Filled with facts and historical information about the times, it's easily one of the best musical biographies that I've read in a long time."—Eric Jackson, host of Jazz on WGBH with Eric Jackson

"I have long awaited someone like Maureen Lee who would take a closer look at Sissieretta Jones, Rhode Island's and the nation's most successful African American singer during a difficult age. The result is a stunning biography of piercing intensity and beauty."—Ray Rickman, former president of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

"Maureen Lee has provided a detailed and highly informative review of a sadly neglected superstar singer of the American concert and vaudeville stage at the beginning of the twentieth century. The remarkable life and accomplishments of the 'Black Patti' . . . need to be more fully incorporated into the broad cultural story of America in order to understand the true diversity of our country's entertainment history."—Thomas L. Riis, director, author of Just before Jazz: Black Musical Theater in New York 1890-1915

"Maureen Lee makes an extremely valuable contribution to our understanding of the essence of Sissieretta Jones's professional life. Exhaustive research, excellent organization of the material, and a very descriptive writing style all make this book an excellent read."—Karen Chandler, associate professor of arts management, College of Charleston, and cofounder/principal of the Charleston Jazz Initiative