{"product_id":"all-that-glitters-9781736767764","title":"All That Glitters","description":"\u003cp\u003eFormer 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...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAll That Glitters\u003c\/em\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFast 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 \u003cem\u003eZiggy Stardust\u003c\/em\u003e cover while dropping the needle on each track and memorizing all the lyrics. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBowie 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... \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUltimately, Ava and Bowie have a multi-year affair during which time Ava influences Bowie's own career \u003cem\u003evis a vis\u003c\/em\u003e trips to New York's Apollo Theater, thereby setting the stage for the award-winning \u003cem\u003eYoung Americans\u003c\/em\u003e project. During this time, she also befriends young backup singer Luther Vandross.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinally, Ava returns home to embark on her debut recording project, \u003cem\u003eRipe, \u003c\/em\u003e helmed by producer Curtis Mayfield (\u003cem\u003eSuper Fly\u003c\/em\u003e). She then works on the follow-up, \u003cem\u003eStreetcar Named Desire\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. She is championed by former Blood, Sweat and Tears drummer\/producer Bobby Colomby for one of her breakout albums, but Ava's solo career struggles, nonetheless.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThroughout 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat will quickly become apparent to the reader is Ava's resilience, as she branches out into rap and contemporary dance music and forges an enviable collaboration with a world-class Portuguese guitarist and Chicago \"House\" icon Frankie Knuckles. 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Aquarius Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50508070256914,"sku":"9781736767764","price":40.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_0cda864e-8283-4632-bacf-6de8684af081.jpg?v=1730872651","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/all-that-glitters-9781736767764","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}