Brenda Lee’s remarkable versatility takes center stage in Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around, where I explore five musical genres she not only crossed—but mastered. From the driving edge of rock ’n’ roll and the raw energy of rockabilly to the polished warmth of pop, the heartfelt storytelling of country, and the soulful roots of gospel, Brenda didn’t just cross genres—she excelled in each one. Her ability to adapt her voice and style made her one of the most dynamic and enduring performers of the 20th century.

Liza Minnelli’s unforgettable screen presence shines in LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, where I wrote about five of her most memorable film roles. From her Oscar-winning turn in Cabaret and her sparkling performance in Arthur to her early breakthrough in The Sterile Cuckoo, these roles reveal the depth, charisma, and emotional range that made Minnelli a force in modern cinema. Born into Hollywood royalty, Minnelli grew up with show business as her playground, and that legacy shaped her ability to command the screen with effortless charisma. Each role reveals not only her extraordinary talent as an actress and singer, but also the unique blend of vulnerability, humor, and star power that made her a legend in her own right.

In my second piece for LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, I reflect on the generations of performers who have drawn inspiration from Liza Minnelli and highlight six of them. From the theatrical flamboyance of Freddie Mercury and the constant reinvention of Madonna to her close musical bond with Michael Feinstein—and reaching into the modern era with artists like Lady Gaga—Minnelli’s influence stretches across decades and genres. Her boldness, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to performance continue to resonate onstage and onscreen, ensuring that her legacy extends far beyond her own dazzling body of work.

Art Spiegelman’s evolution as a groundbreaking cartoonist comes into focus in Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse, where I wrote about eight key works that trace his artistic journey. From his early underground comic Funny Animals to the Pulitzer Prize–winning Maus, and his bold, era-defining covers for The New Yorker, these pieces reveal how Spiegelman continually pushed the boundaries of comics as a vehicle for memory, politics, and personal reflection. Together, they show an artist who transformed the medium and reshaped how we tell—and read—stories.

Unforgettable musical moments take the spotlight in Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, where I wrote about a decade-spanning lineage of iconic performances on Saturday Night Live. Beginning with Janis Ian’s historic appearance on the very first episode of SNL, I trace how the stage became a platform for bold artistry and cultural conversation. From Sinéad O’Connor’s uncompromising performance to David Bowie’s theatrical reinvention, and from Beyoncé’s commanding presence to Taylor Swift’s storytelling power, these ten moments reveal how the show has amplified artists who challenge expectations—just as Janis Ian herself has done throughout her remarkable career.

Marlee Matlin’s trailblazing impact comes into sharp focus in Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, where I wrote about ten of her most memorable film and television roles. From her Oscar-winning debut in Children of a Lesser God to a comedic standout on Seinfeld, her commanding presence on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and her deeply moving performance in the Academy Award–winning CODA, Matlin has consistently expanded opportunities for Deaf actors in Hollywood. Together, these roles reflect the breadth of her talent and the lasting influence she’s had on how Deaf stories are portrayed and valued in film and television.

Dick Van Dyke’s singular career comes alive in Starring Dick Van Dyke, where I wrote about ten performances that helped define his legacy across television, film, stage, and even music videos. From his timeless work on The Dick Van Dyke Show and his iconic turn as Bert in Mary Poppins to the romantic drama The Morning After and his long-running role on Diagnosis: Murder, Van Dyke proved himself a master of both comedy and heartfelt storytelling. His surprise appearance in Coldplay’s “All My Love” music video shows that even late in life, he continues to charm audiences with the same warmth, wit, and effortless style that first made him a legend.

Elie Wiesel’s moral and literary legacy comes into focus in Night and Beyond, where I explore five works that helped define his voice as a writer, witness, and conscience of the twentieth century. From his searing memoir Night to later novels and reflections, Elie Wiesel used storytelling to grapple with memory, faith, loss, and the dangers of indifference. Writing not simply to recount the past but to give it meaning, Wiesel believed remembrance was a moral responsibility. Together, these works reveal how he transformed personal trauma into a universal call for empathy, justice, and human dignity—one that continues to resonate with readers today.