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.

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.

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.

In October 2020, Loretta Lynn's iconic hit celebrated its 50th anniversary. This article in American Heritage Magazine dives into the lasting impact of the legendary song and highlights the enduring legacy of Lynn herself with input from her dressmaker and dear friend, the late Tim Cobb, and granddaughter Tayla Lynn.

December 2023 marked 90 years since Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers debuted in Flying Down to Rio. In the Summer 2024 issue of American Heritage, I explored the magic they created as Hollywood’s first iconic dance duo. For the article, I spoke with George Stevens, Jr., Fred Astaire’s grandson Tyler McKenzie, and Ginger Rogers' assistant, Roberta Olden.

Patsy Cline’s rich, soulful voice still has the power to stop us in our tracks. More than sixty years after her passing, her music continues to inspire and remind us why she remains one of country music’s greatest trailblazers. My article in the Fall 2025 issue of American Heritage, honors her extraordinary legacy. I am grateful to Patsy’s daughter, Julie Fudge, for sharing her memories, and to artist Mandy Barnett, whose beautiful performances keep Patsy’s spirit alive on stage.

While researching the legendary partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, I became fascinated by the lesser known story of Fred’s older sister, Adele Astaire. Before Fred became a Hollywood icon, Adele was already captivating audiences with her charisma, wit, and extraordinary talent on the stage. This article for The Historians Magazine explores Adele’s remarkable career, her influence on early entertainment culture, and the enduring legacy of a performer who was once considered every bit Fred’s equal.

Historic preservation offers a powerful way to connect with the human stories behind the past. In the “History in the Making” section of New York Archives Magazine, I reflected on my work restoring Eleanor Roosevelt’s photographs at Val-Kill in collaboration with the National Park Service. The piece explores how personal artifacts, family photographs, and preservation work can deepen our understanding of history and help keep these stories alive for future generations.

Published in History in Progress, the publication I created, this article examines the national controversy sparked by Booker T. Washington’s historic dinner with President Theodore Roosevelt at the White House. More than a social event, the meeting exposed the fragile boundaries of racial progress in early twentieth century America and ignited fierce public backlash during the Jim Crow era. Through the lens of Washington’s broader career, the piece explores the tensions between symbolism, power, public perception, and the ongoing struggle for equality in American life.

Published in History in Progress, this article explores how Eleanor Roosevelt’s My Day column transformed the relationship between the White House and the American public long before the rise of television or social media. Writing more than 8,000 columns over nearly three decades, Roosevelt used the platform to inform readers, advocate for social causes, and encourage civic engagement during some of the most consequential moments of the twentieth century. The piece examines how her consistency, accessibility, and moral clarity helped redefine political communication and why her approach to public dialogue continues to resonate today.

Published in History in Progress, this article explores the unraveling of the once powerful relationship between Frank Sinatra and President John F. Kennedy. In 1962, Sinatra expected Kennedy to stay at his Rancho Mirage compound, as he had before, but the visit never took place. Through the lens of politics, celebrity culture, and personal loyalty, the piece examines how a single decision reflected shifting political calculations within the Kennedy administration and marked the decline of one of the era’s most influential friendships, leaving a lasting imprint on both the men involved and the history of the Coachella Valley.