Partying With Selma: Inside The Life of Rock Stars Hardcover – January 30, 2024

“I love how music makes me feel. It has the power to change my mood from sad to happy and can even bring back memories of someone or somewhere special. Many people share this sentiment, which is one of many reasons why we adore musicians and songwriters who create the lyrics and beats that move us. Music can even make us fall in love.From Michael Jackson's final concert in NYC before 9/11 to Clive Davis's legendary Pre-Grammy parties, this book captures moments of the most fabulous musicians in the world. Whether a music lover or a photography enthusiast, this book will leave you in awe. Plus, you'll see Jay-Z dancing with Aaliyah!Photos of James Brown, the “godfather of soul,” with David Bowie, the “Art rock, glam, pop electronic" star from 1999 to 2023.Britney Spears with Justin Timberlake or dancing and singing with Michael Jackson. Michael is wearing his famous crystal-encrusted glove, moonwalking, and moving his legs and body as we have never seen before.Lionel Richie, with his sexy voice, sex appeal, romantic lyrics, and connection with his audience, makes us believe in love when we hear his songs.Beyoncé with her flawless voice, incredible outfits, and dance moves.Paul McCartney with his Beatles legendary heartwarming songs. Kanye West rapping about his problems. “I was even able to capture his photo smiling at a party; he is notorious for not smiling in public.”Sean Diddy Combs and Kim Porter strolled around his East Hampton, NY Estate, showing off their barely one-year-old twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs.“When I started photographing musicians, I gained a greater appreciation for the intense and complex process of composing music. However, after conducting interviews with artists such as Yoko Ono, One Republic, and Snoop Dogg, and spending time with icons like Lionel Richie, Diddy, Ty Dolla $ign, and Sting, I now fully understand the power and importance of music and the artists who create it.Of all the musicians I’ve encountered, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson have had the most significant impact on my life through their music and friendship. Their songs, lyrics, performances, and personal connections have made me love music more than I ever thought possible.The first time I attended the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party at the chic Beverly Hills Hotel’s Ballroom, I was amazed to see and meet so many musicians and songwriters in one room. At his parties, Clive always introduces newly discovered talents. In 2001, he presented a newcomer, Alicia Keys, to everyone, saying, "Alicia Keys is going to be the biggest musician in the world," he was right. After cocktails and dinner, at least ten singers got up on stage to sing together; it was beautiful.“Once, I attended a private Lionel Richie concert at the Cala Di Volpe Hotel in Sardinia, Italy, where I found myself in the front row singing along to all his songs. Then, I remembered that when I moved to Greece from Brazil in the 80s as a lonely teenager, my sister Tamara sent me a cassette of Lionel’s latest songs from Brazil. Even though I didn’t understand a word of it since I didn’t speak English then, his songs made me happy, in love, and less alone.That’s the power of music.”You will see photos of my fun evening at the MET Gala in NYC, where the late Whitney Houston surprised everyone by getting up on her chair. It was my first time meeting her; she was just as beautiful, talented, wild, and fun as you can imagine. And sometimes, I was in the right place at the right time, for example, when Anna Kournikova jumped on top of Enrique Iglesias while seated on a sofa, and they started to make out at the Def Jam Grammy Party in NYC; that was instantly breaking news. Read more