This book is filled with fascinating stories, from the night a shy young woman's play changed Broadway to the day the most successful talk show host in history got her start. Find out about the stage actor who once earned letters in four college sports-and who won academic honors, too. Follow the triumphs and disappointments of some of the most famous black entertainers in our nation's history. Rediscover great personalities who have been forgotten. And learn about how the roles of black performers both changed with and helped changed American society. Book jacket.