"From one of the preeminent cultural critics of her generation, a radiant weave of memoir, criticism, and biography that tells the story of black women in music--from the Dixie Cups to Gladys Knight to Janet, Whitney, and Mariah-- as the foundational story of American pop"--

Part 1. The Dixie Cups ; Leontyne + Dionne + Cissy ; Miss Ross ; Gladys ; Donna ; Marilyn + Peaches ; Stephanie + The Wiz ; Jody + Deniece -- Part 2. Whitney and Aretha -- Part 3. Janet ; Mariah -- Outro -- Gratitude.