? Although for many decades it was principally the domain of jazz-styled singers and musicians, THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK has undergone a significant revival in recent years, in terms of the mass market's rediscovery of the genre. ? Loosely defined, these are the most popular and enduring songs from the 1920s through to the 50s, most of which were written for Broadway theatre, musical theatre and/or Hollywood musical movies. ? And although regular Pop Music has generally endured a somewhat difficult relationship with what has always been perceived as "serious" music, many R&B; and early Soul performers dabbled in the Great American Songbook over the years. ? This unique compilation presents thirty memorable examples, featuring artists like Ray Charles, Big Maybelle, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, LaVern Baker, James Brown, Etta James, Bobby Bland, Timi Yuro, Ruth Brown and many more. ? Many of these sides are hard to find elsewhere on CD.