Early reviews are just starting to come in...
Check out the reviews on Amazon:
I very much enjoyed reading Until I Smile At You. The list of key female tunesmiths of the Great American Songbook is short: Dorothy Fields, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Carolyn Leigh — not many more. The list of Canadian women in this elite company is much shorter: Ruth Lowe. Period. Lowe, who came out of left field (Toronto) in 1940 to write Frank Sinatra’s megahit “I’ll Never Smile Again” — the first Number One on the first Billboard chart and the song that turned Sinatra into a national star — wasn’t content to stop there: in 1943 she wrote his signature tune, “Put Your Dreams Away” — which, 55 years later, was played at his funeral. The woman who arguably bookended Frank Sinatra’s career richly deserved a biography, and in Until I Smile at You, Peter Jennings gives Lowe the one she deserves: a marvelously detailed and affectionate life of a great woman and an important artist. – James Kaplan, noted author of Frank: The Voice and Sinatra: The Chairman
As usual, Peter has taken us on a compelling journey and I truly enjoyed my time reading this. Written history rarely takes us to the spark of artistic invention… Thankfully, one such journey to the source of artistic genius is at hand. What’s new in Peter Jennings’ book "Until I Smile at You" are the people he’s found to take us to the heart of such genius – the Sinatras, (Nancy and Frank Jr.), Ruth’s sister and son, Dorsey and scores of other witnesses to the story. It’s as if Jennings has convened a dinner party in Ruth’s honour and everybody shows up to offer a take on a landmark Great American Songbook tune. I mean, even Tim Rice, Bernie Taupin, David Clayton-Thomas and Chuck Granata attend to ensure that Ruth’s song, Frank’s rendition, and their genius are given their due. While it’s art born in tragedy, it’s also a story that delivers triumph. - Ted Barris, noted author of 21 books
In that entertaining Jennings style we are given a personal view of the contribution of a relatively unknown but influential Canadian artist. Peter delivers a personal and thorough look at the life and contributions of Ruth Lowe. Crafted through the insight of those who knew her it delivers a satisfying, informative and entertaining read. - JRM
This book is so interesting! I love the way it is written and how easy it is to read. Anyone with any interest in music history should get this book.
This is an incredible story of Ruth Lowe Sandler’s song writing journey, standing toe to toe with “the greats”. Grab it, it’s fascinating! - PR
It was wonderful to pursue Ruth Lowe's life through your book and realize what a talented lady she was. Hats off to you for bringing her story to life and giving her the credit she deserves today. I think you have truly nailed it. - SW
Great read! This is a woman who has always fascinated me. Her unforgettable song is truly eternal. Her story is very touching and moving. A world ago we were neighbors and although she has been gone for many years her memory shines on . - MS
You are able to capture a wonderful profile of a really neat and interesting person and the way you tell the story enriches the narrative. It gave me a whole bunch of insight into the music industry of that era. It’s a great story, well told. It is a captivating read. - RM
Just finished reading the book. What a joy! I grew up in Toronto and knew of Ruth but now I feel I know her. I sing with a big band in Kelowna and a jazz group and used to sing Put Your Dreams away to my daughters as kids at bedtime. Thanks so much for sharing and taking me back to the Toronto that I grew up in in the 60-80’s. - RF
Most interesting read.....An abundance of great stories highlighting Ruth’s marvellous musical career. On a personal note, it took me back to some wonderful early memories. - RB
I know you were concerned about not overdoing the information. Don't worry: there's not a dull phrase in this book. It's riveting. Having the experts talk about Ruth's music really puts it in perspective. - CT
It's a well-written and thoroughly researched account of her life. - Douglas Richmond, Editor, House of Anansi Press
A sweetly sentimental look at the life of Ruth Lowe, illustrating the contrasting sides of this Canadian composer's life. At once an artist rubbing elbows with showbiz glitterati, she was also a woman who simply wanted love and family. It is this, and her family tragedies, that give her song “I’ll Never Smile Again” the intense humanity which helped rocket it, and a young Frank Sinatra, to stardome. Inter-woven with first hand accounts from those who knew Ruth, this biography reads like an extended scrapbook where Jennings fleshes out her life and the importance of her work with contributions from music journalists, family, and Nancy Sinatra. - AP
Very well written. I'm sure it will appeal to music lovers of all ages. A great tribute to Ruth Lowe. Tom's tribute to his Mom brought tears... "don't want Mom's story forgotten." You caused me to laugh out loud in parts and tear up in others. You've written from your heart and your love of music. Wonderfully written. Thanks for sharing. - JB
What a fabulous story about a truly amazing woman. You've captured the life and times of Ruth Lowe beautifully. No wonder Sinatra linked his career to hers! Loved the commentary from the celebrities talking about her songs. A truly great book! - RL
It is so Canadian that someone as advanced, influential and gifted as Ruth flies under our radar. If she had been a hockey player performing at this level she would be a national hero. If this tome doesn’t raise her visibility nothing will. It is a captivating read. - RM
Peter Jennings has scribed an empathetic portrait of a humble, yet genuinely gifted Canadian composer. He is ‘frank’ about Ruth’s timely influence on Sinatra’s rising stardom. The Ruth Lowe story needed to be shared! A bonus feature of this bio was my enjoyment of memories of personal connection.
- JB
Tommy , I loved reading your mother's story filled with inspiration, love and determination. GREAT READ! - Paul Wise Director Gallery 133 , Toronto
This book is the story of my grandmother Ruth Lowe. I'm slightly biased but she had a wonderful life and an almost fairy tale experience of rubbing shoulders with music royalty for a time. This is well worth the read and it's wonderful to see her story kept alive. It is an inspiration! - SS
* * *
And this from musician/writer Jack Hutton (who played piano when Tom Sandler sang
"I'll Never Smile Again" to a standing ovation crowd):
Hi Tommy:
I am so #$%^ proud of what you are doing to promote your mother's memory and the song which Tommy Dorsey recorded with a skinny Italian-American kid whose last name ended with a vowel. I'm looking forward to reading all about it and helping to promote it through our media up here. Please keep me posted all the way. - JH
In that entertaining Jennings style we are given a personal view of the contribution of a relatively unknown but influential Canadian artist. Peter delivers a personal and thorough look at the life and contributions of Ruth Lowe. Crafted through the insight of those who knew her it delivers a satisfying, informative and entertaining read. - JRM
This book is so interesting! I love the way it is written and how easy it is to read. Anyone with any interest in music history should get this book.
This is an incredible story of Ruth Lowe Sandler’s song writing journey, standing toe to toe with “the greats”. Grab it, it’s fascinating! - PR
It was wonderful to pursue Ruth Lowe's life through your book and realize what a talented lady she was. Hats off to you for bringing her story to life and giving her the credit she deserves today. I think you have truly nailed it. - SW
Great read! This is a woman who has always fascinated me. Her unforgettable song is truly eternal. Her story is very touching and moving. A world ago we were neighbors and although she has been gone for many years her memory shines on . - MS
You are able to capture a wonderful profile of a really neat and interesting person and the way you tell the story enriches the narrative. It gave me a whole bunch of insight into the music industry of that era. It’s a great story, well told. It is a captivating read. - RM
Just finished reading the book. What a joy! I grew up in Toronto and knew of Ruth but now I feel I know her. I sing with a big band in Kelowna and a jazz group and used to sing Put Your Dreams away to my daughters as kids at bedtime. Thanks so much for sharing and taking me back to the Toronto that I grew up in in the 60-80’s. - RF
Most interesting read.....An abundance of great stories highlighting Ruth’s marvellous musical career. On a personal note, it took me back to some wonderful early memories. - RB
I know you were concerned about not overdoing the information. Don't worry: there's not a dull phrase in this book. It's riveting. Having the experts talk about Ruth's music really puts it in perspective. - CT
It's a well-written and thoroughly researched account of her life. - Douglas Richmond, Editor, House of Anansi Press
A sweetly sentimental look at the life of Ruth Lowe, illustrating the contrasting sides of this Canadian composer's life. At once an artist rubbing elbows with showbiz glitterati, she was also a woman who simply wanted love and family. It is this, and her family tragedies, that give her song “I’ll Never Smile Again” the intense humanity which helped rocket it, and a young Frank Sinatra, to stardome. Inter-woven with first hand accounts from those who knew Ruth, this biography reads like an extended scrapbook where Jennings fleshes out her life and the importance of her work with contributions from music journalists, family, and Nancy Sinatra. - AP
Very well written. I'm sure it will appeal to music lovers of all ages. A great tribute to Ruth Lowe. Tom's tribute to his Mom brought tears... "don't want Mom's story forgotten." You caused me to laugh out loud in parts and tear up in others. You've written from your heart and your love of music. Wonderfully written. Thanks for sharing. - JB
What a fabulous story about a truly amazing woman. You've captured the life and times of Ruth Lowe beautifully. No wonder Sinatra linked his career to hers! Loved the commentary from the celebrities talking about her songs. A truly great book! - RL
It is so Canadian that someone as advanced, influential and gifted as Ruth flies under our radar. If she had been a hockey player performing at this level she would be a national hero. If this tome doesn’t raise her visibility nothing will. It is a captivating read. - RM
Peter Jennings has scribed an empathetic portrait of a humble, yet genuinely gifted Canadian composer. He is ‘frank’ about Ruth’s timely influence on Sinatra’s rising stardom. The Ruth Lowe story needed to be shared! A bonus feature of this bio was my enjoyment of memories of personal connection.
- JB
Tommy , I loved reading your mother's story filled with inspiration, love and determination. GREAT READ! - Paul Wise Director Gallery 133 , Toronto
This book is the story of my grandmother Ruth Lowe. I'm slightly biased but she had a wonderful life and an almost fairy tale experience of rubbing shoulders with music royalty for a time. This is well worth the read and it's wonderful to see her story kept alive. It is an inspiration! - SS
* * *
And this from musician/writer Jack Hutton (who played piano when Tom Sandler sang
"I'll Never Smile Again" to a standing ovation crowd):
Hi Tommy:
I am so #$%^ proud of what you are doing to promote your mother's memory and the song which Tommy Dorsey recorded with a skinny Italian-American kid whose last name ended with a vowel. I'm looking forward to reading all about it and helping to promote it through our media up here. Please keep me posted all the way. - JH