Haunted Heart: A Biography of Susannah McCorkle

by Linda Dahl

"In this comprehensive biography, compiled from meticulous research and interviews with many of McCorkle's confidants . . . Dahl reconstructs a career distinguished by great promise and great sadness . . . doing her best to address a large, looming 'Why?' that can never be completely answered."
—New York Times

"A compelling, sympathetic but often chilling view not only of McCorkle's complexities but also of the difficult business of music itself and of the widespread always potentially fatal illness now better known as bipolar disorder, which the singer hid from so many, even from herself for many years."
—Newsweek

“Susannah's life was dark and daunting. Her music was suave and sunny. Both are honored in this remarkably well-researched and constantly revealing keyhole peek into a haunted life that is both chilling and exhilarating. I could not put it down.”
—Rex Reed

“Susannah McCorkle was a mesmerizing singer with a dark side she hid even from her closest friends. Now, thanks to this probing and courageous biography, we can understand the gut ambition that took her to the top of her field and the turmoil that brought her down.”
—James Gavin, author of Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker

“Haunted Heart strikingly resembles the woman it describes: it is vivacious, tender, saturnine, industrious, and deeply intelligent. Like Susannah's way with certain ballads, it opens a wound and begins the work of healing it. I am grateful for Linda Dahl's diligence and sympathy.”
—Leon Wieseltier

Linda Dahl is the author of Stormy Weather: The Music and Lives of a Century of Jazzwomen and Morning Glory: A Biography of Mary Lou Williams. Visit the author’s website at www.dahljazz.com.

Genres: Music, Biography

344 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2006

Reviews

[Garry Ragan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sad read. I first discovered Susannah McCorkle after reading glowing reviews of her recordings in Stereo Review in the 1980s. I bought several of her early albums and enjoyed listening to them for years. Unfortunately, after reading this biography I feel much less attracted to her singing. While this book covered her entire life, I still don't know if I understand who McCorkle was as a person. I do know she wasn't a good person mainly do to her family issues and then her mental illness. I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The author faced a tremendous challenge in presenting Susannah truthfully and accurately. In this regard the author was successful in my opinion. In conclusion, I really have mixed emotions now that I've finished.

[Jim Eggensperger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very detailed recounting of McCorkle's troubled life, not to mention her family and friends. Gets into the events and psychology leading up to suicide. Sad. Sad. End to a great talent who never lived up to her own expectations.

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!}]

Dan DiNicola dated my mom five years before his diagnosis of brain cancer. This is his wife's biography. I feel compelled to read this.

[Jerry Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Loved Susannah McCorkle ..
So sad by her depression..
Could never read the last Chapter....
Born January 1st....