Stella Castellucci

In the book "Diving Deep for Sea Shells," which was co-written with Edgar Amaya, Stella Castellucci tells the story of her remarkable life in music. 

Published for the first time a year ago through Balboa Press, the second edition –which includes a new cover photo by Phil Fewsmith,– has now come via LitFire.

Born in Los Angeles in 1930 to musician father Louis Castellucci, Stella would go on to continue and further his legacy. She joined Peggy Lee's touring jazz group in 1953. They would form a close friendship that would endure past Peggy's life. Stella witnessed and took part in a very creative time for Peggy Lee in the 1950s. They would closely collaborate on the 1958 Decca release Sea Shells. Stella would also appear on the following Peggy Lee albums:

• Songs in an Intimate Style (Decca, 1954)
• Black Coffee (Decca, 1956)
• Dream Street (Decca, 1957)
• The Man I Love (Capitol, 1957)
• Jump for Joy (Capitol, 1958)
• Pretty Eyes (Capitol, 1960)
• Christmas Carousel (Capitol, 1960)

Learn the story behind the making of the aforementioned albums and other classic recordings, including the Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong album Porgy & Bess. Stella remained a devoted friend to her "Big Sister" Peggy, even appearing for Lee's 92nd birthday celebrations in North Dakota. 

This book was created through extensive email exchanges, phone conversations, and visits between Stella and Edgar. Fans of Jazz, Peggy Lee, harp music and the album Sea Shells are sure to enjoy the look back.

Stella & Edgar during a writing session - Santa Monica, May 2013

You can like Stella on her Facebook page.


UPDATE (06/01/2016):

Now you can watch the book trailer on YouTube: