World Renowned Artist and Music Historian Michael Feinstein to Collaborate and Highlight Minnelli’s Trailblazing Career and Extraordinary Life Story
Grand Central Publishing (GCP) is excited to announce the acquisition of a memoir by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT) icon Liza Minnelli. Contributing to the project are Heidi Evans, a Pulitzer Prize and two-time George Polk Award winner, and Josh Getlin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning veteran Los Angeles Times Correspondent and New York Bureau Chief, who covered arts, entertainment, politics, and publishing for over 30 years.
Liza Minnelli stands alone as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in entertainment history, and her eagerly anticipated memoir promises to capture her vibrant and irreverent voice. From her childhood in the spotlight as the daughter of iconic actress and performer Judy Garland and legendary film director Vincente Minnelli to her breakout successes in Cabaret and Liza with a Z, and through her high-octane marriages and struggles with substance abuse, this memoir offers an intimate look at the star we cherish. It reveals the raw and triumphant experiences that have solidified her status as one of the most compelling performers ever in entertainment history.
Colin Dickerman, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at GCP, acquired North American Rights from Mel Berger at William Morris Endeavor. International rights are being handled by Tracy Fisher at William Morris Endeavor. The relationship between Mel Berger, Tracy Fisher, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, and Grand Central Publishing was announced today by Stephen Roseberry (President and CMO) and Jon Carrasco (EVP and Worldwide Creative Director) for SWC. Ms. Minnelli & Mr. Feinstein are managed exclusively by SWC.
The book will be published in hardcover print, e-book, and audio editions in the spring of 2026. Dickerman said, “From the moment she was born, people have been telling Liza’s story. She is now, after a life of many dizzying triumphs and some terrifying lows, finally ready to tell it herself. Grand Central is absolutely thrilled to help bring this book into the world.”
The Ambassador of The Great American Songbook, Grammy, Emmy nominated and Tony winner Michael Feinstein, a multi-platinum recording artist, joins as a collaborator of this historically significant book about the greatest entertainment family of the 20th and now 21st century. Feinstein will highlight Minnelli’s most significant contributions to the American Lexicon. The audio edition will include bonus content with never-released autobiographical recordings and musings that Minnelli and Feinstein have been working on for 15 years. This memoir will be a candid review of Minnelli’s life, both professionally and personally.
“Since I was old enough to put pencil to paper, people asked me to write books about my career … my life … my loves … my family,” said Minnelli. “Absolutely not! ‘Tell it when I’m gone!’ Was my philosophy. So, why did I change my mind? A sabotaged appearance at the Oscars, in front of billions of people … a film with twisted half-truths … a recent miniseries that just didn’t get it right. All made by people who didn’t know my family, and don’t really know me. Finally, I was mad as hell! Over dinner one night, I decided, it’s my own damn story … I’m gonna share it with you because of all the love you’ve given me.
I turned to my most beloved friend, Michael Feinstein and yelled: ‘Help!’ We’ve been joined at the hip for 40 years. As Ambassador of the Great American Songbook and my absolute favorite collaborator, Michael’s one of the greats, he’s razor-sharp and, and he tells the truth. That’s important because, as I fly towards my eighth decade of living, memories differ. I agreed to meet with only one company, Grand Central Publishing. We fell in love. This tome has a unique place in history. Most of you don’t know how far back we go. The Minnellis have been in show business for literally hundreds of years!
Today, after incredible events and life-threatening battles … I am truly ‘Lady Peaceful, Lady Happy.’ Thank you all for loving me so much … being concerned about me. I want you to know I’m still here, still kickin’ ass, still loving life and still creating. So, until this book arrives, know that I’m laughing, safe in every way, surrounded by loved ones, and excited to see what’s right around the curve of life. Kids, wait ’til you hear this!”
About Liza Minnelli:
Liza Minnelli is an indomitable force in the entertainment world, a true icon whose career spans over six decades. Born on March 12, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, she was destined for greatness as the daughter of the legendary actress and singer Judy Garland and the acclaimed film director Vincente Minnelli. Growing up in a household steeped in show business, Liza’s path to stardom was almost written in the stars.
Her professional journey began at 16 when she dazzled audiences in an Off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward. This early triumph was merely the first in accolades that would punctuate her extraordinary career. At just 19, Liza made Broadway history by becoming the youngest woman ever to win a Tony Award for her role in Flora the Red Menace. This achievement set the stage for a prolific Broadway career, marked by standout performances in Chicago, The Act, and Liza’s at the Palace…, the latter earning her a fourth Tony Award.
Minnelli’s impact on film is nothing short of legendary. Her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse’s Cabaret remains a watermark in cinematic history. The role won her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a British Film Academy Award. The success of Cabaret catapulted her to international fame, solidifying her status as a superstar. Her film career continued with notable roles in Arthur and its sequel, Arthur 2, where she showcased her remarkable versatility.
Television, too, has been a canvas for Minnelli’s brilliance. Her groundbreaking 1972 special, Liza with a Z, was a seminal moment in TV history, earning an Emmy and a Peabody Award. This was followed by other memorable television appearances, including Goldie and Liza: Together and Baryshnikov on Broadway. Her role in the made-for-TV drama A Time to Live garnered her a second Golden Globe, further affirming her status as a versatile performer.
Throughout her career, Minnelli has been known for her electrifying stage presence. Her record-setting performances at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall are legendary, with her three-week engagement at Carnegie Hall in 1987 being a historic sell-out. Minnelli’s ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and personal charisma is unparalleled, setting a benchmark for live entertainment.
Despite significant personal and health challenges, Minnelli’s resilience and determination have been inspiring. Her triumphant return to the stage with Liza’s Back! in 2002 and subsequent performances in Arrested Development and Liza’s at the Palace demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her craft.
Liza Minnelli’s remarkable contributions to the arts have earned her many prestigious honors. Along with being a member of the exclusive EGOT club (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), her accolades include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Legend Award on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a Golden Globe Award. In 2017, she was awarded France’s esteemed Légion d’Honneur as an Officer, one of the highest distinctions a foreign national can receive, recognizing her exceptional contributions to arts and culture. Beyond these accolades, Minnelli has received numerous other international awards and has passionately advocated for various causes, including HIV/AIDS and charitable organizations benefiting Human Rights.
Her legacy as a performer is marked by her extraordinary range, unparalleled charisma, and unwavering dedication to her art. As one of the most celebrated and versatile artists in entertainment history, Liza Minnelli remains an enduring symbol of excellence and inspiration in the world of show business.
About Michael Feinstein:
Michael Feinstein, a celebrated multi-platinum recording artist and world-renowned music archivist, has dedicated over four decades to the Great American Songbook. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to classic American music, earning him the title of a leading interpreter. His remarkable ability to bring new life to timeless songs has garnered him acclaim and numerous accolades, including GRAMMY, EMMY, nominations and a TONY Award for Mr. Feinstein’s New York venue. His extensive discography, filled with collaborations with legends, underscores his significant contributions to preserving and celebrating American musical heritage.
Feinstein’s remarkable achievements include his role as Artistic Director for the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, a beacon of education and preservation of America’s musical legacy. His impressive live performances, including sold-out shows at major venues like Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, have solidified his status as a premier performer in the genre.
Central to Feinstein’s career is his long-time friendship and producing partnership with Liza Minnelli. Their relationship, which has flourished over forty years, is marked by mutual respect and creative collaboration. Minnelli’s influence and partnership have led to numerous memorable projects and performances, highlighting their shared passion for celebrating the American songbook.
Together, Feinstein and Minnelli have crafted unforgettable experiences that honor the rich tradition of American music. Feinstein’s enduring legacy, enriched by his partnership with Minnelli, continues to captivate audiences and ensure that the timeless charm of classic American songs endures for future generations.
