Customer Reviews

Rhythm and the Blues: A Life in American Music

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In-between the archetypes of musician-as-record- exec (as in Berry Gordy) and evil-incarnate-as-record-exec (as in The Geffen and progeny) is the fan-as-record-exec. Atlantic is the greatest example of a record company run by fans. With top-flight soul/R&B, jazz, and rock divisions, Atlantic beats Sun and Chess for the title of "History's greatest independent label." Jerry Wexler's colorfully logomaniacal verbiage tells of the view from the air up there. The personal history detailed in this book isn't to be skipped, either. Not nearly outshined by the magical music history that attracts us to this book, the life lived by the author helps make this stuff such a good and quick read. There's something to be felt there. Read. Look for Ahmet Ertegun's entry on the subject, coming in May 2000.

If you are a music lover, industry hopeful, or history buff, this book will give you an honest, down to earth, fireside story of one very important man's life in the business. The manner in which he chooses to tell his story is an in depth, straight forward approach which keeps you wanting to continue to the next chapter. When it is all said and done, you feel as if you knew Wex throughout his journey and understand his joy in the career path he chose and just what he has accomplished. As a music business student, this was an inspiring, thought provoking read. Find this book, and enjoy.

just for the chapter on Brother Ray - Great stories - No holds barred account of the great days of Atlantic Records - If you like R&B than you will want to get this book

Autobiographies are fun to read because people spill their guts and tell you all the secrets and failures that they normally wouldn't admit to.This author had quite an interesting life, growing up in NYC and becoming a bigtime music industry insider, marrying and divorcing and so forth. He gives you a real feel for his life and his first love: music.