Music Industry News

Derek Sivers: "Make Your Own Success First"

Source: HypeBot
June 30, 2009

"You have to make your own success first, before you ask the industry for help.

You have to show that you're going to be successful with-or-without their help. Show that you have momentum, and if they want to accelerate it or amplify it they can, but it will cost them to ride your coat-tails."

“If you don't do this, then even in the best-case scenario, where someone at the company really believes in you, you'll have no negotiating leverage, ...

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The Michael Jackson Effect: An Unprecedented Spike in Sales

Source: HypeBot
June 30, 2009

Once again new media trumped old with AOL's TMZ breaking the Michael Jackson story an hour before other news and gossip gatherers. But in addition to the predictable spike in online interest, Friday's death also led to an unprecedented spike in sale.

As of Monday morning, Michael Jackson held 8 of the top 10 slots on iTunes with 20+ more ...

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Quincy Jones: We Owned the 80's

Source: Michael Ricci
June 30, 2009

Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson: 'We made history together'

Like the world, last week I was devastated by the news that Michael Jackson had suddenly left the room. This blessed artist commanded the stage with the grace of an antelope, shattered recording industry records and broke down cultural boundaries around the world, yet remained the gentlest of souls. Michael Jackson was a different kind of entertainer. A man-child in many ways, he was beyond professional and dedicated. Evoking Fred Astaire, ...

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Jerry Lewis, Marvin Hamlisch Taking 'Nutty Professor' to Broadway

Source: Michael Ricci
June 30, 2009

A musical version of the 1963 comedy classic “The Nutty Professor" is headed to Broadway, and the director will be none other than Jerry Lewis himself.

The comedian, who won't be acting in the musical, has brought on board Marvin Hamlisch to write music and Rupert Holmes to do book and lyrics. Producers are planning on an opening during the 2010-11 Broadway season.

Lewis, who turned 83 this year, starred in the original Paramount feature film, which he co-wrote with ...

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Now Accepting Rhythm Road Applications

Source: All About Jazz
June 30, 2009

Jazz at Lincoln Center is now accepting band applications for the 2009-2010 Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program.

The program, now in its fifth year, is a collaboration with The U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Applications are due by Aug. 10.

American music groups from throughout the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip hop and other American roots music including bluegrass, blues, Cajun, country, gospel and zydeco are invited to apply.

The programs' goal is ...

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After Jackson Fame May Never Be the Same

Source: Michael Ricci
June 29, 2009

When will another pop culture figure mean so much to so many that people are moved to assemble, hug and dance?

This is a tribute, of course, to Mr. Jacksons singular gifts his voice, songwriting talent, physical grace, and the list goes on and on. But there is the related matter of historical timing. Fame on the level that Mr. Jackson achieved is all but impossible for pop culture heroes today, and quite likely it will never be possible again. ...

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Michael Jackson's Legal Problems May Outlive Him

Source: Billboard Magazine
June 27, 2009

Superstar singer Michael Jackson will be remembered for a lot of things, from hit records to a galvanizing stage presence to his enormous personal troubles. But lately the King of Pop had become the King of Litigation, having been sued by royalty, veterinary hospitals, lawyers, “she's not my lover" Billie Jean, Wall Street, the family of somebody who died, Sotheby's auction house, the director of “Thriller," the actress who appeared in “Thriller," African singers, concert promoters, public relations help, and ...

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Happily Seduced by the Blues

Source: Michael Ricci
June 27, 2009

BOB KOESTER came here in 1958 because he was a jazz and blues fan who wanted to see his favorite music played live in the small, smoky clubs that dotted the city. But he has ended up doing much more than that: as the founder and sole proprietor of Delmark Records he also became and remains the most dedicated chronicler of that scene, now gradually receding into history. “I was seduced by the music,” Mr. Koester said in an interview ...

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