Visiting Carnegie Hall In New York City

 

My Photo (c) "Visiting Carnegie Hall" in New York City is as exciting as it possibly gets! The historical arena is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical music and popular music also. Built between 1889 and 1891 while accommodating 3,671 seats, it is divided among three auditoriums and conveniently located on 7th ave in the heart of the city.

Walking the Red Carpet at the World Premier Documentary Film "Becoming Led Zeppelin"

Being invited to the World Premier of the legendary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" documentary film in February, 2025 and held at The Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA was career highlight. 

Pictured here is Phillip Rauls, retired record executive, photographer and book author

with his wife Ms. Midori Kikuchi.

 

The award winning producers of the 4 part series titled "American Epic" production video and shown on PBS and The BBC TV also produced this first and only documentary with Led Zeppelin's remaining members and with the band's gracious approval and original footage from their early days. Featured in the film are never seen before interviews and classic concert footage while being premiered at a big- screen IMAX Theater. 

 Co-Producer Bernard Macmahon (Left) of Paradise Pictures pictured with Phillip Rauls (Right) former Atlantic Records Executive who toured & worked with Led Zeppelin in the late 1960's and early 1970's. 

Pictured here are documentary 

Co-Producer Allison McGourty (L) of Paradise Pictures and Phillip Rauls (R). Photo taken at the exclusive cocktail party held at the legendary Roosevelt Hotel on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, CA

A Curator Begin Documentation At An Early Age

As a young curator, I began collecting and saving my archive of photographs as early as 1968. As the son of a career librarian, it became only a natural path to pursue inherently. Many of those photographs that I took through my 7 decades of work have been printed in various newspapers, magazines, books, websites and video documentaries. 

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday to all my friends!

 

Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ is calling you

 

Cathedral Rock located in Sedona, AZ is quite possibly one of the most scenic mountain locations.  

A Painting-Photograph of The Lords Last Supper

Hmm...I snapped this framed picture in an antique store sometime back while visiting the North Bay Area in CA. It's titled "The Lord's Last Supper." And as you can see, he was surrounded by rock music's top performers. Sorry, but I didn't get the name of the originator of the painting. But can you recognize each person from left to right and name them as seated? Comments are welcomed.

Truth Or Consequences? You Gotta be Kidding...

 

Yes, Virginia, there is an actual town called 'Truth or Consequences.' The truth is, it is located in New Mexico and has a population of 6052 residences. Still, the further truth is, the city officially changed it's name from Hot Springs as the result of a radio show contest in 1950. Ralph Edwards, the host of the NBC Radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, and announced that he would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the show; Thus, Hot Springs, New Mexico officially changed its name on March 31, 1950. True story.

Japan's Bullet Train Known as The Shinkansen

Just got back from a enduring 10 day visit to Japan and brought home a multitude of breathtaking photographs. Seen here (c) is the Bullet Train which is a high-speed railways line in Japan. Known locally as 'The Shinkansen' and can travel speeds to 160-200 miles per hour while traditionally caring 16 train cars and can commute a 1,323 seat capacity. Trust me, my head is still spinning from dozens of incredible train rides all over the countryside!

A Published Comment About Career Work

Mr. Jerry Swift the manager of the legendary Ritz Theater in Memphis, TN quoted this statement: "Thanks, Phillip. That was a "cool deal" promotion we did. We had all that military shit out in the parking lot til every media in Memphis covered it. Great crazy days. Since I just got in, I think I'll just share it as my FB post. BTW I'm really, really glad that someone actually had the foresight to document those great 70's years. Anybody out there who wants to look, see or hear the real stories from one of, if not the, the most authoritative source of the city during those times just see Phillip Rauls on Facebook or google his name and you're in for a cool trip."

Fifty Five Years Ago This Month In 1969...

 

Fifty Five years ago this month, Led Zeppelin's self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records was released (in the US on January 12, 1969). And guess who was there to help promote the record out of the box? The album reached #10 on the Billboard 200 Top LP's chart during its 73 weeks stay, and held a 79-week run on the British charts. In 2003, the album was ranked #29 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Got track record?

"Unforgettable" Natalie Cole a Definite Winner!

Released in 1991 on Electra Records, "Unforgettable" by Natalie Cole was a very successful song on the pop, jazz and R&B charts and considered a major comeback for the artist. The album won the 1992 Grammy Awards for 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Engineered-Non-Classical' while the track "Unforgettable" (duet with her father Nat King Cole) won three additional Grammys: 'Record of the Year', 'Traditional Pop Vocal Performance,' and 'Arrangement Accompanying Vocals.' The album also won Soul Train Music 'Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Female' the same year. As of 2009, the album sales continued to sour and was certified 7X Platinum by the RIAA. (Cole (L) pictured here earlier with EMI Records Northwest Regional Promotion & Marketing Director, Phillip Rauls)

What Were The Biggest Records You Promoted?

 Question:

“Hey Phillip - Off the top of your head and in no particular order, what were the most influential or biggest hit records that you promoted in you career that were brand new and from the very start?”

Answer:

1. “Dock of The Bay” - Otis Redding 1968 ATCO

2. "Hot Buttered Soul" - Isaac Hayes 1969 Enterprise

3. "Green River" - Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 Fantasy

4. "Whipping Post" - Allman Brothers Band 1969 ATCO

5. "Patches" - Clarence Carter 1970 Atlantic

6. "Ride Captain Ride" - Blues Image 1970 ATCO

7. "In The Summertime" - Mungo Jerry 1970 Janus

8. "Woodstock" - CSN&Y 1970 Atlantic

9. “Stairway To Heaven” - Led Zeppelin 1971 Atlantic

10. “Brown Sugar” – The Rollings Stones 1971 Atlantic

11. “Layla” - Derek and The Dominos 1971 ATCO

12. “Roundabout” – YES 1972 Atlantic

13. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” – The Eagles 1972 Asylum

14. "I Shot The Sherriff" - Eric Clapton 1974 RSO

15. “Star Wars Soundtrack” – London Sym. 1978 20th Century Fox

16. "Addicted To Love" - Robert Palmer 1986 Island

17. "West End Girls" Pet Shop Boys 1986 EMI

18. "Don't Mean Nothing" - Richard Mark 1987 Manhattan

19. “You’ve Got The Look” – Roxette 1988 EMI

20. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy" – Bobby McFerrin 1988 EMI Manhattan

21. "Simply Irresistible" - Robert Palmer 1988 EMI

Definition: Promotion Man

DEFINITION:

Pro-mo-tion Man (pro-mo’-shon man) noun 1. An active supporter or advocate of advancement towards success 2. Intermediary between a record company and the media; (a) radio (b) television (c) print (d) electronic viewing 3. A person, regardless of gender, who can break down barriers with dialog (4) Slick glad-handed schmoozer with a persuasive pocket full of tricks (5) Person with a telephone growing out of their ear. *Slang; (a) song plugger (b) bag man (c) a necessary expenditure

Queensryche's First Gold Album "Empire"

Queensryche is honored here at a award ceremony in 1990 at the height of their popularity with their first gold record "Empire". The group was a Seattle Progressive Metal Band that received global recognition. Their monster hit single from the LP was titled "Silent Lucidity" and peaked on Billboard at #9 while their album broke into the Top Ten Chart at #7. Pictured (L-R) EMI NW Regional Promotion Mgr.-Phillip Rauls, bassist-Eddie Jackson, vocalist-Geoff Tate, drummer-Scott Rockenfield, guitarist-Michael Wilton, EMI West Coast Marketing Dir.-Rob Gordon and guitarist-Chris Degarmo. Queensryche has released 16 studio albums and several DVD's and continue to tour and record to this day.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers with EMI's Phillip Rauls

The leading radio & record industry publication, "Hits Magazine" used a front page issue to showcase their twisted humor and spotlight a 1989 photo of EMI Records NW Regional Promotional & Marketing Director Phillip Rauls (L) along with the current hottest alternative band in America, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Photo featured here from an album release party in Seattle during an era when people skills played a paramount role in the breaking of a new band. If a picture could tell a thousand words...

Look, up in the sky. It's a bird or a plane.

Last month while visiting Hawaii for my birthday, we rented a car and drove Southbound from Kona to Hilo on Hwy. #11 on the Big Island. As we rounded a curve on the highway....I couldn't believe my very eyes! We were immediately perplexed by what we saw. In the sky and above our head was a giant circular-shaped cloud that was moving and resembled what I thought looked like a monster UFO. Immediately, cars began pulling over to the side of the road as people were getting out of their vehicles and pointing upwards towards the object. Now, I've been taking photos for a long time but this sight was a very first for me. After reviewing my images and careful study, I found this was called a 'Lenticular Cloud.' It is one of the most rarest types of clouds that form in the atmosphere. The National Weather Service offered this esoteric explanation full of scientific jargon saying; "They are associated with waves in the atmosphere that develop when relatively stable, fast-moving air is forced up and over a topographic barrier that is oriented more or less perpendicular to the direction from which the upper-lever is blowing." Huh! I thought the NWS must be tripping. Anyway, the wife says "It looks like a giant stack of golden pancakes floating in the air." So, without having lunch and with my GPS in search, I immediately sought-out the nearest location of a IHOP Restaurant to order some golden brown flapjacks that was smothered in delicious maple syrup. Yum! Got camera?

Promoting Recording Artists From The Heart of Rock & Roll Music In The Early to-mid1980's

In the early-to-mid 1980's, Rauls Music was a promotion & marketing agency that operated towards the growth and development of recording artists and their associated records. Pictured here is a trade magazine advertisement and description of the services provided while targeting towards the record companies, artists management firms and industry investors. Many aspiring bands and recording artists benefited from this grass roots purveyor.

Turn Back The Clock With George Thorogood

EMI Records' George Thorogood & The Destroyers played Little Rock, AR in 1986 and brought out all the radio heavies (David Alan Cole, Jerry Lousteau and their staffs) After every concert Thorogood would always light-up a cigar to celebrate the evening's grand event (see insert). Thorogood's monster his include "Bad To The Bone," "Move It On Over," "I Drink Alone" and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer." George Thorogood & The Destroyers released over 20 albums, two of which have been certified Platinum and six have been certified Gold. He has sold 15 million records worldwide. EMI Records' Southern regional promotion & marketing manager Phillip Rauls is seen bottom left.

There's a First Time For Everything...

Mid-January, 2023: Holy Toledo Batman! That's not possible. But I'll be the first to admit that I never thought I'd live to see the day that I witnessed a active volcano. Yet I did get the opportunity this month when we were vacationing on The Big Island in Hawaii. Locals had recommended to travel there at night to get the full perspective of color with a bright orange lava flow steaming before your very eyes. Plus, seeing the volcano was free with no park admission cost or parking fee. We were encouraged to visit and loaded our rental car and off we went. About half mile from the Kilauea Volcano the sky was lit up above while guiding us toward our destination combined with the fragrance of burnt sulfur in the air. Once we were there, we hiked down a trail that was several hundred yards from parking lot and fortunately the path had small lamps embedded in the ground to guide you in the dark. Plus, we carried our handy-dandy flashlight for reassurance. Upon arriving at the overlook, it was fascinating to view. You could actually hear the steaming lava as it bubbled into the atmosphere. Below is some additional facts as listed from Wikipedia: 

Kīlauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands. Located along the southeastern shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, the volcano is between 210,000 and 280,000 years old and emerged above sea level about 100,000 years ago.

This eruption at Kīlauea's summit is occurring within a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. High levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects downwind. Large amounts of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are continuously released during eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano. As SO2 is released from the summit, it reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) that has been observed downwind of Kīlauea. Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock. 

Additional hazards include Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from lava fountains that will fall downwind and dust the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the erupting fissure vent(s). Strong winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation. 

Other significant hazards also remain around Kīlauea caldera  from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of the rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since early 2008. 

 Copyright (c) Phillip Rauls 2023 - Content Protected - Duplication Restricted  
 

All I Want On Christmas Morning....

 

Plaque Exhibits STAX Records Phillip Rauls

 

In the year 1974 STAX Records President Jim Stewart was going full steam ahead with the label's aggressive pursuit into the lucrative Pop Music field. Consulted by the label's influential Pop Music experts such as artist/producer Don Nix, Stax Attorney Craig Benson, Ardent Studio's John Fry and Pop Music coordinator Phillip Rauls, the label weaved their coordinated efforts with the marketing muscle and distribution system of CBS Records.

With STAX and Ardent artists on the road and touring the country, big results were anticipated. 

Fast forward the story to November 2022 when retired record industry executive, photographer and book author Phillip Rauls created an archived plaque for exhibit displaying his photographs with an original classic basketball jersey from STAX's corporate team from that very time period. The jersey is surrounded by album jackets from that memorable era with pics featuring (top to bottom) Rauls, Larry Raspberry and Don Nix, Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper and with album covers of Booker T. & The MG's, Larry Raspberry & The Highsteppers, Don Nix and Big Star. Top right features Rauls standing in front of the business offices at the entrance of STAX Records and below that with him wearing the original basketball jersey from the mid-1970's. 

The plaque stands a 2' 30" long and 2' 26" wide. Licensing inquires are welcomed.

Saluting Radio Veteran Mr. Henry Nelson

 

In the very beginning sometime around his Junior year in high school longtime radio veteran Henry Nelson once asked himself, "Since I have to work, what kind of job would I do if making money was not my primary consideration?" And radio was definitely my answer. Pictured above during those early days in broadcasting Nelson is now a veteran of 50 years in radio.

Starting out radio has always sparked his early imagination. That flame remains burning today through his experience and memory of sports announcer Jack Buck calling the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. Buck painted a picture of the game, the players, the fragrance of food in the stands, excited baseball fans and the grand experience of entertaining. While listening to radio in his hometown of West Memphis, AR Nelson also surfed the radio dials from long distances of WLS Radio in Chicago all the way to Wolfman Jack broadcasting from Del Rio, Texas. From there, inspiration was just at a beginning. 

Nelson's first radio gig was in 1972 while volunteering at WLYX Radio at a 10 watt college station located on the campus of Southwestern University (now Rhodes College) where he hosted a blues radio show called Blues on the Bluff. From there he was hired in 1974 at WMC FM-100 in Memphis where the clear channel of Stereo radio boomed throughout the Mid-South. There he would work with the influential DJ voices of Ron Micheals, Greg Siggers, Mike Powell, and David Day (Gingold).In the late 1970's Henry Nelson joined Memphian and GM Lee Armstrong at WNOE in New Orleans where he gained notoriety while working in the Crescent City. From there Nelson would shift to WYLD Radio in New Orleans till 1981. 

He returned to Memphis after that and taught school part-time as a broadcast orientation instructor at The Voice of Memphis City School system. Next, Nelson soon landed at WZXR, Rock 103 a landmark station for Memphis radio. But it all came full-circle when he was hired back at FM-100 Radio doing the evening shift while also working part-time as TV Weatherman under one of his childhood hero's, David Brown. There Nelson also became the music director at FM-100 when Steve Conley became the Program Director.

In 1998 David Gingold called Henry and asked if he would help start-up Soul Classics 103.5 WRBO, Memphis. That was the grand beginning for a fabulous ride while working with Gingold and longtime associate Tony Yoken. There they were partner in raising funds and development of the STAX Music Academy and Museum of American Soul Music and gathering support and funds for the startup Memphis Grizzlies. In addition, Nelson and Gingold came-up with the novel idea and negotiated the Isaac Hayes show and details within. 

Henry Nelson appearing here in 2016 at at the Western Washington residence of retired record executive, book author and photographer Phillip Rauls while holding a coveted STAX Records Basketball Jersey.

In 2015 thru 2017 Nelson did similar work and became Strategic Partnership Director for the Overton Park Shell with a larger footprint on community influence as an assistant to the director of libraries. One of his reasons for releasing his love of radio that is mostly presented having an authentic connection to the community and it's audience. There Nelson started the 5 Fridays of Jazz Series there at the Overton Park Shell. Wow! What a ride. 

Here's saluting to a authentic radio veteran, Mr. Henry Nelson!  

 

    

The Bubbling Under Hot 100 Chart(s)

 

Okay, here’s one deep from my photo archives. However, it's going to take a bit of flashback and sharp memory to recall this era. So, you might want to put on your thinking cap for this one. It’s a photo image I took in the early 1970’s of a Playboy magazine article that was pinned to the wall above the water cooler at Rogers & Cowan Publicity Agency in Hollywood. When I saw it, and as an old friend of Don Nix, I couldn’t resist taking this photo. Let me explain. In those days Billboard Magazine was the undisputed leader in music research and charts for record sales. The magazine had an additional list called “Bubbling Under the Hot 100” chart. It was a chart for up-and-coming records that did not make it to the original ‘Hot 100.’ Well, Esquire Magazine, another leading publication at the time, decided to do their own 'Bubbling Under Chart.' It was so well received that Playboy Magazine also decided to list their own 'Bubbling Under Chart.' Hmm…How original was that? But the picture of this page that was pinned to the wall of the agency had listed my buddy Don Nix (top row-second from left) and I felt compelled to snap a photo of this rare moment. Anywho, I know this chart-thing can be all too confusing yet history was in the making here. But capturing this novel occasion on film of my dear friend Don Nix and listed in this Playboy Magazine pole and posted there at the #1 PR agency in Hollywood, this was an opportunity that I could not resist. Hope you agree.

In conclusion, Don Nix is cited as being one of the more obscure figures in Southern Blue-Eyed Rock & Soul music. His music helped usher-in the globally recognized and legendary Memphis Sound. Now, trust me if you can. Try to find a chart for that distinction.

Stroll Down Memory Lane with "Phillip's Lens"

 

If you're feeling inquisitive and longing for something to enlighten your soul with a lift of merriment & eye candy, take a bodacious stroll down memory lane for a nostalgic visit captured thru the visual perspective of "Phillip's Lens" 

Annual "Summit At The Deli" in Seattle

 

Photo titled; "Summit at the Deli" (circa 2011) as the Northwest radio & record community were a tight group of professionals. After the late Stan Foreman retired and moved to Palm Springs, he would return once every summer to Seattle and meet at the Lake Union Deli for a reunion of old friends. (L-R) Fred Zaehler-former MCA Records, Gary Crow-former KZOK-KISW Radio, Phillip Rauls-former EMI Records, and Stan Foreman-former Capital Records.

Legendary Drummer Mr. Alan White Passes

 

Deeply saddened to announce that longtime friend, business associate and distinguished member of the R&R Hall of Fame and drummer of legendary rock band, YES, Alan White has passed away. He was 72 years old and had been ill for a short period. He died at his home in Newcastle, (Seattle) WA.

The Northwest Radio & Record Community

The Northwest Radio & Record community in the 1990's were a tightly knit group of professionals with extensive backgrounds. (L-R) Ken Hopkins-KZZU Spokane, Phillip Rauls-EMI Records Seattle, Larry Snider-KWHL Anchorage, Debbie Lipetz-Epic Records Seattle, Larry Reymann-Columbia Records Seattle.

Goodbye Winter Months. Spring Has Sprung!

Winter say goodbye. Spring has sprung! Plant a flower or a plant today to help feed the butterflies and bumble bees to help pollinate and balance the all important eco-system. And do it all barefooted!

The 1972 Tour & Release of Stephen Stills' Manassas Album On Atlantic Brings The Troops

Here's a flashback of yesteryear: From 1972, here's a photo of former Atlantic Records promo exec. Phillip Rauls and 'Manassas' Road Manager Buddy Zoloth (1948-2007) while traveling to the next tour gig when suddenly they discovered a scaving review in Rolling Stone Magazine of Stephen Stills' new album and group Manassas. The real issue here was that Stills and Manassas were packing areas and concert halls and FM Radio airplay for the Manassas's album was blanketing the airwaves. Yet, the negative review was saying just the opposite. As you can see, the shock from both tour members reading the contradicting article was definitely worth a Kodak moment. Their reaction was, "Say wha....."

Red Hot Chilli Peppers First Gold Record

 The Red Hot Chili Peppers are the original bad-boys of alternative rock and funk music. Their first gold record was on EMI Records titled "Mother's Milk." Seen here from 1991 is EMI Records Phillip Rauls with band members Chad Smith, Flea, John Frusciante and Anthony Kiedis. With over 70 million albums and 50 million singles sold worldwide, they are one of the best-selling bands of all time. They are the most successful band in the history of alternative rock, with the records for most number-one singles (13), most cumulative weeks at number one (85) and most top-ten songs (25) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[3] They have won six Grammy Awards, and in 2012 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Dan Hill's album "Longer Fuse" Hit Gold Status

Pictured here from 1977 is the gold record award ceremony of the monster hit "Sometimes When We Touch" song by Canadian pop rock artist Dan Hill. Presented here by the 20th Century Fox Records Midwest Regional Promotion & Marketing Director Phillip Rauls and awarded to Memphis radio station FM-100's P.D. John Wagnor and DJ Ron Olsen. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Pop Charts with (lyrics) written by Dan Hill and (music) by Barry Mann. Since its original release "Sometimes When We Touch" has been recorded by numerous artists and considered as a classic hit song. a

Pictured below from the Hollywood office of 20th Century Fox Records is Dan Hill discussing a forthcoming tour and promotion plan with 20th's V.P. of Promotion Barry Goldberg.

Jane Wiedlin's "Fur" Album Produces Hit Single

 

In 1988 EMI Records released an album by noted singer/musician Jane Wiedlin titled "Fur" that produced the hit single 'Rush Hour' while peaking at #9 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Wiedlin was also the co-founder of the 'Go-Go's' who became the first successful all-female rock band ("We Got The Beat"). Plus, she was an accomplished actress while appearing in numerous films.

Pictured below at an music industry function is Jane Wiedlin with EMI Records Northwest Promotion and Marketing Manager Phillip Rauls.

Pictured below is Wiedlin (R) with EMI's Regional Promotion Manager Rauls (L) also with well respected Program Director Sean Lynch (Center) of Z100 Radio in Portland OR

Also

Joel Selvin's Book "Here Comes the Night" the Story of Music Genius Bert Berns Gets 5 Stars

One of my favorite activities since retirement is having the actual time to catchup on reading and enjoying books that feed my robust appetite for the history of popular music. Even in my own book, “The Rock Trenches” I share that same interest while expressing the story with my own photographs and words that originate from my soul. Yet recently, I stumbled on a book that blows-away all recent texts titled “Here Comes the Night” by noted author Joel Selvin. The book also has an accompanying DVD (purchased separately) by the same title that underlines this powerful music journey.

Selvin tells a fascinating story of the development of the noted songwriter, and producer, and publisher and record label owner by the name of, Mr. Bert Berns of Bang Records. Burns wrote the monster hit songs; “Twist & Shout” – “Hang on Sloopy” “Piece of My Heart” and many more. Berns also had giant hit productions like; “Brown Eyed Girl” - “Under the Board Walk” – “Baby, Please Don’t Go” and more. Equally important here, he is also credited for initially discovering the superstars Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. Personally, and at that very same time, I find it interesting that I was on the same musical wave-length with Berns' early recordings and didn't realize it until reading this book. You may find yourself in that same scenario upon reading the content. An example of that parallel here, in the photo below taken earlier this week in August, I am holding original copies from those founding productions of Bert Berns from years earlier. Both albums by Van Morrison & Them and a Neil Diamond were saved from my longtime record collection. Truth is, earlier and upon release I was a huge fan of Bert Berns and his productions - and I didn't even know it.  

Bang Records was created by Bert Berns in 1965 together with his partners from Atlantic Records: Ahmet Ertegun, Nesuhi Ertegun and Jerry Wexler. The first letters of their names Bert, Ahmet, Nesuhi and Gerald formed the record label’s name; B-A-N-G. But Selvin’s great book starts well before that period and details Bert Berns long and arduous road to success starting from the streets of New York and peaks all interests as it unfolds in the shady world of rhythm and blues music and untold developments of the difficult task of making a hit songs. Plus in Selvin's book, he mentions numerous heavyweights and some of those music legends in a very unfavorable manner.  

Perhaps one reason this book captured my keen interest is mainly because I too worked for Atlantic Records. In addition to that, in the mid-to-late 1960’s I promoted the new releases for Bang Records while working at the regional record distributor in Memphis, Hot Line Records. It seems that in every chapter of  Selvin's book I read the names of people that I had worked with and fraternized with at various music functions including Berns widow, Ilene Berns. As a matter of fact, Ilene Berns took over running the record label after her husband died suddenly in 1967 as a result of a rheumatic heart condition. Bern's wife, who has also since passed away, and their son, were heavily resourced in the making of this fine book. The developments of my connections came through working for both Atlantic Records and Hot Line Record Distributor which promoted and marketed the label, Bang Records. And I'm not going to lie to you but until reading this great book, I didn't have a clue that somehow I had reached full-circle.  

Consider Joel Selvin’s book a classic as his background as a noted writer started as a music critic for The San Francisco Chronicle. From there, he has written many articles including those in the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard and Melody Maker. Plus, he has written many outstanding books all focusing on the music scene and pop culture.  

So, if you haven’t already - and if you have any interest in the music business - you should definitely read this historical book. Next to my original music journal titled “The Rock Trenches” … I definitely think that Joel Selvin’s book of the life of Bert Berns and his music career titled, “Here Comes the Night” is my most recent favorite!        

5 STARS             

 

 

Northwest Promo Legend Stan Foreman Passes

Sad news. It was announced Sunday, Aug. 8th that former Capitol Records NW Promotion Director Mr. Stan Foreman has passed away. Pictured here in the Capitol-EMI Records office on Lake Union in Seattle in the late 1980's is Stan (sitting) with Phillip Rauls (R) while enjoying an afternoon discussion. Stan was my close business associate and good friend. When I first moved to Seattle in the mid-1980's, it was Stan who introduced me to all the important movers-and-shakers in the business community and taught me the streets. RIP Mr. Stan Foreman. You will be missed.