I was heartbroken by the news yesterday that my dear friend/collaborator photographer Raeanne Rubenstein had passed away.  Raeanne was one … Continue reading Remembering Raeanne

This is the second excerpt from my new book, Country Music: A Very Short Introduction. I hope you enjoy it. … Continue reading Early Country Superstars: Fiddlin’ John Carson and Gid Tanner

Behind the “Big Bang”: The Roots of Country Music In late July of 1927, New York record producer and music … Continue reading Free Preview: Country Music VSI

Five Events that Shaped Country Music               Ken Burns’ recent PBS documentary on Country Music has brought new attention to … Continue reading 5 Events that Shaped Country Music

In this extended excerpt from my book, Godfather of the Music Business, I tell the story of how Morris Levy … Continue reading Morris Levy and Alan Freed

Among the many fabled Jewish entrepreneurs of the ‘50s who helped spawn the growth of R&B, doowop, and Latin musics, … Continue reading George Goldner and the Birth of Tico Records

This excerpt contains material that I was originally hoping to include in my book, Godfather of the Music Business: Morris … Continue reading Morris Levy: Growing Up in the Bronx