Marcus Berkmann

Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, Elvis, Bob Dylan – all the greats ultimately owe their fame to the faceless ‘record men’

A review of Cowboys and Indies by Gareth Murphy pays tribute to the men behind the scenes in the music industry

issue 21 February 2015
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  • Cowboys and Indies: The Epic History of the Record Industry

    Gareth Murphy

    Serpent’s Tail, pp. 382

The crucial thing to remember about the music business is that it’s a business. If you happen to be creating great art as well, that’s a bonus, but it has never been compulsory. Only in the music business could someone who hates music as much as Simon Cowell clearly does become so rich and powerful.

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