On the Record (book)

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On the Record: Over 150 of the most talented people in music share the secrets of their success (2004) is a book written by entertainment manager Guy Oseary and published in 2004 by Penguin Books.

Guy Oseary Israeli American businessman

Guy Harley Oseary is an Israeli-American talent manager, investor, writer and businessman who began his career in entertainment at 17 at what was to become Maverick. He is the manager for Madonna and U2.

Penguin Books British publishing house

Penguin Books is a British publishing house. It was co-founded in 1935 by Sir Allen Lane, his brothers Richard and John, as a line of the publishers The Bodley Head, only becoming a separate company the following year. Penguin revolutionised publishing in the 1930s through its inexpensive paperbacks, sold through Woolworths and other high street stores for sixpence, bringing high-quality paperback fiction and non-fiction to the mass market. Penguin's success demonstrated that large audiences existed for serious books. Penguin also had a significant impact on public debate in Britain, through its books on British culture, politics, the arts, and science.

Contents

The book features in-depth interviews with more than 150 music recording artists, record executives, [1] A&R executives, label chiefs, songwriters, and record producers. [2] Oseary spoke with performers like James Brown and Bono, asking them a similar set of questions about their experiences in music. [3] In writing the book, Oseary also offered a personal reflection on how to succeed in the music industry. [2]

James Brown American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist

James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music and dance, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul". In a career that lasted 50 years, he influenced the development of several music genres.

Bono Irish rock musician

Paul David Hewson, KBE OL, known by his stage name Bono, is an Irish singer-songwriter, musician, venture capitalist, businessman, and philanthropist. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2.

Interviewees

Some of the music elite who were interviewed for the book: [4]

Artists:

Elton John English rock singer-songwriter, composer and pianist

Sir Elton Hercules John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriting partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums. John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10 singles, four which reached number two and nine which reached number one. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also composed music, produced records, and has occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford F.C. from 1976 to 1987, and 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary Life President of the club, and in 2014 had a stand named after him at the club's home stadium.

Madonna (entertainer) American singer-songwriter and actress

Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman. Referred to as the "Queen of Pop" since the 1980s, Madonna is known for pushing the boundaries of songwriting in mainstream popular music and for the imagery she uses onstage and in music videos. She has frequently reinvented her music and image while maintaining autonomy within the recording industry. Although having sparked controversy, her works have been praised by music critics. Madonna is often cited as an influence by other artists.

Ozzy Osbourne English heavy metal vocalist and songwriter

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English singer, songwriter, actor and reality television star who rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which he adopted the nickname "The Prince of Darkness". Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979 due to alcohol and drug problems, but went on to have a successful solo career, releasing eleven studio albums, the first seven of which were all awarded multi-platinum certifications in the United States. Osbourne has since reunited with Black Sabbath on several occasions. He rejoined the band in 1997 and recorded the group’s final studio album 13 (2013) before they embarked on a farewell tour which culminated in a final performance in their home city Birmingham, England in February 2017. His longevity and success have earned him the informal title of "Godfather of Heavy Metal".

Producers/Songwriters:

Rick Rubin American music producer

Frederick Jay Rubin is an American record producer and former co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, he is the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and also established American Recordings. With the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Geto Boys, and Run-DMC, Rubin helped popularize hip hop music.

Jermaine Dupri American record producer, rapper, record executive and DJ from Georgia

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and record executive. He was born in Asheville, North Carolina and was raised in Atlanta. He has worked with and produced for Kris Kross, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jay-Z, Nelly, Monica, Migos, Da Brat, Xscape, Janet Jackson, TLC, Aretha Franklin, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and Bow Wow.

Giorgio Moroder Italian record producer

Giovanni Giorgio Moroder is an Italian singer, songwriter, DJ and record producer. Dubbed the "Father of Disco", Moroder is credited with pioneering Italo disco and electronic dance music, and his work with synthesizers heavily influenced several music genres such as new wave, techno and house music.

A&R Wizards and Executives:

Lyor Cohen CEO

Lyor Cohen is an American music industry executive. Cohen has been actively involved in hip hop at various record labels for more than 30 years. He started by managing rappers for Rush Productions, then led Def Jam. After Def Jam, Cohen took on a leadership role at Warner Music Group. In September 2012, Cohen put in his resignation at Warner and started his own independent label, 300 Entertainment. On September 28, 2016, Cohen was named YouTube's Global Head of Music.

Ronald Craig Handler is a music publisher, A & R executive and artist manager, who lives in Los Angeles. He has worked for influential companies such as Arista Music Publishing, BMG, EMI, DreamWorks and Interscope/Geffen. During his career, he has signed numerous artists and songwriters, such as Rhett Lawrence, J. D. Souther, DJ Bobcat (2Pac), Presidents of the United States of America, Bad Religion, Filter, R&B writers Tim & Bob, Papa Roach, Sparta, Eric Sermon (EPMD), Dave Hollister (Blackstreet), Alien Ant Farm, Rise Against and Powerman 5000. He also worked with John Hiatt, Diane Warren, Holly Knight, Mike Chapman, Gerry Goffin, and Robbie Robertson.

John David Kalodner is a retired American A&R executive.

Legends:

Attorneys:

Managers:

Television and Film:

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U2 Four-member Irish rock band, from Dublin

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.. Initially rooted in post-punk, U2's musical style has evolved throughout their career, yet has maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono's expressive vocals and the Edge's effects-based guitar textures. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal and sociopolitical themes. Popular for their live performances, the group have staged several ambitious and elaborate tours over their career.

Paul McGuinness Irish businessman, music publisher and manager of U2

Paul McGuinness is the main shareholder and founder of Principle Management Limited, a popular music act management company based in Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. He was the manager of the rock band U2 from 1978 to 2013, and is the current manager of PJ Harvey, and The Rapture. He previously managed Paddy Casey.

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David A. Stewart English musician, songwriter and record producer

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Craig Kallman American music executive

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Masterpiece (Madonna song) Madonna song

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Neil McCormick is a British music journalist, author and broadcaster. He has been Chief Music Critic for The Daily Telegraph since 1996, and presents a music interview show for Vintage TV in the UK, Neil McCormick's Needle Time. McCormick is a close associate of rock group U2.

Maverick Management is an American music management group formed in 2014 by Guy Oseary bringing together a number of other managers and their companies into one venture.

References

  1. ↑ Arango, Tim (May 5, 2004). "H'Wood Dealmaker Oseary Pairs with United Agency". New York Post . Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Raz, Gali (November 18, 2013). "Guy Oseary Gets To Call The Tune For U2". Jewish Business News . Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  3. ↑ Fleming, Michael (May 4, 2004). "Oseary to manage again". Variety . Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  4. ↑ Oseary, Guy (2004). On the Record: Over 150 of the Most Talented People in Music Share the Secrets of Their Success. Penguin Books. p. xi. ISBN   978-0-14-200304-6.

Further reading

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