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Home , CBS Records (2006), MCA Records, United Artists Records

Dedicated to the Needs Of the Music/Record Industry July 31, 1911

New Asylum Label Columbia `Music People' Readies First Product Hold Most Successful Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell Signed Convention to Date Reveals Manager -Turned - Label Chief Geffen - Columbia day of business meetings on sistance from many factors, and Epic/Columbia Custom La- Thursday, July 22, by greeting one person who continually bels has just completed the most the delegates and guests. In his comes out on top is David Gef- productive and successful na- speech (see separate story), fen-one of the most influen- tional sales convention in com- Lundvall set the theme for the tial individuals in rock and pany history. Attended by mem- 1970 Convention by outlining probably the most consistently bers of the Columbia and Epic the criteria of excellence that successful agent and manager families, representatives of CBS has been and must continue to in its history. International from throughout be maintained by The Music Often called the "greatest the world, artists and guests, People-the convention theme. negotiator in the business," it the convention ran from July Stan Snyder, Vice President, was rumored that once he made 21-25 at the Century Plaza Sales and Distribution, spoke, a deal for Johnny Rivers on Hotel, location of the 1969 meet- placing particular emphasis on some publishing contracts and ing. the ever-expanding role of na- that his percentage for the con- Clive Davis, newly appointed tional and local promotion in the tract was Rivers' mansion in President, CBS/Records Group, consistent success pattern estab- Trousdale in Beverly Hills. Gef- placing him in charge of world- lished by the ever-increasing fen flunked out of three col- wide recorded music and re- Columbia family, and Ron Alex- leges and then became an usher lated activities for CBS, ad- enburg, Vice President, Epic/ Photo: Joel Bernstein at CBS. From there he went to dressed the convention delegates Columbia Custom Labels, gave the mail room at William Mor- on opening day (see separate the convention gathering an up- By TONY LAWRENCE ris in New York and remained story) . One of the most chal- date and rundown of the growth U HOLLYWOOD As the there for six months in 1964 lenging years in the recording of those labels. After pointing - out the strengthening of Epic turbulence of that phenomenal before moving up as a secre- industry, 1970 was the year Col- tary, then a junior agent and umbia was awarded 20 out of 44 A&R on both coasts and in Nash- entity called con- finally a full agent. He was re- Grammy Awards. ville, Alexenburg congratulated tinues with facilities closing, sponsible for the beginnings Bruce Lundvall, Vice Presi- the sales and promotion force for heroes dying and a general re. (Continued on page 54) dent, Marketing, opened the first (Continued on rage 55) MCA's Maitland Reveals Sales, Promo Execs Near -Total L.A. Move In UA Reorganization MCA Records, Inc., Presi- by the company under my dent J. K. ("Mike") Maitland name." has made the following an- Maitland said that the mov- nouncement in connection with ing of almost all of the com- the corporate changeover that pany's activities here is an "ob- has made Los Angeles the near - vious" and "natural" occur- total base of operations for the rence in the face of the indus- company: try as it exists today. "Los An- " has been long - planned," Maitland said, "and geles is a major record capital Dan Alvino Budd Dolinger Bernie Sparago Jim Saltzman of the country," Maitland em - I have often discussed it in in- A series of major organiza- previously served as General terviews and in releases made (Continued on page 56) tional changes involving key per- Manager for Mediarts Records. sonnel in sales and promotion, Bernie Sparago is now Direc- were announced by Michael Lip- tor of National Accounts as well Grossman Exiting AGAC Enrolls 62 ton, Vice President Marketing as General Manager of Sunset NEW YORK-In the last two for Records, Inc., Records. Sparago was National Merco Enterprises? months, AGAC has enrolled 62 to take effect immediately. Sales Manager for United Art- At press time last week, it members, reveals Robert B. Dan Alvino has been named ists Records. was reliably reported that Jack Sour, Membership Relations. General Manager and Vice Presi- Jim Saltzman has been ap- Grossman has exited his post Among them: Sherman Ed- dent of U.D.C., Inc. He was for- pointed Director of National as President of Merco Enter- wards, John Kander, Alan Berg- merly Western Regional Man- Promotion. He was formerly Los prises, Inc. There was a possi- man, Chris Kenner, Irvin Gra- ager. Angeles and St. Louis Branch bility that Grossman would con- ham, Dorcas Cochran, Milo Budd Dolinger has become Manager for the label. tinue in another position within Sweet, John Prine and Johnny National Sales Manager of Charles Bratnober becomes Capitol Industries. Northern. , Inc. He (Continued on page 56)

3 Geffen Readies First Asylum Releases (Continued from page 3) of such groups as the Young- Geffen: Well, we help sup- his record comes out in Sep- for me. I mean Jo Jo Gunne bloods and the Association. port all the people involved. tember. (recently signed to Asylum) When he became very hot he If they need money we give it Record World: Is that the are going to be a big group. quit William Morris to head the to them. We don't pay them to first Asylum record? They've been knocking people music department for Ashley sign with us but we also don't Geffen: No. I can't say what out all over town and they took Famous and also quit that to let them starve. We're a fam- the first Asylum record is at less from us than anyone else have his own management firm ily. We exist for each other and the moment but it will probably because thats who they wanted handling Laura Nyro, David hopefully we'll all be together be out in August. to be with. They were offered Crosby, Steve Stills, Graham for a long time. Record World: Is it a one - more by every other label but Nash and (later) Neil Young. Record World: How will this record set? they went with us. They'll nev- Growing tired of manage- new company affect Laura Ny- Geffen: No. I just can't an- er have to hassle with us about ment he turned the business ro? Will she record for you? nounce the artist at this mo- putting out a single they don't over to his partner and long- Geffen: Laura's contract with ment. want to put out or editing one of songs or repackaging time friend Elliot Roberts and Columbia is over. She is signed Record World: Who's produc- their went to CMA as a Senior Vice with us and her first album on ing Jackson's album? one of their albums. We just President. About six months Asylum, "Gonna Take a Mi- `wonit do that-ever. Record Geffen: Jackson and Richard companies don't make artists. ago he decided to finally rea- racle," will be out Sept. 1. Joni Sanford lize his ultimate wish: to have who is an engineer. Artists make record companies. Mitchell is also going to record Record his own record company which for us. World: Who's doing I didn't make Laura Nyro. If the promotion for you? made me. feel is now called Asylum Records. Record people anything she I World: Many that way about Joni every- The following is a recent in- seem to be skeptical about Geffen: We will have an in- and terview with Geffen. dependent promotion staff plus body else. I mean it's a team someone like Jackson Browne effort. Record Asy- who hasn't gone anywhere so Atlantic's promotion team World: How did world, Record World: How did you lum Records get started? far. Now that he is firmly with which is the best in the I But ultimately it's the help Laura Nyro? What do you direction do for - think. Geffen: I made a deal with you, what you the feel you did? see for him? What's going to music that sells and not Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic. people selling it. Geffen: Laura is a totally He's not only the most soulful happen with him? Do you be- unique, creative person. With- cat in the music business but Geffen: Jackson Browne is a Record World: lieve that every record is a hit? out a hit record ever, and with- he's a terrific record person. genius. When his record comes AM airplay ever, Laura Geffen: I believe that every out any Having dealt with every label out, he will be a star. The rea- is a and a personality and record I put out will be a good star as either an agent or manager son that he hasn't made a rec- a success and she's never had there was no other company I ord in all this time is because record. I don't care if they're people all or not. Not every artist to do those things that could even consider going to. we put no pressure on our peo- hits don't want to do because I've is that doesn't Record World: Why did you ple. I have a great deal of a hit artist but never asked her to. Laura's a choose the name Asylum? money invested in him and I've mean they're not talented. David Blue talent and a talent always supported him for a long time. We're recording makes it no matter how long Geffen: We felt the music and we are very proud to re- business is an insane asylum. We are not in the business of you have to wait. When youre paying out a lot of money and cord him. He's never sold a rec- dealing with The Iron Butter- It also means a refuge and a two labels. But then forcing someone to make ord with other fly or , sanctuary. We'd like to feel I think his album will be suc- that that's what our company a record so we can recoup it. who knows how long it's going If it took Jackson two or three cessful and if it isn't I'll be don't under- is to the people we're involved real happy that I recorded it. to last because you with. years to make a record then I stand what made it in the first would sit here patiently be- Record World: What about Record World: How place. But a talent is forever. is the cause Ibelieve in him as I do budgets for albums? company set up distribution - Record World: Have you ev- in Laura or Joni and always Geffen: Whatever it costs to er been wrong? wise? have from the very first day I make the best album then that's Geffen: Atlantic distributes met them which was also before what they get. We try and have Geffen: I'm wrong every day: us in the and either of them had made it. as few restrictions as possible. I've never been wrong, howev- er, about people I've believed Canada. We will be the fourth Everybody in the business I don't want artists to release label in the group of Atlantic, anything they are not totally in. likes to second-guess and after Record World: In your trade Atco, Cotillion and Asylum. We you've made it they say, "Well, happy with. That's the only re- will run our company independ- striction I have. it says at the bottom "Di- of course, how could you miss Man- ently and they will distribute Record been rection: Geffen Roberts with Joni Mitchell or Laura World: Having agement." Is it more that now, our records. We are respon- But Nyro was a a agent and man- Nyro?" Laura successful a direction of sorts? What di- sible for the signing, recording, a do you the pos- total failure as performer ager, entertain rection is planned for someone promotion and advertising of I became maybe just and as a writer when sibility that it isn't like Steve Stills? our people. involved with her. Joni had there for you as a record per- Record World: How many been around for many years. son? Geffen: It's more to keep art- acts do you have? David Crosby was thrown out ists from making mistakes. of the Byrds and Columbia Still Productive, Creative With Steve we try to keep as No Limits thought so little of him they much pressure from him so gave him a release. The Buffalo Geffen: That's entirely pos- that he can create. You have to Geffen: We don't have any Springfield were never really sible. Anything is possible. give an artist what they need. limits or numbers. We expect very successful. What has made me a successful Everyone has different needs. to record whoever we come was unknown. The Hollies were agent and manager is that I've In the case of Joni Mitchell across who is talented. We cer- not the most significant group always found talented people she doesn't work, she hasn't tainly can't compete with At- in America and Graham was and protected them and helped done a concert in a couple of lantic or Columbia or those one of seven people. Jackson them build and maintain their years and she makes one album kinds of companies. We don't Browne is like them. He is one careers. Everyone I've handled a year and tries to maintain a pay large advances. As a mat- of the most talented people in is still around being productive private life and we try to help ter of fact we pay very small the world. As far as I'm con- and creative. They haven't her do that. God knows she advances. cerned he is up there with ev- come and gone. Those are the doesn't need us to tell her how Record World: It has been eryone else we represent and kinds of people I'm going to to write the songs or how to said that you pay no advances. you'll see how great he is when record of they want to record (Continued on page 55)

54 RECORD WORLD JULY 31, 1971 Columbia Convention Most Has Hot LP Summer

Successful to Date London Records has an- time for the group, includes nounced four new LPs to follow lyrics to all songs in the album (Continued from page 3) on the heels of the "Jesus printed on the inner disc sleeve, Christ Superstar" excerpts al- a single, "Story in Your Eyes," in bum by the Kingsway Youth has been rush -released. A mass- their individual expertise mond, this year's archives re- Opera Company London. The moving Epic's fine new product, of ive promotion effort has been leases' namesake, and Columbia new deluxe, one -disc package, singling out the special concen- launched on the album, which and Epic utilized a triple screen carrying the special of tration of the Mid -West Re- price will be closely coordinated with slide show to dramatize their $4.98, was released a fortnight gion for Chase, the Philadelphia singles product. Odyssey, Har- a U. S. national concert tour ago and is already garnering for the group in September. Branch for Redbone, and the mony, Miasterworks and the 10 heavy East staff on -the -air activity as Also due for early August Coast for Edgar Columbia Custom Labels also well as in-store displays. The Winter's White Trash. In ad- presented original slide and film release is the new Humperdinck dition, Alexenburg emphasized company has blue -printed a album, "Another Time, Another montages in programs designed push album. the increasing importance of the product. sustained on this Place," which is also the title to showcase their new Due for immediate release 10 exclusively distributed Col- Additionally, busi- of the singer's new single. the three are albums by Moody Blues umbia Custom Labels. ness days included special pre- the on their London -distributed A most significent event of sentations of new artists on the Thursday morning's opening Threshold label and by Engel- De -Lite, Red -Lite label, country artists and fall bert Humperdinck program was a live demonstra- product from Columbia's Chil- on Parrot, tion of Columbia StereoQuad. dren's Books and Records. There according to Herb Goldfarb, Increase Roster This innovation in sound was was also an opportunity during Vice President for Sales and Marketing for London. Also up- NEW YORK - De -Lite and demonstrated to the press, in- the business sessions for Milton Ral-Lite Records announce the ternational delegates and guests Selkowitz, Director, Audio prod- coming within a few weeks are new albums by British imports, addition of several new artists -many of whom were experi- ucts and Accessories, to intro- to their rosters. encing quadraphonic sound for duce the growing line's new ad- Savoy Brown and Brotherhood the first time-via a StereoQuad dition's, including the provoca- of Man. Pactees to De -Lite are Johnny disc featuring David Frost ex- tive SQ 440-the first quadra- The Moodies package is the Washington and Yvonne plaining the mechanics of quad phonic system equipped to first new release by the group Daniels. Joining Red -Lite are and taking listeners on a tour to handle both tapes and discs this year, "Every Good Boy Dennis Robinson, Jimmy Peter- of sound through various kinds soon to be made available to the Deserves a Favour." From the son and the Reggie Saddler of music. consumer. new set, which for the first Revue. There were four enthusiastic- ally received banquet/shows be- Noteworthy Events ginning with Wednesday eve- Other noteworthy events of ning's presenta- the 1971 Sales Convention in- Geffen/New Asylum Label tion featuring Ray Price, whose cluded the presentation of an- records are enjoyed by country nual awards to outstanding (Continued from page 54 and pop audiences alike; Tammy members of the promotion field Wynette, Epic's Queen of Coun- force (story next week) ; try Music; Columbia's Earl Masterworks' special luncheon sing them. None of our clients to start this company. I don't Scruggs; and Epic's Tommy and presentation of their need that from us. However want a pressured situation for Cash. Other artists from Col- "Johann Awards" (see separate when they started out, nobody myself or for the artists. If needed them and nobody want- you get into a money you umbia's and Epic's country rost- story) ; a cocktail party hosted trip ers rounded out the evening of by CBS International Division; ed them. Clive Davis passed on start from the first day with Nashville Sound. a special Stravinsky presenta- Joni Mitchell four years ago. an enormous pressure. Who T h u r s d a y's banquet/show tion spotlighting the career and 'Record World: What kinds needs it? rocked to Taj Mahal, Edgar work of the maestro; and the of mistakes do you think are Record World: What about Winter's White Trash, Chase major highlight of the conven- made with artists? the stories concerning you and and newly -signed Columbia tion, the special Columbia Con- Geffen: Well, I think some- the Rolling Stones? group Dr. Hook and the Medi- vention Film. Produced by one like has been Geffen: The Rolling Stones cine Show. Arnold Levine, Creative Direc- handled very poorly. He has asked me to help them put to- Highlighting Friday evening's tor, Advertising and Sales, and too much product, too much gether an American tour and entertainment was Columbia film-maker Howard Enders, the over exposure, too much hype. I've helped them for this com- super -group Chicago, Epic's film features 30 Columbia and I think that's hurt him. Art- ing tour. We've done that as an and Madura, another new Epic artists spanning all cate- ists have to be handled with a accommodation for them. Mick addition to Columbia produced gories of music and was shot great deal of care. asked me to do that. We don't by James William Guercio. on location in New York, Los Record World: What if he manage them and we don't The closing convention spec- Angeles, Nashville and Detroit. wants that for himself ? want to manage them, frankly. tacular presented newly -signed The 1971 National Sales Con- Geffen: Well, if he wants They live in the south of Karen Wyman, Percy Faith and vention was coordinated by that then he's responsible. I France and we live here. They his Orchestra and Chorus, Mark Chairman Roselind Blanch, with don't think you can maintain manage themselves. There like isn't Lindsay, Boots Randolph and, Bruce Lundvall, Vice President, that. a person in the world who can in a special appearance, Johnny Marketing, serving as Creative Record World: Why are you manage them. Mathis. Design Chairman, and Dave going in to the record business? Record World: do Over the course of three busi- Wynshaw, Director, Artist Re- Who you ness days, July 22, 23 and 24, lations, as Convention Expediter. Not for Money respect most in the industry? the staffs of Columbia and Epic/ Miss Blanche commented that I mean people that you aren't Columbia Custom Labels' mer- this convention's success was Geffen: I want to create an connected with in any way. chandising and promotion de- owed in great part to the able atmosphere where the people Geffen: I love Cat Stevens partments accentuated this assistance of Columbia's Engi- we care about can do their art and Carole King. I have a great year's person -to -person semin- neering Department and Photo as comfortably as possible. For love for composers like Bob ars and product presentations Department, and thanked her me, though, if the company Dylan. When Albert Gross- with tape, slide and film pre- entire convention personnel staff doesn't make money, if it only man was into it, he was the best sentations. for their cooperation and help breaks even then I'll be happy. manager in the world. He got The Archive Series presenta- in producing the Music People I'm not starting it for the mo- tired of it and it's understand- tion included highlights from Present the Music/Convention ney. I have plenty of money. I able because it's a real tough the life and career of John Ham- '71. took no advance from Atlantic business.

RECORD WORLD JULY 31, 1971 55