Description
Book SynopsisTells the story of one of the most notorious figures in the history of popular music, Morris Levy (1927-1990). At age nineteen, he cofounded the nightclub Birdland in Hell's Kitchen, which became the home for a new musical style, bebop. In 1957, he founded a record label, Roulette Records. Roulette featured many of the significant jazz artists who played Birdland but also scored top pop hits.
Trade ReviewOne of Steven van Zandt’s picks for his ten favorite music books of 2016
""[A] colorful account of that sinister svengali, Morris Levy. . . . Carlin’s concise narrative successfully arcs Levy’s rags to riches rise."" - Mike Jurkovic,
Elmore""Scrupulously even-handed, Carlin eschews the sensational in favor of sober business history, meticulously detailing key aspects of Levy’s forty-year career."" - Jonathan Karp,
Jewish Review of Books""Four stars. Richard Carlin’s brilliant research digs up intriguing stories. . . . Totally fascinating."" - Fred Dellar,
Mojo""Richard Carlin has written an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes study of jazz and popular music through the fascinating (and checkered) career of Morris Levy. Digging deep into a variety of sources, Carlin has added fascinating, often highly personal, details to the history of popular music during the latter half of the twentieth century. This is a messy and revealing story, with an assortment of criminal types and sprinkled with many interesting photos."" - Ronald D. Cohen, editor of
Alan Lomax, Assistant in Charge: The Library of Congress Letters, 1935–1945, published by University Press of Mississippi
""The FBI always figured Morris Levy was the front man for the syndicate in the record business. This beloved, feared music man finally gets the epic biography he deserves in Richard Carlin’s fascinating
Godfather of the Music Business."" - Joel Selvin, author of
Here Comes the Night: The Dark Soul of Bert Berns and the Dirty Business of Rhythm and Blues
