A former consultant for reissue specialists Ace, Broven’s monumental history of post-war independent labels is a fascinating study of the birth of an industry that spawned as many chancers and charlatans as it did savvy business brains and inspirational music moguls. Intended primarily as an academic text, the warmth and character-driven personality of the writing makes it accessible to all.
The depth of factual detail is incredible, but it’s presented in the style of a rich oral history, the author quoting the likes of Marshall Chess, Sam Phillips, Jerry Wexler and Art Rupe in vast chunks, so as not to lose any of the flavour of their anecdotes. The result is a series of colourful and frequently laugh-out-loud reminiscences, similar to the veteran comics swapping stories in the diner in Woody Allen’s Broadway Danny Rose.
Alongside the humour of promotional scams, shoestring budgets and near-the-legalknuckle trade-offs with DJs and record stores, Broven makes some serious points about rampant racism, mob skirmishes and outright criminal practices. Ultimately, it’s a chronicle of the entrepreneurial American spirit, liberally punctuated by the creation of some of the most exciting and innovative music of all time.
