Jerry Lembo's Platinum Music Business Tips

"I'm a Graduate of Bacharach University!" -- Steve Tyrell's New CD Pays Tribute to His Mentor

2008-07-17T17:34:00.003-04:00

Steve Tyrell is often asked "Where did you go to college?"

His response is always the same. "I'm a graduate of Bacharach University."

Steve's new CD Back to Bacharach: The Songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David pays tribute to the multi-platinum compositions of those gifted composers.

Steve invited a few of his friends to join him on this release. In addition to a who's who of outstanding musicians, the featured vocalists include:

Herb Alpert
Martina McBride
Rod Stewart
James Taylor
Dionne Warwick
Patti Austin
and Mr. Burt Bacharach

If you are an aspiring songwriter, this is a masters thesis on the art.

www.stevetyrell.com

Watch the Making of Back to Bacharach:

Colbie Collaborator Prepares to Take the Spotlight

2008-07-15T13:12:00.001-04:00

Jason Reeves sets out to match the multi-platinum success of Caillat:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/singer-songwriter-jason-reeves-signs-warner/story.aspx?guid=%7bABE66C4B-2DBA-4FBB-954C-695D5FC7A2B1%7d&dist=hppr

Potty Mouth Bareilles Writes Her Own Bio (And Along With "Love Song" ...It's A Hit!)

2008-04-14T13:26:00.003-04:00

Now I'm not suggesting everyone reading do this and put publicists out of business, but kudos to Sara Bareilles, who didn't think the professional bio written for her was revealing enough so she wrote her own.

Bareilles' 'Little Voice' CD is heading towards Platinum, and her #1 single "Love Song," along with her bio, have resonated with fans.

You know the song, now get to know Sara:
http://www.sarabmusic.com/site.html?section=bio

It's A Beautiful Day for U2 and Live Nation

2008-04-01T11:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Live Nation CEO and President Michael Rapino announced that U2 would be joining his company’s roster of artists, signing a 12-year global contractual relationship.

Read the Press Release

Band Member / Current Age:
Bono / 48 this May
The Edge / 47 in August
Larry Mullen / 47 in October
Adam Clayton / Turned 48 on March 13th

With some solid investment advice the members of U2 will enjoy a comfortable financial future and one day rest in their Platinum rockers.

U2’s Number Ones (Source: Billboard)

Albums:
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Achtung Baby (1991)
Zooropa (1993)
Pop (1997)
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004)

Singles:
“With Or Without You” (1987)
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (1987)

Mariah Carey Closing in on Eighteenth #1

2008-03-31T15:52:00.002-04:00

Billboard reports that Mariah Carey is closing in on her eighteenth number one song with “Touch My Body.” The tune is expected to top the charts next week.

If Mariah reaches this milestone, she will surpass Elvis Presley (17 number ones) and be only two away from the Beatles, who still hold the record at 20, in the elite list of Top 3 artists with the most number ones in the Rock era.

For all you aspiring songwriters out there, here’s a great list to print out and save for instruction and inspiration:

Mariah Carey:
“Vision of Love”
“Love Takes Time”
“Someday”
“I Don’t Wanna Cry”
“Emotions”
“I’ll Be There”
“Dreamlover”
“Hero”
“Fantasy”
“One Sweet Day”
“Always Be My Baby”
“Honey”
“My All”
“Heartbreaker”
“Thank God I Found You”
“We Belong Together”
“Don’t Forget About Us”

Elvis Presley:
“Heartbreak Hotel”
“I Want You, I Need You, I Love You”
“Don’t Be Cruel”
“Love Me Tender”
“Too Much”
“All Shook Up”
“Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear”
“Jailhouse Rock”
“Don’t”
“Hard Headed Woman”
“A Big Hunk-O Love”
“Stuck On You”
“It’s Now Or Never”
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
“Surrender”
“Good Luck Charm”
“Suspicious Minds”

The Beatles:
“I Want To Hold Your Hand”
“She Loves You”
“Can’t Buy Me Love”
“Love Me Do”
“A Hard Day’s Night”
“I Feel Fine”
“Eight Days A Week”
“Ticket To Ride”
“Help!”
“Yesterday”
“We Can Work It Out”
“Paperback Writer”
“Penny Lane”
“All You Need Is Love”
“Hello Goodbye”
“Hey Jude”
“Get Back”
“Come Together”
“Let It Be”
“The Long and Winding Road”

“Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get.”

2008-02-14T14:48:00.002-05:00

The Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group is proud to be running the radio promotion campaign for Astonish Entertainment artist David Martin.

And you can’t help but think that David may be feeling a bit like Forrest Gump today. David is featured on the front page of today's Wall Street Journal. Special thanks to WSJ reporter Ellen Byron. Congratulations and Happy Valentine’s Day David!

Think you can “Beat It”?

2008-02-13T18:18:00.002-05:00

I purchased the 25^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the world’s biggest selling album of all time (104 million copies to date).

According to The Billboard Albums book, Thriller was on the chart for 122 weeks, 37 of those at number one.

It contained seven Top 10 singles with “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” going to number one.

Los Angeles Times staff writers Patrick Day and Todd Martens have compiled 25 Thriller facts.

To put Thriller’s historic accomplishments in perspective, the two biggest sellers on the current Nielsen Soundscan Chart (for the week ending 2/10/08) are:

Nickelback All the Right Reasons 6,604,024 (123 weeks)

Carrie Underwood Some Hearts 6,256,950 (117 weeks)

Michael enlisted multi-platinum artists Akon, Kanye West, Fergie and her Black Eyed Peas bandmate Will.i.am, who contributed to previously unreleased tracks for the 25^th Anniversary Edition of Thriller.

Will any artist ever reach the Epic proportions of Thriller? I think I hear Vincent Price laughing.

The Grammys

2008-02-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

I recently had the honor of promoting Herbie Hancock's cd RIVER: The Joni Letters, so needless to say I was delighted to see him add two more Grammy Awards to his already crowded shelf:

Album of the Year
River: The Joni LettersHerbie HancockLeonard Cohen, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Corinne Bailey Rae, Luciana Souza & Tina Turner, featured artists; Herbie Hancock & Larry Klein, producers; Helik Hadar, engineer/mixer; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer[Verve]

Best Contemporary Jazz Album
River: The Joni LettersHerbie Hancock[Verve]

I was a disco-dj from the mid 70s thru the early 80s and wore out my 12 inch vinyl copy of Herbie's "Rockit". That song was on Columbia Records, a label I would eventually work at from 1986 to 1997.

At 68 years young Herbie beat out platinum artists Kayne West, Amy Winehouse, Vince Gill and the Foo Fighters.

RIVER: The Joni Letters has been number one on the Contemporary Jazz charts for 15 weeks! With his latest wins I would wager it will still be at the top of the charts on his 69th birthday, April 12th.

Here is the complete list of Grammy winners announced on 2/10/08:

http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/

A Million Thanks!

2007-11-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've been overwhelmed today (11/30) by the tons of birthday wishes I've received in the mail, on the telephone, by email, text message, on MySpace, Facebook, Linked In, PlaxoPlus, etc.

Many of you have asked if I had special plans. Of course! And what would a day in my life (and I'm sure yours) be without the gift of music.

I am going to see Dave Koz and Friends in concert. This is Dave's 10th Anniversary Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour. Joining Dave are Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, and Kimberley Locke. Dave's Holiday CD "Memories of a Winter's Night" is #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz album chart.

The saxophonist is one of the most successful instrumentalists in the world, and if you want to put together a platinum library of his releases here's a list of selected titles:

2007: "Memories of a Winter's Night" and "At the Movies"
2003: "Saxophonic"
2002: "Golden Slumbers"
2001: "A Smooth Jazz Christmas"
1999: "The Dance"
1997: "December Makes Me Feel This Way"
1996: "Off the Beaten Path"
1993: "Lucky Man"

If you don't get to see Dave on his Christmas tour you can hear him on The Dave Koz Radio Show, also celebrating its 10th anniversary on the air in about 120 markets.

Tonight Dave will be blowing on the sax and I'll be blowing out candles.

Wonder

2007-11-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

Lucinda (http://www.lucindaworld.com/), an artist I represent, called to tell me she was going to see Stevie Wonder at Mohegan Sun, Friday, November 16th.

I told her I first saw "Little Stevie Wonder" on August 30, 1963 at a Murray the K Labor Day Spectacular Show. To the best of my recollection, there were eight other acts on the bill:

The Tymes ("So Much in Love")
The Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, " "Soldier Boy")
Randy and the Rainbows ("Denise")
Jay and the Americans ("Only in America")
Ben E. King ("Stand By Me")
The Chiffons ("He's So Fine")
The Drifters ("Save the Last Dance for Me," "Up On the Roof," "On Broadway")
The Miracles (lead singer at the time was Smokey Robinson, performing "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold On Me," and "Mickey's Monkey")

Now if you were blind since birth and 13 years old at the time and had to perform on this bill, you might have found it a bit intimidating -- but not "Little Stevie Wonder." He took center stage and performed the first of what would be many number one hits "Fingertips Part 2" and blew the roof off the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.

Stevie has provided millions of memories since then with his repertoire of hits, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), and a Billboard Century Award (2004).

I have been inspired by many great artists over the years, but Stevie's spirited "Fingertips Part 2" that day ranks in my Top 10 Platinum Performances.

Fast forward to Friday, November 16, 2007 and read Lucinda's moving account of how Mr. Stevie Wonder continues to elicit great awe and rapt admiration:

So, this guy's last name isn't "wonder" by accident. For ANYONE who is a performing musician, a songwriter, or at least thinks a little too highly of themselves, it should be mandatory to experience Stevie Wonder live as a LIFE LESSON..he is beyond stellar, beyond brilliant, beyond engaging and captivating, his talent is almost to the outer edge of ridiculous.

I have seen a lot of people live that have moved me. but this show CHANGED me. I have never been so inspired by a performer in a live situation like that before.

Not only was his music incredible but his connection to the audience, the intimate stories he told of his life, 3500 people and you thought he was speaking directly to you. His opening story was about the very painful death of his mom and how she was the reason for this tour. He said he could hear her saying "Get off your ass and stop crying and get out and play."

He went on to say he called his agent at CAA and told him he wanted to go on tour. The agent said "Sure Stevie, how about next year?" and Stevie said "Uh, no, how about in a couple of weeks." The agent told him that it was "impossible" and Stevie told him that the "impossible happens."

That shot through me like a lightning bolt, and it was just the kick in the ass I needed. I cried like a baby through the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes that he performed.

From "Golden Lady" to "Do I Do," the place went nuts. I am sure everyone in the arena had a fabulous time. but I am not sure they got out of it what i did.

The impossible happens.

Damn right it does. And I am going to make sure of it.

Berklee Music Blog Network

2007-11-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

Eric Beall's Music Publishing and Songwriting blog (Berklee Music Blog Network) is always a great read, and I was surprised and flattered to find myself mentioned in his latest entry:

http://ericbeall.berkleemusicblogs.com/2007/11/14/stepping-out-of-the-iso-booth/

Third Quarter Year To Date Ticket Sales (US)

2007-10-29T16:13:00.000-04:00

Third Quarter Year To Date Ticket Sales (US)
(As reported to Pollstar for shows played between 1/1/07 and 9/30/07)

Hopefully, you are only a hit or two away from being a major touring artist, playing a top club, amphitheatre, theatre, or arena that is backed by a Platinum promoter.

Let's look at who is topping the charts:

Top Tours (million plus tickets sold)
*Justin Timberlake 1,529,610
*The Police 1,519,286
*Kenny Chesney 1,135,679
*Roger Waters 1,060,375

Top Promoters (million plus tickets sold)
*Live Nation 27,930,137
(Represents the combined totals of Live Nation, House of Blues, and The Next Adventure)
*AEG Live 8,520,678
(Represents the combined totals of AEG Live, Concerts West, TMG, Goldenvoice, and Moore Entertainment)

Top Arena Venues (US Top 5)
*Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
*HP Pavilion at San Jose, San Jose, CA
*Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
*Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
*The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI

Top Theatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
*Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
*Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
*Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA
*Broward Center Au-Rene Theater, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Top Amphitheatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
*Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
*Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts, Mansfield, MA
*PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
*Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN

Top Club Venues (US Top 5)
*9:30 Club, Washington, DC
*The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
*Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
*House of Blues, Chicago, IL
*House of Blues, Anaheim, CA

I'll be looking for your name on the marquee -- Good Luck!

Social Networks

2007-10-25T11:25:00.000-04:00

Social Networks are being hailed as a great place to build a fan base for your music career. A recent survey (Nielsen Online, October 2007) indicated these are the leading sites:

*MySpace
*Facebook
*Classmates
*Windows Live Spaces
*AOL Hometown
*Reunion
*LinkedIn
*AOL People Connection
*ClubPenguin
*Buzznet

There are various ways to interact with your current and future fans:
*Chat
*Instant Messaging
*Email
*Video
*Voice Chat
*File Sharing
*Blogging
*Discussion Groups and more

Turn your virtual community into an SRO crowd at your next Platinum performance!

Epic's Spotlight to Stardom

2007-10-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

Epic Records is hoping to discover a future Platinum artist in a unique way.

Do you have what it takes to join these current Soundscan charted Epic artists?

*Fray "How to Save a Life" (2.2 million and on the charts for 91 weeks!)
*Sean Kingston "Sean Kingston"
*Jennifer Lopez "Brave"
*Hellyeah "Hellyeah"

If so, read on:

Epic, Spotlight Live To Launch Talent Competition
BILLBOARD October 22, 2007

By Chris M. Walsh, N.Y.

Epic Records signed a two-year deal with interactive karaoke restaurant Spotlight Live in Times Square.

As a result of the deal, Spotlight Live is kicking off its first international "Spotlight to Stardom" competition, where karaoke contestants will compete for a record single deal with Epic.

The competition is set to kick off November 8 and will run each Thursday night, until a to-be-determined date in February. Performances will be available and voted on through Spotlightlive.com. Each week two finalists, one chosen by the judges and one chosen through online votes, will advance to the next round, and a winner will be crowned in the last week.

"There's no such thing as a traditional record company anymore which is why this partnership with Spotlight Live is so appealing," says Charlie Walk, president of Epic Records in a statement.
Spotlight Live is a 23,000 square foot space karaoke restaurant, which opened its doors April 2006.

Who Says You Can't Go Gold?

2007-06-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

If you are trying to compete in the pop/rock/adult top 40 marketplace, here are a few CDs worth listening to that have hits and are selling (500,000 units equals Gold):

Daughtry (self-titled) 2,779,675 (30 weeks)

Maroon5 (It Won't Be Soon Before Long) 801,485 (4 weeks)

Gwen Stefani (Sweet Escape) 1,368,201 (28 weeks)

Nickelback (All the Right Reasons) 5,465,775 (89 weeks)

Carrie Underwood (Some Hearts) 5,660,163 (83 weeks)

Pink (I'm Not Dead) 822,057 (25 weeks)

Nelly Furtado (Loose) 1,835,473 (52 weeks)

Hinder (Extreme Behavior) 2,410,281 (71 weeks)

Fray (How to Save a Life) 2,104,621 (75 weeks)

Avril Lavigne (Best Damn Thing) 812,726 (9 weeks)

KT Tunstall (Eye to the Telescope) 1,070,434 (70 weeks)

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Don't You Fake It) 659,898 (48 weeks)

Fergie (Dutchess) 2,0388,823 (39 weeks)

Linkin Park (Minutes to Midnight) 1,125,177 (5 weeks)

Incubus (Light Grenades) 608,097 (29 weeks)

Amy Winehouse (Back to Black) 633,872 (14 weeks)

*Nielsen Soundscan Charts week ending 6/17/07 (weeks on chart)

Nominations Announced for 2006 New Music Weekly Awards

2006-10-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2006 NEW MUSIC WEEKLY AWARDS
AC Promotion Person/Company of the Year: Jerry Lembo (Lembo Entertainment)

Los Angeles, CA - New Music Weekly magazine has announced the nominees for the 2006 New Music Weekly Awards. Gnarls Barkley, KT Tunstall & Heartland are among top contenders in various categories for the main event to be held November 18th at the famous Avalon theater in Hollywood, California. American Idol Carmen Rasmusen will co-host along with NMW syndicated radio host Buck McCoy honoring recording artists, record labels, radio stations and their programmers in the genres of Top40, Country, Adult Contemporary, Hot AC & College.

Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group
742 Bergen Boulevard
Ridgefield, N.J. 07657-1435
Tel: 201-840-9980
Fax: 201-840-9921
Web: www.lemboentertainment.com

Boom Chick

2006-10-05T10:33:00.000-04:00


Music video by Dreammakersmp3.com recording artists Coundd for their song "Boom Chick." The video was directed by Nick Briscoe of Belvedere Producitons and features Nicole Rayburn and Brian Matthews. The video was recorded in King of Prussia, PA and in New Egypt, NJ. Paul Van Haute was the cinematographer.

BMI Music World

2006-09-26T16:43:00.000-04:00

I was thumbing through the Summer 2006 edition of BMI MusicWorld magazine and a few factoids jumped out of the articles on the artists/bands showcased.

Shinedown:
Pounded out over 200 concerts a year.
Spent a solid 23 months of touring behind debut album Leave a Whisper.

Ne-Yo (probably my favorite R&B artist right now):
Real name: Shaffer C. Smith
Ne-Yo's CD In My Own Words is platinum.

Carrie Underwood:
Prior to American Idol, Carrie "had...never been on national television."
Underwood's first CD Some Hearts is now triple platinum.

Daniel Powter:
"Bad Day" first became a hit in Europe, where it was the number one most played song of 2005 for this thirty-five year old Canadian songwriter and musician.

James Blunt:
Lest one start throwing about the term "overnight sensation," Blunt says, "Well, I'm twenty-eight now and I've been planning this since I was fourteen..."

Teddy Geiger:
Started writing songs at age eight. Geiger wrote or co-wrote eleven of the twelve songs on his major label debut CD Underage Thinking. Now seventeen, Geiger is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, piano, bass, and drums.

Take note how everyone's journey has a different origin. Change of name, geography, TV, touring, teens, twenties, thirties, etc. There is no "one size fits all" formula for success.

Thank you BMI for your informative publication and profiles.

Platinum Projections

2006-09-25T14:53:00.000-04:00

Generating platinum sales these days (one million units) has become increasingly difficult but is still achievable. Generally it takes a combination of factors, including radio airplay, internet exposure, live performance, critical press, a great video, and inclusion in a film, tv show, or advertising campaign.

The following are a few current releases that I project will achieve Platinum status and, therefore, should be listened to for their content:

Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/Love Sounds"
Beyonce' "B'Day"
Hinder "Extreme Behavior"
Christina Aguilera "Back To Basics"
Fray "How To Save A Life"
Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"
Rihanna "Girl Like Me"
Nelly Furtado "Loose"
KT Tunstall "Eye To The Telescope"
Yung Joc "New Joc City"

Although it is more difficult to read the fine print on CD jackets, there are a wealth of credits worth noting: A&R, guest vocalists, legal, management, mastering, musicians, photography, producers, publishers, record label, songwriters, web sites, and more.

Don't copy the same formula as your competition, but use the knowledge you gain from studying them. Set out on your own unique path to Platinum.

The Soul of a Superstar

2006-09-22T15:59:00.000-04:00

On my return flight from the Radio and Records/National Association of Broadcasters convention in Dallas, I was reading the cover story in the Friday, September 22nd edition of USA Today titled Soul of a Champion. Over the next ten weeks, USA Today will examine the intangibles that separate champions from other elite athletes with essentially the same physical skills. The series will go inside the lives of competitors who exemplify four intangible traits sports psychologists say champions possess: competitiveness, self-confidence, focus, and composure under pressure.

This led me to think about the parallels between athletes and entertainers. One of the most challenging aspects of my consultancy is determining what "IT" is that separates superstars from "close but no cigar stars." If there was a simple answer, I would market it on one of those late night infomercials and be counting my coins on a beach in Maui.

Some of the common denominators suggested in the article were:

What's inside of you. How much are you willing to do? How much are you willing to sacrifice? (Are you willing to be on the road, away from family and friends for extended periods of time?)

Mental toughness. Can you keep your head on straight and stay sober?
(Can you avoid the excesses of drugs and alcohol?)

Courage to go for it and not think about failure.
(Are you a smart risk taker?)

Testing your skills against others.
(Do you thrive on Battles of the Bands and other competitions that challenge your musical and songwriting skills?)

Belief in your ability and total confidence.
(Can you envision yourself making an acceptance speech at the Grammys?)

Keeping your cool under pressure.
(Will you be able to refrain from swearing at the sound man when the system isn't performing to your standards? Will you stop short of asking the audience when they last had their hearing checked when their response is tepid?)

The ability to deal with mistakes.
(Will you live up to that age-old adage "the show must go on" even when you're off key, miss a note, or break a guitar string?)

Focus.
(Can you key in your audience, putting on a "big show" in a small venue and creating an intimate environment in an arena, making every fan feel like you are performing just for him/her?)

To achieve platinum status, it takes great talent and hard work. You must continuosly raise the bar; find ways to get better. Always work at improving your technical skills while maintaining a superior physical, psychological, and professional profile.

If you truly believe you possess The Soul of a Superstar, then you will not be denied.

MUSEXPO 2006...EX-CEPTIONAL!

2006-05-16T14:33:00.000-04:00

Sat Bisla, A&R Worldwide and one of the founders of MUSEXPO (April 30-May 3), said he hoped attendees of the conference would feel that they were part of something intimate, special, and inspirational. Kudos to Sat and his staff; you hit the bull’s-eye on all three objectives.

The panels were qualitative in representation and dialogue, covering most, if not all, current music industry key issues. The showcases were smartly consolidated into three clubs (Viper Room, Key Club, and the Roxy) and the Bel Age rooftop, allowing everyone maximum opportunity to see all the acts. Wine tastings, continental breakfasts, poolside luncheons, coffee and tea breaks, and cocktail receptions with food at the clubs created ample time for networking with all attendees.

Many of the executives on panels provided 'breaking news' regarding the latest developments at their companies. Napster Chairman/CEO Chris Gorog announced that consumers could now listen to every track in Napster's two million song catalog up to five times for FREE!

Ken Lombard, President, Starbucks Entertainment, discussed in detail the release of Words Come Back to Me, the first album by Sonya Kitchell, only the second artist featured in the company's innovative Hear Music Debut CD Series. Starbucks has also entered the motion picture marketing business, co-partnering with Lionsgate and 2929 Entertainment on the release of Akeelah and the Bee.

The Future of Music, a discussion projecting “what our business model would look like in 2011,” moderated by Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music, Electronic Arts, provided dialogue from a panel of experts that included Terry McBride, Founder, CEO, Nettwerk; and Donald Pressman, who recently released the fifth edition of All You Need to Know About the Music Business (Free Press).

As a panelist for Music's Supporting Role in Visual Media, Imogen Heap spoke of her successes, including "Can't Take It In," the lead track from the soundtrack of Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Billed as the United Nations of Music and Media, MUSEXPO attracted executives and artists from over 30 countries. Trade group representatives serving as panelists were: Anders Hjelmtorp (Sweden), Brendan Smyth (New Zealand), Jennifer Price (Canada), Kristian Riis (Denmark), Larry Bringsjord (Norway), Matt Glover (UK), Paulina Ahokas (Finland), and Tina Radburn (Australia).

Whether it was a discussion of global music publishing, digital development and distribution, artist discovery, pushing the boundaries of radio programming, or fighting for independence, industry leaders had something to contribute. David Mantel, President, Zomba Music Publishing; Ted Cohen, SVP, EMI Music; Peter Asher, President, Sanctuary Artist Management; Jay Frank, Head of Artist and Label Relations, Yahoo! Music; Jack Isquith, Executive Director Music Relations, AOL Music and AOL Radio; Derek Silvers, Founder of CD Baby and dozens of others gave 'take away' advice that attendees could integrate into their current business models.

I encourage you to visit A&R Worldwide regularly and to listen to many of the artists that showcased at MUSEXPO.

I look forward to scanning the globe at MUSEXPO 2007.

Platinum Plans...Lots of Bands

2006-04-07T10:43:00.000-04:00

I am always looking for opportunities to surround myself with music, creative people and continued learning experiences, especially at this time when the music and entertainment industry is in a period of radical transformation.

Recently, I attended the Billboard Music and Money Symposium, the National NACA Convention, and SXSW. In April, I will be at ASCAPEXPO (April 20-22 in Los Angeles) and MUSEXPO (April 30, May 1-3 in Los Angeles).

Looking ahead, other conferences (schedule permitting) where you will see me:

6/22-25 Millennium Music Conference

7/13-16 The Conclave

8/30-9/4 Independent Music Conference

9/20-22 Radio & Records Convention

9/28-30 NEMO Music Festival

9/28-10/1 Dewey Beach Music Festival and Conference

10/4-7 Atlantis Music Conference and Festival

10/31-11/4 CMJ Music Marathon

11/14-15 Hollywood Reporter, Billboard Film and TV Music Conference

If you plan on attending any of the above, please let me know; I'd welcome the opportunity to meet you. If you are not attending and I can represent you, please email me a list of your goals and objectives. Should I be able to help you achieve them, I will submit a proposal for your consideration.

April 4, 1964

2006-04-04T13:50:00.000-04:00

On that day in music history the Top 5 songs on the Billboard singles chart were occupied by the same group -- the Beatles! To the best of my knowledge, the Top 5 slots on the Billboard chart being held by the same group has never happened since, nor is it likely to happen again.

What was striking about those songs was the simplicity of the lyrical content and how the melody had you hooked after just one listen:

#1 "Can't Buy Me Love"
#2 "Twist and Shout"
#3 "She Loves You"
#4 "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
#5 "Please Please Me"

Fast forward to April 4, 2006 and, for me, the only song on the current chart that has a similar vibe is Daniel Powter's "Bad Day."

In my consulting sessions I often encounter talented singer/songwriters who try to cram their entire music education into one song. Sometimes less is more and a simple statement repeated over a strong melody is all the hook you need, especially when today's attention spans are so short. In radio, callout hooks are only between 10 and 15 seconds.

Some of the songs that followed "Can't Buy Me Love" to number one in 1964:

"Hello Dolly!"
"My Guy"
"Love Me Do"
"Chapel of Love"
"I Get Around"
"Rag Doll"
"A Hard Day's Night"
"Everybody Loves Somebody"
"Where Did Our Love Go"
"The House of the Rising Sun"
"Oh, Pretty Woman"
"Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
"Baby Love"
"Leader of the Pack"
"Ringo"
"Mr. Lonely"
"Come See About Me"
"I Feel Fine"

I truly enjoy discussing song titles and hooks during my consulting calls. Sign up for a 30 or 60 minute session and let's work on coming up with your number 1 hit!

Monday Morning Memo 4/3/06

2006-04-03T14:10:00.000-04:00

I have been exchanging emails with several clients today and the following is a random "To Do" list of ideas discussed:

Create a discount coupon (10% - 20% off) the total purchase of your CD, DVD, or band merch.
Offer a free downloadable single.
Produce a single with 2 alternate mixes.
Record a five song EP.
Record a live performance and stream it on your website.
Donate a reasonable quantity of your CD to a charity.
Perform at a benefit concert.
Schedule an acoustic in store performance.
Start booking spring and summer festivals.
Put together plans to release a Christmas song or full holiday CD.
Create a new item of merchandise (other than a T-shirt).
Manufacture "Little Black Books" for giveaways at your shows. On page 1, have your contact info and web address.
Go retro -- release a collectable 7 inch vinyl picture disc.

Hopefully, these ideas will create a little stimuli for you. The alternative to jump starting your brain -- drink an extra large Starbucks House Blend coffee and book a 30 or 60 minute consultation call with me.

Billboard Music & Money Symposium

2006-03-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

Radical changes in the music industry landscape continue to transform the way we acquire and listen to music. At Billboard's Music & Money Symposium, held in the 20th floor Penthouse Ballroom of the St. Regis in New York City on March 2, 2006, cautiously optimistic leaders involved in the digital music revolution provided informative and spirited debates on acquisition, financing, licensing, distribution, business models, and opportunities in new technologies.

Tamara Conniff, Billboard's first female and youngest ever Executive Editor at age 33, opened the conference with an overview of the magazine, highlighting its redesign along with its online and digital strategies.

In session one, "Digital Days: View from the Top," witty moderator Bill Werde, Senior News Editor, Billboard, identified interoperability (the ability of software and hardware on different machines from different vendors to share data), as an issue plaguing the current music distribution model. Jim Griffin, Managing Editor, Cherry Lane Music, redefined music as "a service, not a product." Thomas Ryan, SVP Digital & Mobile Strategy & Development, EMI Music, highlighted his company's new partnerships with Robbie Williams and Korn. The Robbie Williams deal is a multi-platform approach, whereby EMI takes a share of touring, publishing profits, and merchandise in addition to cd sales. The Korn partnership involves three entities: the band, EMI, and Live Nation (the recently spun-off concert division of Clear Channel Communications). Each party gets a piece of the band's recording, publishing, touring, merchandising, sponsorship, and other activities. Brian Taptich, SVP Business Development, BitTorrent (free open-source file-sharing application effective for distributing very large software and media files), indicated the industry is undergoing a crisis of democratization of content. Shawn Gold, SVP of Marketing and Content, MySpace.com, emphasized how his company's virtual community has empowered both artist and audience. Greg Scholl, CEO, The Orchard, revealed that indie music accounts for 30% of his market. Jack Isquith, Executive Director of Music Industry Relations, AOL Music, stressed the importance of being a good partner to the music industry.

In the next session, "It's a Wireless World After All: How to Make Money in the Mobile Space," Antony Bruno, Digital Mobile Editor, Billboard, led his panel in discussing how investment opportunities are matched in number only by the degree of risk. Mark Desantels, VP Wireless Internet Development, CTIA, discussed his DC based international association dedicated to expanding the wireless frontier and his belief that the anytime, anywhere availability offered by wireless broadband has the potential to change the economic structure of our society. Ted Casey, Head of Mobile Music, Verizon Wireless, updated the audience on VCast (the ability to download music, videos, and more straight to your phone). The service already boasts a catalog of 500,000 songs. Shadid Khan, Partner, Interactive Broadband Consulting Group, serves leading broadband related product and service providers in the cable, mobile, and media industries. Khan, an acclaimed thought leader who has served Bertelsmann, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, and the RIAA, said, "This is perhaps the most exciting time in the converging media and telecommunications industry." Greg Clayman, VP, Wireless Strategy & Operations, MTV Networks, announced that hit music, comedy, and entertainment programming form the nation's premier music brands (CMT, MTV, VH1) and Comedy Central is now available on demand on the Sprint TV lineup.

The keynote address was presented by Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc, which engages in the ownership, development, and commercial utilization of entertainment content. It owns 100% interest in 19 Entertainment Limited (American Idol and local adaptations of the Idols television show airing in approximately 30 countries). CKX. Inc. also has an 85% controlling interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. Sillerman discussed how to best position music in the changing distribution opportunities. He suggested we define the term 'music business' as selling music, not recordings. Sillerman asserted that content is king and must be compelling; the emphasis should be on talent.

Susan Butler, Legal and Music Publishing Editor, Billboard, and her panel of experts explored ways of "Financing and Acquiring Music Publishing Catalogs." Mark Levinsohn, Jerome Levy, Joel Katz, and Nicholas Firth raised concerns on how intellectual property would be protected, multiples on net publishers' shares, new sources of income, and the recent increase of mechanical royalties to 9.1 cents.

John Frankenheimer, Co-Chairman, Loeb and Loeb, LLP moderated the discussion on 'What Venture Capitalists Are Looking For." Firms like Abry Partners, one of the most experienced and successful media-focused private equity investment firms in North America believe that content will increase in value and that thought leaders with teams of vision can create enduring business models.

Billboard Executive Editor Tamara Conniff returned to center stage for an exclusive Q&A with Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group. Doug spoke of the Universal Culture, consisting of people who respect each other and leadership steeped in the music business. His company continues to lead the music industry in global sales with a U.S. market share estimated at 34%.

The final session, chaired by Brian Garrity, Business Editor, Billboard, focused on the future: "Valuations, Deal Making, and Predictions For 2006." Harold Vogel (Vogel Capital Management) sees legal downloading gaining traction, becoming less expensive and easier to use. John Rudolph (Music Analytics, Inc.) continues to see music treated as a commodity. Hilary Rosen (Berman Rosen Global Strategies) predicted more advertising direct to consumers and increases in adult buyers. Rich Greenfield (Pali Research) noted significant increases in digital strength. Duncan Reid (Ingenious) shared a positive and enthusiastic approach to the media sector. He cited the success of MySpace.com and its influence on creating awareness of Arctic Monkeys.

In summation, the general climate is one of optimism, growth, and higher returns. Congratulations to the staff at Billboard for providing a classy, intellectual forum and networking environment that was personally enriching. Learn more about the many ways the Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group can help you achieve your artistic and financial goal to become a full-time musician.

In Pursuit of Your Music Biz Degree

2006-01-10T16:41:00.000-05:00

Looking to learn how to gain exposure and an enthusiastic audience for your music? Go back to school and see what's happening on college campuses.

mtvU and Billboard magazine are looking for a few good college students to speak their mind on the state of music today. If I were an aspiring singer-songwriter attending college, I would consider using this as a vehicle to gain some invaluable exposure.

The NACA National Convention is rapidly approaching (Feburary 18-22 in Boston). Featuring more than 80 showcasing artists, performers and programs, as well as over 100 educational sessions, NACA is considered the largest campus activities marketplace in the country.

On the touring tip, the 3rd Virgin College Mega Tour is in the planning stages and scheduled to make 18-20 stops in April and May. A new feature this year will have Virgin enlisting local performers to play on the Emerging Artist stage.

Sonicbids is accepting EPKs through 3/31/06 for the second annual CMJ Rock Hall Fest, taking place June 14-18, 2006 in Cleveland, OH. As many as 100 artists are expected to perform for tens of thousands of music fans.

Do your fans give you high marks? The Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group wants to help you graduate to the next level in your musical career.

Millions of Reasons to be Cheerful

2006-01-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

If you are a developing artist looking for a silver lining or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, here it is: consumer interest in music continues to accelerate.

"Even given the declines the industry has seen, the real takeaway from 2005 is that consumers made more than 1 billion music purchasing decisions," states Rob Sisco, Nielsen Music President/Nielsen Entertainment East Coast Operations COO.

In more promising news, Billboard's Brian Garrity reports that, in the final week of 2005, millions of consumers set a record by downloading 20 million music tracks from iTunes and other retailers. Steve Jobs says Apple sold 14 million iPods in the holiday quarter and 32 million for all of 2005.

Interest in music is sure to increase as we come up on the Grammy Awards on February 8th. Consumers are bound to check out Best New Artist nominees Ciara (Goodies/Sho' Nuff-La Face, 2.5 million sold), Fall Out Boy (From Under the Cork Tree/Island, 1.7 million sold), Keane (Hopes and Fears/Polydor-Interscope, sales n/a), John Legend (Get Lifted/Columbia, 1.5 million sold), and Sugarland (Twice the Speed of Life/Mercury, 1.6 million sold).

Are you a future Best New Artist? Let the Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group help you achieve your goal of a rewarding career in music.

'Tis The Season

2005-11-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

If you are an Adult Contemporary artist, it is prudent to have a holiday song if you plan on getting airplay between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every year hundreds of stations switch to "The Best Mix of Holiday Hits," many programming them 24/7. The stated reasoning is that holiday music is a sales success and often spikes the ratings for these stations.

Fortunately for the Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group, we actively promote and market several artists with songs celebrating the season. Most of our projects are original tunes. Here is a partial list (artist, song, and example of station frequently playing):

Donny Osmond Christmas Time" KUDL/Kansas City
Melissa Etheridge "Christmas in America" WLTW/New York
Ben Green "Holiday" WTSS/Buffalo
Tim Hockenberry "Christmas By The Bay" KOIT/San Francisco
David Corey It Looks Like Christmas" KRWM/Seattle
Trans-Siberian Orchestra "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 WASH/Washington, DC

The upside of writing an original holiday tune (and this also applies to Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.) is that these songs get recycled annually and continue to deliver both mechanical and performance royalties. And if you're lucky enough to write a classic, they never go out of style!

Last year's Top 10 Most Played Christmas Songs (Source: Mediabase 24/7):

1) Brenda Lee "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" (1958)
2) Burl Ives "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" (1963)
3) Bobby Helms "Jingle Bell Rock" (1957)
4) Nat King Cole "The Christmas Song" (1946)
5) Bing Crosby "White Christmas" (1942)
6) Andy Williams "Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" (1963)
7) Carpenters "Merry Christmas Darling" (1970)
8) Jose' Feliciano "Feliz Navidad" (1970)
9) Johnny Mathis "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" (1986)
10) John Lennon "Happy Xmas/War Is Over" (1970)

Writing a holiday song virtually guarantees that cash will replace coal in your stocking.

Happy Holiday$$$!

Rated PDG (Pretty Damn Good)

2005-11-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

The only thing missing from The Hollywood Reporter/Billboard Film and TV Music Conference 2005 held November 15-16 at the Beverly Hilton was popcorn, candy bars, and soft drinks.

Day one highlights included Billboard Co-Executive Editor Tamara Coniff’s chat with composer Hans Zimmer, the father of integrating the electronic musical world with traditional orchestral arrangements. I even learned a bit of trivia during this session. Did you know Hans first enjoyed success in the world of pop music as a member of The Buggles (“Video Killed the Radio Star”)?!

Robert Kraft, President, Fox Music, was on a panel that discussed the ins and outs of soundtracks, music licensing, scoring, and discovering the perfect song. Kraft has overseen more than 150 Fox scores and soundtracks, including the record breaking Titanic.

Laura Carrillo, Executive VP, Creative Advertising, New Line Cinema, gave expert advice on the fine art of putting sound to trailers and television promos. Carrillo oversaw the advertising campaign for the successful trilogy for The Lord of the Rings.

The ASCAP Presents Making Money from Film and Television Music panel that featured Jeff Brabec, VP Business Affairs, Chrysalis Music Group, and Todd Brabec, Executive Vice President, Director of Membership, ASCAP, got ‘two thumbs up’ from the entire audience. I highly recommend the updated and expanded fourth edition of their book Music, Money and Success.

Newly signed Columbia recording artist Teddy Geiger performed songs from his forthcoming CD Underage Thinking (in stores February 14, 2006). His single “Confidence” is available now on iTunes.

Dave Stone, VP of Music, Bunim-Murray Productions, whose credits include seven seasons of The Real World, helped explain what it takes to get your music on the shows he oversees, many of which highlight unsigned acts.

Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive, Electronic Arts (The Washington Post called him ‘The Clive Davis of the Video Game Industry”), shared secrets and strategies on how to capitalize on new media, especially video games. Electronic Arts is forming EA Recordings, a digital only venture with Nettwerk Music Group, designed to sell EA owned original music from its many video games as digital downloads and/or ringtones.

One of the most entertaining and informative sessions featured award winning director Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby), composer Mark Isham (winner of a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Clio), and songwriter Bird York, whose music has been heard on TV’s Family Law, Nip/Tuck, Everwood, and House. They discussed their collaboration on the motion picture Crash. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, rent or buy it today; it is Oscar material.

The conference crammed so much content into two days that I suspect, as I begin to reap the rewards of my expanded knowledge of the behind the scenes business of Film and TV, it will be time to book my 2006 registration.

Successful Sound Insures Santana's Survival

2005-11-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

As it states in his bio, Carlos Santana has been reinventing and reshaping the landscape of the known universe's musical culture for close to four decades. One of the concepts employed by Carlos and Executive Producer Clive Davis is to create multi-ethnic, multi-genre collaborations that maximize cross-marketing opportunities.

For certain artist development acts this could be a way to accelerate awareness and rapidly build your fan base.

On Supernatural, Santana's special guests included Dave Matthews, Everlast, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill and Ceelo, Product G&B, Mana, Eagle Eye Cherry, and Eric Clapton.

For Shaman, Santana enlisted Musiq, Michelle Branch, Seal, Macy Gray, Melkie Jean and Governor Washington, P.O.D., Citizen Cope, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), Dido, Alejandro Lerner, Ozomatli, and Placido Domingo.

Santana's newest release is All That I Am. (Some say it should be called All Things To All People.) Making appearances on 'Supernatural Vol. 3' are Steven Tyler, Mary J. Blige, Big Boi, Joss Stone, Sean Paul, Los Lonely Boys, Bo Bice, Will.I.Am, Anthony Hamilton, Kirk Hammett, Robert Randolph, and a return visit by Michelle Branch (and the Wreckers).

I'm generally not a fan of an all you can eat buffet approach to albums. However, in my neighborhood, the parking lots are always filled to capacity at these establishments, which tells me there are fans of this concept.

So, it's a music marketing strategy worth considering. Who are the local or regional stars in the zip codes you are targeting? Record duets, play at each other's gigs, exchange databases, link to one another on your web sites, and do best Value sales (selling one of your CDs packaged with one from your guest collaborator).

The Best of Santana ("Jingo," "Evil Ways," "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va," etc.) now appears to have served as the appetizer, with Supernatural, Shaman, and All That I Am as the entree. For dessert I'd like to see Santana and:
Stevie Wonder
Tom Petty
Keith Urban
Willie Nelson
Norah Jones
U2/Bono
Green Day
Bob Dylan
Lionel Richie
Bob Seger

Clive, you can reach me at jerry@lemboentertainment.com or 201-840-9980. (Bands looking for new marketing strategies and innovative promotional ideas can reach me there as well.)

A Couple of Guys Named Paul

2005-09-21T17:14:00.000-04:00

There is an interesting dichotomy on this week's Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (9/21/05).

The number one album is by a Houston rapper -- Paul Wall -- and it sold 176,000 copies in the U.S. It's titled "The People's Champ."

Another guy named Paul -- Paul McCartney -- placed number 6 this week with his new CD "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," which sold 92,000.

An alumus of the Beatles and Wings, once upon a time McCartney's album would have been titled "The People's Champ." In 1964, everyone wanted to hold his hand. Now that Sir Paul is 64, it seems music buyers would rather be "slap flippin'," "riding dirty," "big ballin'," and "sittin' sidewayz" with the rhyming rapper Paul Wall.

On his next CD the former Mop Top may have to collaborate with Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Snoop, Ludacris, Bow Wow, and the Ying Yang Twins if he hopes to regain his crown.

Hell to Hope

2005-09-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

The Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group recently signed an artist development consultation agreement with pianist/songwriter Ana Galatas. Ana's label (Rimsky) and management company (Sands Entertainment) are based in Miami. Hurricanes are no stranger to that area; in fact, the local university carries that handle.

What I didn't know was that both Ana's character and musical influences had deep roots in Louisiana. I asked her to reflect on those memories:

"To borrow from a similar saying: 'You can take a girl out of Louisiana but you can’t take Louisiana out of the girl.' I was blessed to be born in New Orleans and live in small towns across the state.

My preacher father served Carrollton Methodist Church, and I fear they’ve been devastated by Katrina. My Mother did her nurses training at the now bereft Charity Hospital. In the 50’s, Mom said there was a line down the middle of the hospital ward – to separate blacks from whites. The nurses enjoyed treating the blacks more because they were more appreciative than the whites. When I reminisce about my Louisiana upbringing, I can’t help but “go there” on the issue of race relations. If CNN had been broadcasting images of upper class whites begging for food and water, this story would have different headlines.

I can share with you endless beautiful memories – rocking on the front porch, beignets in the French Quarter, heaps of crawfish on telephone spools – then there is the MUSIC. Music that evolved from the slaves and is now our only original musical art form. I’m so deeply appreciative for the exposure I had to Spirituals, Jazz and R&B. Where would American music be without the profound influence of African-Americans?

How then can such an atrocity occur after such enormous contributions to our society? As a kid, I played organ for a small church in Slaughter, LA. One of the elderly church ladies told me that the at one time the choir robes doubled as Klan robes.

Louisiana has overcome so much. My high school in Zachary, LA has grown past our tainted past. Proms that were segregated now enjoy integrated reunions. Finally New Orleans appears to be going from “hell to hope” and perhaps light is finally being shed on a problem that should be 'no more'."

Ana asks that you please send your donations to:
Baton Rouge Area Foundation Displaced Residents Fund.
http://www.braf.org/

Boulevard of Platinum Dreams

2005-08-29T16:31:00.000-04:00

Since its release about a year ago, American Idiot has seldom left my CD player.

After winning seven of the eight MTV Video Music Awards they were nominated for, Green Day should rename their current multi-platinum CD (4 million plus in domestic sales and growing) American Geniuses.

American Idiot is on track to match or exceed the 10 million copies sold on their Dookie disc.

In accepting the rock video award, singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong said, "It's nice to know rock music still has a place on MTV." Hell, I wasn't aware MTV still showed videos!

When I tune in I usually get Inferno 2, Laguna Beach, Making the Band 3, MTV's The 70's House, My Super Sweet 16, Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'n' Out, Real World, Trailer Fabulous, etc.

Green Day has extended their red hot arena/stadium tour into early October. The band has a colorful and compelling history that has sustained over a decade and has seen many musical fashion fatalities.

They are still the number one rock band in overall airplay with 13 different songs getting 100+ plays a week at the format.

Young rockers should research Green Day's rich catalog of hits and add them to your Platinum playbook.

Do You Have What It Takes To "Change The World" With Your Music?

2005-08-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting in my office listening to the new Eric Clapton studio album Back Home and wondering which of my artist development clients will still be making 'Must Hear' music five decades from now.
Many of today's contemporary artists have achieved fleeting platinum status. What lessons can be learned from Clapton's career longevity?
Adaptability comes to mind. Clapton played with the Roosters, the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos before embarking on his successful solo career.
Change is constant in life and in the music business. Throughout Clapton's career, conflict and confrontation surely came into play on more than a few occasions, not to mention personal hardships and tragedy. Did you know Clapton was an illegitimate child? As an adult, he endured heroin and alcohol addictions, divorce, the deaths of several close friends and his son Conor.
Devastating events like these would have been enough to cripple most people both mentally and creatively, yet Clapton persevered. Did you know that he is the only triple inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream, and as a solo artist)?
Do you have the passion and personal stamina to endure the less glamorous side of show business, or are you just in it for an American Idol moment? If you've got what it takes to "Change The World" with your music and need assistance in outlining your music business career objectives and creating an action plan, please visit www.lemboentertainment.com.