Black MenBook Reviews and MoreEntertainmentMusicMusic and Video Releases

“Blackout: My 40 Years In The Music Business” by Paul Porter

2

“Blackout: My 40 Years In The Music Business,” is an explosive look at the corruption that is running rampant throughout the music industry.

From the desperate promotion departments at major record labels who will do anything to get their acts on the radio and on video to the greedy program directors who take cash, gifts and other luxuries, Blackout will explore how corruption is rearing its ugly head once again.

Blackout also examines “legal payola” and how corporations are now the major beneficiaries of under-the-table payments and pay-to-play.

With the Telecommunications Act of 1996, consolidation would forever change the music industry. It was a bill that was originally designed to stimulate the economy by loosening up the rules for selling goods on the Internet. But inadvertently, it gave license for communications companies like Clear Channel to start buying up radio stations like penny candy.

Before long, seven companies owned 70% of the radio stations in the United States. There were very few individual owners who could determine what would be played. This meant smaller, corporate-influenced radio playlists. There would be less variety and more of the same artists, over and over again. These new stations were like funnels and the only records that would make it through were the ones with the cash to push them out. If the record labels wanted to hear their acts on the radio, they would have to fall in line—and cough up major bucks.

The same would happen in video as well. When Bob Johnson sold BET to Viacom for three billion dollars, it meant that MTV now owned it’s only major competitor. And getting your video on either channel would now cost you thousands.

Blackout is about how the digital age in the mid-90s exposed radio stations that frequently lied about how often they were playing the songs they were being paid by record labels to play; it’s about how the golden age of the trained broadcaster was soon replaced with interns, DJs and mixers who, for years, had been silent in the booth. Blackout explores how radio has become one of the few media outlets where salaries have plunged as profits have skyrocketed. And Blackout will break down the shake-ups that will be happening very shortly. Much like Alan Freed’s payola trials in the 50s, and the pay-for-play scandals involving music men like Clive Davis in the 70s, the music industry is on the cusp of another huge investigation and many of the major players in the music industry may find themselves unemployed, at best and possibly, in prison.

And in many ways, Blackout is my story. Since 1976, when the busing riots in Boston sent me scrambling into the radio station at WRBB at Northeastern University, the music industry has been my life. During my very first stint in radio, I was Paul “Pure Love” Porter from midnight to three AM and I fell in love with the medium of radio and the impact I had on my community.

Radio introduced me to women. Radio introduced me to cocaine. Radio introduced me to some of my best friends. And radio killed some of them too. Blackout is a ride through my whirlwind of media jobs, working for and with some of the most colorful, well-known and scandalous players in the music industry.

I know that radio and video are influential in shaping young minds. And my experiences have changed my outlook. “Morality is not an option” is now my mantra. And there are people out there who won’t buy it. They’ll think I’m writing this book for revenge or just to make a buck. That’s fine. I can live with that. I can’t live with what’s become of the music industry. I’m partly responsible for bringing it to the depths it’s sunk to today. But I can also be responsible for exposing the ugliness and peeling back the layers for everyone to see.

Here’s a sample of what people are saying about Paul Porter and “Blackout:  My 40 Years In The Music Business:

“Paul Porter is a guru ,visionary and has led a Forrest Gump-James Bond life in the blackback hidden world of technologies, culture and communications. Follow his timeline in BLACKOUT and it will explain TRULY why things are the way they are. Pay attention!”

Chuck D, Public Enemy-Prophets Of Rage

“Paul Porter has been the mellifluous voice of Black music as a host on BET, its most loving critic and its most passionate advocate. His long history in the music and entertainment business makes him the ideal guide through the sometimes treacherous history of an industry where corporate executives and radio conglomerates wield enormous power over artists, and often abuse or fail them. Blackout is essential reading for anyone who cares about the history and future of African-Americans in the multi-billion dollar music industry.”

Joy-Ann Reid, host of “AM Joy” on MSNBC

“In his book BLACKOUT: My 40 Years In The Music Business, industry veteran Paul Porter shares his compelling personal story about how the music industry REALLY operates.  He brings us inside the music industry’s “sausage factory” to reveal the dark and troubling reality of the business that very few people get to see.  But Porter’s exposé also offers an enlightening message of hope for the music industry and for its broader impact on our culture.  It is a must-read for anyone who loves, or is critical of, the business of music in America.”

Tim Winter, President, Parents Television Council

 

Rock Newman, TV Show Host and Activist

Paul Porter, your wisdom, support and guidance in 2013 was invaluable as I was attempting to launch the Rock Newman Show. I’ll never forget and I strongly recommend BLACKOUT as a MUST READ!”

 

About The Author

Paul Porter is the founder Rap Rehab which is comprised of a consortium of industry leaders and media professionals whose broad range of experiences offer unique benefits to their clients.

Paul Porter has served as a Program Director and talent for BET; consulted for AOL Music, the NBA and Sound Exchange; and negotiated licensing deals with Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America and ESPN. As an expert in the music business with over thirty years of experience, he has been featured on CNN, Fox News, the New York Times, LA Times, and Entertainment Tonight. Regarded as a music rights activist, Porter is also on the Advisory Board of the Parents Television Council. Paul Porter, has even been summoned to testify before Congress.

America’s music industry has changed drastically in recent decades. Nowadays, music production is a very small component of what determines success for an artist. The numbers of independent artist and separation from the pack is now harder than ever. Brand building is a complex matrix of relationship-building, social media, marketing, promotion and multimedia production that very few people have a clear and comprehensive knowledge of. Rap Rehab was created to be a one-stop shop situated in this ever-changing cultural landscape known as “the music business.” From artists to fans, our information and perspective will keep you well-informed.

We’re here to help you turn your music into self-sustaining streams of revenue. From our “Free 15” video chat series to our emphasis on cost effective strategies, Rap Rehab is enhancing your knowledge and maximizing your value. Take advantage of Rap Rehab 30 years in the music industry today. With Paul Porter as its guiding light, Rap Rehab is guaranteed to offer the best that the music industry has to offer.

Click Here To Order Your Book Now!

Learn more about Paul Porter at http://raprehab.com/

Black Men In America.com
Since our launch in 2001, Black Men In America.com has evolved from a news site focusing on black men to a well-rounded social, current events and political website featuring content that people want to share and talk about.  We have thought-provoking content that aims to educate, entertain and inspire our site visitors to become good citizens and role models in their community.  Please do not use this site to post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane or indecent information of any kind, including without limitation any transmissions constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any local, state, national or international law. You alone are responsible for the material you post.

The Ramey Commentaries by Mike Ramey

Previous article

WTF?: Black Teen Sisters Suspended For Wearing Braided Hair

Next article

You may also like

2 Comments

  1. […] So what are you waiting for?  We have a special offer for Black Men In America.com site visitors.  Use the promo code “Black Out,” to receive a 20% discount.  That’s right 20% off of the original price by using the promo code “Black Out,” which is the title of Paul Porter’s best-selling book. […]

Leave a Reply

More in Black Men