Dubbed “the industry bible” by the Los Angeles Times, All You Need to Know About the Music Business by veteran music lawyer Donald Passman is the go-to guide for everyone in the music business through ten editions, over thirty years, and over a half a million copies sold. Now with updates explaining why musicians have more power today than ever in history; discussion of the mega-million-dollar sales of artists’ songs and record catalogs; how artist access to streaming media, and particularly TikTok, has completely reshaped the music business; the latest on music created by AI; and a full update of the latest numbers and trends.For more than thirty years, All You Need to Know About the Music Business has been universally regarded as the definitive guide to the music industry. Now in its eleventh edition, Passman leads novices and experts alike through what has been the most profound change in the music business since the days of wax cylinders and piano rolls: streaming. For the first time in history, music is no longer monetized by selling something—it’s monetized by how many times a listener streams a song. And also, for the first time, artists can get their music to listeners without a record company gatekeeper, creating a new democracy for music. The “industry bible” (Los Angeles Times), now updated, is essential for anyone in the music business—musicians, songwriters, lawyers, agents, promoters, publishers, executives, and managers—and the definitive guide for anyone who wants to be in the business. So, whether you are—or aspire to be—in the music industry, veteran music lawyer Passman’s comprehensive guide is an indispensable tool. He offers timely information about the latest trends, including the reasons why artists have more clout than ever in history, the massive influence of TikTok, the mega million dollar sales of artists’ songs and record catalogs, music in Web3 and the Metaverse, music created by AI, and a full update of the latest numbers and practices. Read more

A smart, page-turning exploration of the business and creative decisions that transformed Taylor Swift into an unprecedented modern cultural phenomenon.Named one of "Thirty books we're excited to read in the first half of 2025" by The Sydney Morning HeraldNamed to the Financial Times "What to Read in 2025" listSinger-songwriter. Trailblazer. Mastermind. The Beatles of her generation. From her genre-busting rise in country music as a teenager to the economic juggernaut that is the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has blazed a path that is uniquely hers.But how exactly has she managed to scale her success—multiple times—while dominating an industry that cycles through artists and stars like fashion trends? How has she managed to make and remake herself time and again while remaining true to her artistic vision? And how has she managed to master the constant disruption in the music business that has made it so hard for others to adapt and endure?In There's Nothing Like This, Kevin Evers, a senior editor at Harvard Business Review, answers these questions in riveting detail. With the same thoughtful analysis usually devoted to iconic founders, game-changing innovators, and pioneering brands, Evers chronicles the business and creative decisions that have defined each phase of Swift's career.Mixing business and art, analysis and narrative, and pulling from research in innovation, creativity, psychology, and strategy, There's Nothing Like This presents Swift as the modern and multidimensional superstar that she is—a songwriting savant and a strategic genius.Swift's fans will see their icon from a fresh perspective. Others will gain more than a measure of admiration for her ability to stay at the top of her game. And everyone will come away understanding why, even after two decades, Swift keeps winning. Read more

The number one New York Times best-selling author of Bare Bones, host of the marquee morning program The Bobby Bones Show, comedian, and dedicated philanthropist delivers an inspirational and humorous collection of stories about his biggest misses in life and how he turned them into lessons and wins. Bobby Bones is the youngest inductee ever into the National Radio Hall of Fame, alongside legends Dick Clark, Larry King, and Howard Stern. As "the most powerful man in country music" (Forbes), he has reached the peak of his profession and achieved his childhood dreams. Each weekday morning, more than five million fans tune in to his radio show. But as Bobby reveals, a lot of what made him able to achieve his goals were mistakes, awkward moments, and embarrassing situations - lemons that he turned into lemonade through hard work and humility. In this eye-opening audiobook, he’ll include ideas and motivations for finding success even when seemingly surrounded by impossible odds or tough failures. He also includes anecdotes from some of his famous friends who open up about their own missteps. Bobby’s mantra is: Fight. Grind. Repeat. A man who refuses to give up, he sees failure as something to learn from - and the recollections in this funny, smart audiobook, full of Bobby’s brand of self-effacing humor, show how he’s become such a beloved goofball. Read more

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All Revved Up and Ready To GoMy Life in ConcertHow I Survived on Music, Lies, and Fake IDsBefore The NorVa became one of the most legendary live music venues in the country, before the sold-out shows and chaotic energy of the pit, there was just a kid searching for something—something louder, something real.From trading his first record at a local shop to getting swallowed by the raw power of a punk show, this is the story of a life shaped by music. It’s about finding belonging in the sweaty, deafening pulse of a crowd, about reckless nights, fake IDs, and the friendships forged in the glow of neon jukeboxes and midnight drives.Set against the backdrop of Norfolk’s music scene and the wild, rhythmic heartbeat of New Orleans, All Revved Up and Ready To Go: My Life in Concerti s a coming-of-age journey fueled by rebellion, discovery, and the unshakable power of song. With humor, grit, and an unfiltered lens, this book captures what it means to grow up chasing the sound of your own story.For anyone who’s ever lost themselves in a song, for anyone who’s ever found a home in the music—this one’s for you. Read more

This memoir by David Cassidy tells the real story behind his phenomenal ’70s stardom—and the sadness that shadowed it. Includes photos and a new afterword.   Barely out of his teens, David Cassidy landed a role on a new sitcom about a musical family that toured in a psychedelic bus. The critics blasted it—but TV viewers loved it! And the young female audience especially loved Keith Partridge. Not only did they tune in each week, they bought The Partridge Family’s hit single, “I Think I Love You,” in the millions, and plastered David’s image on their bedroom walls. Throughout the early seventies, David Cassidy was a phenomenon.   In this wry, witty memoir, he recounts not only those wild youthful years and Hollywood relationships—with, among others, stepmom Shirley Jones, costar Susan Dey, actress Meredith Baxter, and two guest stars who soon found greater fame on Charlie’s Angels—but also the darker parts of his life as well. David delves into his painful family history and his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey, and the groupies and drugs he indulged in as his success began to overwhelm him. He also shares his encounters with the icons of the era—Lennon and McCartney, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and more. Most of all, he takes us back to a time when the world seemed more innocent—at least until the camera stopped rolling.  Includes a new afterword about David’s final years by friend and coauthor Chip Deffaa.   “A chatty read about becoming an overnight success and all the trappings that came with it: Tiger Beat magazine, sold-out stadium shows, hit records, willing girls in every hotel lobby.” —Star Tribune   Read more

The authorized biography of the most notorious rock manager of all time, Peter Grant, best known for his work with Led Zeppelin.Peter Grant is the most famous music manager of all time. Often acknowledged as the "fifth member of Led Zeppelin", Grant's story has appeared in fragments across countless Zeppelin biographies, but none has explored who this brilliant and intuitive manager yet flawed and sometimes dangerous man truly was. No one has successfully captured the scope of his personality or his long-lasting impact on the music business. Acclaimed author and journalist Mark Blake seeks to rectify that.Bring It on Home is the first book to tell the complete, uncensored story of this industry giant. With support from Grant's family, interviews with Led Zeppelin's surviving band members, and access to Grant's extensive archive and scores of unpublished material, including his never-before-published final interview, Blake sheds new light on the history of Led Zeppelin and on the wider story of rock music in the 1960s and '70s.Full of new insights into Grant's early life as an actor, wrestler, and road manager for rock 'n' roll pioneers Chuck Berry and Little Richard; the formation of Led Zeppelin; his seclusion following the demise of the band; and his recovery from substance abuse, Bring It on Home reveals a man who, after the extraordinary highs and lows of a career in rock 'n' roll, found peace and happiness in a more ordinary life. It is a celebration, a cautionary tale, and a compelling human drama. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

An Open Letter to Any Musician Who Wants to Make $100,000 (or More) in the Music BusinessYou're in a career where it's considered "normal" to be broke. If you were doing anything else for a living, you'd have given up by now. And I'm sure there are people in your life who wish you'd do just that... They want you to settle down, get a "real" job, and make music a hobby. Screw 'em. The truth is, if you know what to do, you can make a lot of money as a musician. This book shows you what to do. You'll learn exactly how to make money with your music - in the club, on the Internet, and on the road. Here's a taste of what's waiting for you... How to get record labels to approach you (instead of you chasing them) Nobody at your shows? I'll show you several ways to fix that... "The Drip Method" - The most profitable way to release music. A 100-year-old marketing trick developed by a woman thought to be "too fat and ugly" for a career in music - today it works better than ever! The greatest threat to your music business success (it's not piracy) and how to neutralize it. A songwriting secret from successful drag queens and pissed off karaoke singers so potent, it almost guarantees a great song! How a $10 "kitchen appliance" will make you a better songwriter 4 proven "cures" for music business burnout and overwhelm What it takes for a musician to make $150,000/year (with only 500 fans) Rules for social media. Ignore these at your own risk. "Superfan" Secrets - How to develop fans who buy everything you sell. How to sell lots of music... without being obnoxious or turning people off Are you a musician over 40? Why age doesn't matter anymore... Proven, word-for-word "scripts" and emails that get people to buy your music8 ways to make money giving your music away for free A small change in the way you release new music that is so powerful, you will double the money you make. And that's just for starters. There's a lot of money to be made in the music business and this book will make sure you don't miss out. Now is your chance. If you want a successful career as a musician, this book will help you. Read more

Quincy Jones, one of the world’s most influential musicians, producers, and mentors, shares his profound reflections on creativity, life, and the pursuit of excellence in this moving and practical book. Drawing from his illustrious career and collaborations with legendary artists, Jones offers practical advice and heartfelt lessons on transforming grief into power, setting meaningful goals, and embracing daily affirmations. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, he reveals the secrets behind his creative process and the importance of honesty, hard work, and nurturing relationships. This self-development guide is a testament to the belief that creativity is a calling that transcends age and experience. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, 12 Notes will inspire you to unlock your creative potential and live a life driven by passion and purpose. Read more

To most people, the music industry represents a source of harmless fun and entertainment. Beneath the glossy veneer, however, lies the devastating truth of who really controls these institutions, and the deeply malevolent agendas for which they're being used. Mark Devlin is a long-standing DJ and music journalist. Musical Truth is the culmination of his five years of research into the true nature of the industry and its objectives - from dark occult rituals, to mind-controlled artists, and all points in between. The book shows how these agendas fit into the much wider picture of what’s really going on in the world, and - crucially - how the power lies with us to bring it to an end." Read more

Every creator has the same problems with marketing.How do you call attention to your work?How do you get your creations into people’s minds and hearts?How do you get fans to tell their friends?How do you charge money for your labor of love?How do you get the media to help?Derek Sivers was a professional musician before he started a music distribution company that helped 150,000 musicians sell their music to over four million people. So after years of living the problems, he was able to learn the solutions.Your Music and People shares a successful philosophy of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.It’s not just for musicians.Though it uses music as the example, it is meant for any creator trying to reach people. Early listeners called it one of the best books ever written on business marketing.Example points include:Business is just as creative as music.Marketing is an extension of your art.Marketing means being considerate. Focus on others.Being weird is considerate.People skills are counterintuitive. To be helped, be helpful.Persistence is polite.Call the destination and ask for directions.Get specific about what you want.Be extreme and sharply defined. Proudly exclude most people.Money is just a neutral representation of value. Be valuable to others—not just yourself. People like to pay.Nobody knows the future, so focus on what doesn’t change. Read more

Known as the "Father of Festival Sound," Bill Hanley (b. 1937) made his indelible mark as a sound engineer at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Fair. Hanley is credited with creating the sound of Woodstock, which literally made the massive festival possible. Stories of his on-the-fly solutions resonate as legend among festivalgoers, music lovers, and sound engineers. Since the 1950s his passion for audio has changed the way audiences listen to and technicians approach quality live concert sound. John Kane examines Hanley’s echoing impact on the entire field of sound engineering, that crucial but often-overlooked carrier wave of contemporary music. Hanley’s innovations founded the sound reinforcement industry and launched a new area of technology, rich with clarity and intelligibility. By the early seventies the post-Woodstock festival mass gathering movement collapsed. The music industry shifted, and new sound companies surfaced. After huge financial losses and facing stiff competition, Hanley lost his hold on a business he helped create. By studying both his history during the festivals and his independent business ventures, Kane seeks to present an honest portrayal of Hanley and his acumen and contributions. Since 2011, Kane conducted extensive research, including over one hundred interviews with music legends from the production and performance side of the industry. These carefully selected respondents witnessed Hanley’s expertise at various events and venues like Lyndon B. Johnson’s second inauguration, the Newport Folk/Jazz Festivals, the Beatles' final tour of 1966, the Fillmore East, Madison Square Garden, and more. The Last Seat in the House will intrigue and inform anyone who cares about the modern music industry. Read more

After almost 50 years, the release of the complete Harvard Report: A Study of the Soul Music Environment prepared for Columbia Records Group, which was a feasibility study and suggested marketing strategy for CRG (CBS Records). Read more

Since the dawn of modernism, visual and music production have had a particularly intimate relationship. From Luigi Russolo’s 1913 Futurist manifesto L’Arte dei Rumori (The Art of Noise) to Marcel Duchamp’s 1925 double-sided discs Rotoreliefs, the 20th century saw ever more fertile exchange between sounds and shapes, marks and melodies, and different fields of composition and performance. In Francesco Spampinato’s unique anthology of artists’ record covers, we discover the rhythm of this particular cultural history. The book presents 450 covers and records by visual artists from the 1950s through to today, exploring how modernism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art, postmodernism, and various forms of contemporary art practice have all informed this collateral field of visual production and supported the mass distribution of music with defining imagery that swiftly and suggestively evokes an aural encounter. Along the way, we find Jean-Michel Basquiat’s urban hieroglyphs for his own Tartown record label, Banksy’s stenciled graffiti for Blur, and a skewered Salvador Dalí butterfly on Jackie Gleason’s Lonesome Echo. There are insightful analyses and fact sheets alongside the covers listing the artist, performer, album name, label, year of release, and information on the original artwork. Interviews with Tauba Auerbach, Shepard Fairey, Kim Gordon, Christian Marclay, Albert Oehlen, and Raymond Pettibon add personal accounts on the collaborative relationship between artists and musicians. Read more

The bible of the music industry! Now in its tenth edition, This Business of Music has been revised and completely updated to reflect the latest changes in the ever-evolving music business. Every chapter has been revised. An entirely new chapter has been added, asking and answering the question “Are there borders in cyberspace?” The answer is yes, and the book clearly and concisely explains what they are and how to maintain them. Commentary on recent legislation, a reader-friendly summary of the laws on copyright duration, and much more insightful analysis—plus fully updated lists of music organizations and important websites—make This Business of Music indispensable for musicians, agents, managers, marketers, music publishers and groups, colleges and universities, and everyone who wants to make music and make money. Read more

“A clear, comprehensive look at a murky business.” —The Wall Street Journal Your favorite band has just announced their nationwide tour. Should you pay to join their fan club and get in on the pre-sale? No, you decide to wait. But the on-sale date arrives, and the site is jammed. You can’t get on—and the concert is sold out in six minutes. What happened? What now? Music journalists Dean Budnick and Josh Baron chronicle the behind-the-scenes history of the modern concert industry. Filled with entertaining rock-and-roll anecdotes about The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Pearl Jam, and more—and charting the emergence of players like Ticketmaster, StubHub, Live Nation, and Outbox—Ticket Masters will transfix every concertgoer who wonders just where the price of admission really goes. This edition has an updated epilogue that covers recent industry developments.    Read more

Now a Paramount+ docuseries narrated by Method Man and produced by Marshall "Eminem" Mathers, LeBron James, and moreOne of Billboard’s 100 Greatest Music Books of All Time, by the author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World’s Most Coveted MicrochipWhat happens when an entire generation commits the same crime?How Music Got Free is a riveting story of obsession, music, crime, and money, featuring visionaries and criminals, moguls and tech-savvy teenagers. It’s about the greatest pirate in history, the most powerful executive in the music business, a revolutionary invention and an illegal website four times the size of the iTunes Music Store. Journalist Stephen Witt traces the secret history of digital music piracy, from the German audio engineers who invented the mp3, to a North Carolina compact-disc manufacturing plant where factory worker Dell Glover leaked nearly two thousand albums over the course of a decade, to the high-rises of midtown Manhattan where music executive Doug Morris cornered the global market on rap, and, finally, into the darkest recesses of the Internet.Through these interwoven narratives, Witt has written a thrilling book that depicts the moment in history when ordinary life became forever entwined with the world online—when, suddenly, all the music ever recorded was available for free. In the page-turning tradition of writers like Michael Lewis and Lawrence Wright, Witt’s deeply reported first book introduces the unforgettable characters—inventors, executives, factory workers, and smugglers—who revolutionized an entire artform, and reveals for the first time the secret underworld of media pirates that transformed our digital lives.An irresistible never-before-told story of greed, cunning, genius, and deceit, How Music Got Free isn’t just a story of the music industry—it’s a must-read history of the Internet itself.Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, and the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the YearA New York Times Editors’ ChoiceONE OF THE YEAR'S BEST BOOKS: The Washington Post • The Financial Times • Slate • The Atlantic • Time • Forbes“[How Music Got Free] has the clear writing and brisk reportorial acumen of a Michael Lewis book.”—Dwight Garner, The New York Times Read more

Copiously researched and documented, Hit Men is the highly controversial portrait of the pop music industry in all its wild, ruthless glory: the insatiable greed and ambition; the enormous egos; the fierce struggles for profits and power; the vendettas, rivalries, shakedowns, and payoffs. Chronicling the evolution of America's largest music labels from the Tin Pan Alley days to the present day, Fredric Dannen examines in depth the often venal, sometimes illegal dealings among the assorted hustlers and kingpins who rule over this multi-billion-dollar business. Read more

The music industry is evolving faster than ever, and if you're serious about turning your passion into a profitable career, you need the right strategies to navigate it. How to Succeed in the Music Industry in 2025 and Beyond is your ultimate guide to thriving as an independent artist, producer, or DJ in today’s digital landscape. This audiobook breaks down the essential steps to build your brand, market your music, and create multiple income streams while staying true to your artistry.Inside this audiobook, you’ll discover:The biggest industry shifts in 2025 and how to take advantage of them.Proven marketing strategies to grow your audience and boost streams.How to land gigs, build industry connections, and monetize your craft.The importance of branding, consistency, and content creation.Real-world insights from an artist who has worked with Grammy winners and top-tier labels.Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned artist wanting to level up, this audiobook provides practical, no-BS advice to help you break through the noise and create a long-term, sustainable career in music. Now is the best time to bet on yourself and turn your passion into a profession. The industry is waiting—are you ready? Read more

USA TODAY Bestseller YouTube sensation Andrew Huang offers practical tips and hard-won advice for creatives seeking financial stability while staying authentic.How does a musician with acute hearing loss, a refusal to perform live, and no industry connections carve a path to millions of followers and lucrative royalty checks? In Make Your Own Rules, Andrew Huang shares stories from his two decades as a music industry misfit and offers advice on both the artistic and business sides of working as a creator in our digital era. Beginning with auctioning his songwriting skills on eBay as a teenager, Andrew continuously found new ways to thrive in a music career over the last twenty-plus years. His storied career and hard-won wisdom can help aspiring digital creatives find success as well. Organized by sections on building your creative foundations, growing an audience in the digital age, making money, and staying true to yourself, Make Your Own Rules pairs personal anecdotes with concrete advice applicable to any freelance digital creator. You’ll learn how Andrew became an early adopter of sharing music online—for free!—and how he leveraged social media to grow an organic following and amass millions of song streams and video views. Additional chapters provide insight into his designing an online course and music production tools that have been used by tens of thousands of people, and how he created revenue streams for himself that didn’t exist previously. With open-minded perseverance, Andrew made up his own rules for life. His unlikely journey will inspire creators to find opportunity, financial stability, and fun in their pursuits. Read more