Even More Sexual Harassment

Longtime subscriber but don't often send emails to you (I did once but you never responded). Not looking for this to be published, if you choose to, please don't include my name.

I worked for a couple of acts on Epic between 2005 and 2009, nearly every female Epic rep had some Charlie Walk story, from his hotel room key offers to perverted comments about their attire. I was dating a girl in 2008 and we had dinner with Charlie and an Epic artist, Charlie rubbed my companion's leg under the table at the restaurant on several occasions throughout the meal, later in the meal when my companion excused herself to go to the bathroom and then came back I got up to let her into the booth and she lightly nudged me back in so I would be sitting next to Charlie, it was only later back at our hotel room I found out what had been going on, needless to say I was enraged.....reading your email below and Tristan's letter was a vivid reminder that everything always finds it's way out.

Anyhow, with your subscribers and your influence with the mainstream press you really have an opportunity to do something powerful here, woman deserve to work on an equal playing field with men (pay, treatment, ascendency, etc.) I would love to see you focus a little more on this, Charlie Walk stories have been around for decades, reading his "statement" made laugh because he clearly doesn't get it, he still thinks he can spin himself out of the mess he created.

Good for Tristan Coopersmith, she got the hell out of this soul sucking business which is why she was willing to share her truth while everyone else, myself included, insists on anonymity. I came into this business at 18 fresh out of high school, I am still passionate about music but I've seen the ugly side....and it isn't pretty.

My true hope in all this is that we have a broader conversation that deals with the global state of work place conditions and the way people at the top treat the people who keep everything moving, leading with fear, intimidation and harassment is not leadership at all.

________________________________________

Hi Bob,
Avid reader & fan, I think what you're doing here is wonderful. If you decide to print this please withhold my name.

I'm a female executive in my 30s working in the industry. I've interned & worked at labels, publishers and management companies. I've been lucky to see a lot since I was 18. I've exposed myself to a vast array of surroundings across different genres. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, I've never been a victim of harassment or abuse by a superior or colleague. I've witnessed plenty of it and know a lot of women who've left the industry because of it, but nothing awful has ever happened to me.

However, I would like to share with you the story of my most memorable job interview.
At the time I was in my late 20s. I was meeting with a very prominent manager (white, male, married & in his mid 30s) who was looking to hire a in house A&R for his roster of artists. A friend of a friend put my name forward & this guy manages some of the biggest pop acts in the business. So, I was excited. I had solid experience, great contacts & went in feeling really confident. The meeting started off fine, he asked me about my experience, laid out what they are looking for and what the job would entail. Oh, and, It's also worth mentioning that his GM (who is female) was present for this meeting. Then, this.
manager: 'WAIT, I have to ask you, are you married?'
Me: 'No.'
manager: 'do you have a boyfriend?'
Me: 'Yes, we live together.'
manager: 'Are you pregnant?'
Me: (confused, thinking i looked fat) 'Uh...No?'
manager: 'do you want to have kids???'
Me: (even more confused) 'Maybe, Someday? I'm not sure.'
manager: 'OK. Well the girl we were going hire for this job admitted that she was a few months pregnant before she started. We couldn't move forward with her b/c we really need someone who's young, really hungry and willing to put work first.'
Me: (horrified) 'Alright.'

My internal alarm bells went off and I got the FUCK out of there. I was fairly certain that admitting you didn't hire someone because they were pregnant (OR even didn't WANT to hire someone because they were pregnant) isn't legal. Legality aside- if he's asking me that kind of stuff in a job interview what kind of a nightmare is he to work for??? To top it off, his #2, A WOMAN, was present for this exchange who thought nothing of it at all. And....WHAT THE FUCK?? Women can't have kids and do a good job? Needless to say I didn't pursue it any further.

Some years have passed. I'm now married, planning a family & since this interview I have been fortunate to work for some incredible female executives. They have taught countless lessons on life, the business & how to raise a family while excelling in your career.

This unnamed manager is still really successful and our paths have crossed since. He clearly has no memory of our initial meeting.

I'll never forget it.

________________________________________

The thing that always vexed me about the harassment thing was that if you weren't touched physically that people said it was something you could 'get over.' I have been stolen from, gaslighted, threatened, underpaid, underestimated and taken for granted. I have been in earshot of an unbelievable number of disgusting statements from men about other females and have been put into embarrassing situations just to see how I reacted to them by numerous men in the business. It wears a person down. In many instances I kept my mouth shut just to keep working in the business. I am at a breaking point. If one more person mainsplains to me I am going to lose it...



in the early 80s, I was with elektra at a WEA convention and got shitfaced...and called a female friend suggesting we get to know each other better....it bothered me the next day and I apologized and it bothered me in the 00s and I apologized again...and it still bothers me.....she was and she says she still is my friend..which only makes it worse, really.....very sad..every time I get on my high horse regarding these guys just pulling themselves out and masturbating in front of women, i remember that I'm one of them.....
Louis Heidelmeier

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Given the number of readers you have from the industry, you might want to give this a push.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MKSgvTINrqBzItJk7FGJN1eLmOr4-9xUjPrtPdFhbgI/edit#gid=184767774

It allows for the anonymous posting of salary, employer, gender, etc. The more data it collects the more compelling a story it will tell no doubt....

________________________________________

You know I see all this "name withheld" shit. And I keep thinking that Ali Harnel would have a very 'prolific' remark if she read your blog! She's the one guys should fear....... then there she is ...her very direct comment, 'AMEN'....... a ball busting woman that has always stood her ground against all the fakes and towers of power. I was there, I know! And, oh yeah, don't you ever forget THE power house QUEEN of Ballbusters.......Claire Rothman!!!! Thanks Ali and hail to Claire!!!

Kelley and 'Claires' Jimmy Johnson

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Thank you for not only addressing the Charlie Walk letter, but also for sharing the many stories your readers and followers have sent you. As a woman who has worked in the music industry for quite a few years and who is currently trying her hardest to get her foot back in the door, everything that has been shared via your newsletter/mailbag is all too real!

I think it's important to not only address sexual harassment in the music industry, but also sexual discrimination, general harassment/bullying, and the rampant nepotism that is all too common in this industry. It's also important to address the fact that it's not only some of the men in the industry who are to blame for the above-mentioned issues, but also some of the female executives. So many of us never speak up for fear of retaliation (getting fired, not getting promoted, not getting hired, or being physically and/or verbally assaulted and humiliated in front of peers). Even now, I'm not including my name in this e-mail and have actually opened a new email account just to send this to you. Why? I can't afford to. Doing so what put the final nail in the coffin for my career in the music industry and I refuse to give up my dream because of a few lowlife individuals who hold far too much power.

FYI - The following events are not in chronological order:

I have worked for two of "the big three" major record labels. I worked for a female executive who although she has a child and is married to a man, would call me into her office and compliment my intelligence, work ethic, and eventually started making remarks about my looks, all while looking me up and down and then staring intently at me (Just thinking about it even now makes my skin crawl!). I NEVER responded to her. I would stand there quietly and eventually, without even realizing it, my demeanor changed overall. I hardly spoke and practically ran out the building at the end of the work day. In her office she would compliment me and in front of my peers and my other supervisors she would belittle my work and demean me. I felt completely helpless and hopeless. Did I ever tell my other supervisors about her behavior? No. Did I ever confront her or inform her that her behavior made me (a straight woman) uncomfortable? No. Did I report her to HR? No. I was afraid (I still am). I was working at a major record label and my career ambitions stopped me from reporting such behavior for fear of losing my job....my opportunity. I began seeking other positions within the record label, only to find out by accident (through mistake made by HR) that the exec had instructed them not to forward my resume to the other hiring managers/execs at the label. Yes, it is illegal to do that and yes HR actually complied with her request. She further retaliated by eventually firing me. Claiming that I didn't do my job properly. BULLSHIT. The HR rep, who accidently divulged the info, apologized to me profusely for their behavior. The rep was afraid of losing her job too! I never let it be known that it was her who had informed me of what the exec had done. I figured that if I kept quiet I would be able to find a job at another record label, and so I kept mum. Silence is the problem here.

It isn't just the men who do the bullying and harassment.

I worked for another female executive who subjected the assistants to such a high degree of verbal harassment that even other execs would warn the assts and coordinators about her. One of her co-workers quit because of her. Another refused to work with her on any project, and temps wouldn't even last us a week before deciding to leave. Instead of speaking to her about her behavior, her boss (the head of the dept.) simply warned us about her. She should have been fired multiple times already. This woman's HR file at UMG is thick with complaints and reports about her harassment of subordinates. On my last day working at Geffen, I informed HR about the extreme bullying that this exec subjected her subordinates to, myself included. I let HR know that although I would not be pressing charges or taking it any further, they needed to do something about her behavior because eventually another employee was going to sue the company because of her. HR did nothing. This executive still works there to this day! My payment for speaking up this time and informing HR about her was to be blackballed from applying for any other jobs at UMG. Sure, their executives call and are interested in hiring me. I have a lot of experience. However, once UMG's HR managers get involved in the process, the opportunity is lost. This is what happens when women in the music industry speak up! This is why we don't speak up! We're afraid of being banned, fired, or not hired.

Both of the women I have referenced in this email are still working at these labels. Now, tell me that HR isn't a part of the problem?! I once worked for three of the top music execs in latin music and overheard one them tell his staff that he didn't think I was pretty enough to work for him. I also had the head of HR tell me that I had to take the dirty towels home from their executive restrooms and wash them. I refused and quit.

Yes, I have also been sexually harassed by some of the male executives. I had a job interview with an executive at UMG who ended the interview with personal (albeit illegal to ask) questions. I responded to his questions as professionally as I could. All the while, my guard had gone up. I felt like crying. I was alone with him in his executive office and the door was closed and locked. I did my best to remain calm, but eventually lost my composure when he asked if I was married and if I had children. My response: "No, not yet." His response: "OH! Well then do you think there's a chance??" He then laughed and winked at me. I should have walked out of the interview right then and there. I didn't. I sat there speechless.The biggest label in the industry had called and I didn't wan to ruin my chances. I was unemployed and wanted a job in the music industry. This is what many women are faced with in the music industry. Having to put up with being objectified in order to stay in the game or even get in the industry.

Name withheld - because I'm still afraid.

________________________________________

Thank you for using your formidable following as a place for these conversations Bob. It's invaluable. I find all of the conversations going on around this issue to be fascinating, particularly here in the business that has been my life for 45 years. I've never experienced sexual harassment as an artist, other than in my 20's when I heard an idiot fan at a band house suggest to my bandmates that they go to my bedroom and rape me. Needless to say my bandmates shut him down. Oh, and unrelated to music, I was raped and stabbed in my 30;s and lived to tell the tale, but somehow that doesn't feel germane to the discussion. Wow… that says something. But even in that situation it was so clear to me - it was about power, not sex.

We are indeed talking about power, and its abuse and the paralyzing effect on employees - both men and women. And the boys club mentality that can foster continued abuse. Whoever recommended here that HR departments be an independent organization had a brilliant idea. Until it is made safe for employees to make use of the mechanism that is supposedly in place two protect them - if there are no consequences, it will continue. But now we ARE seeing consequences and that's a great thing. But the pendulum is swinging so far that due process has gone out the window. Any woman who has a bad date or a famous boyfriend who was a jerk, can state anonymously that they were abused and recklessly destroy someone's hard earned career out of vengeance. That's a very dangerous possibility.

Lastly, I urge folks to keep their radar up for the reverse sexism that is rampant. For example, James Corden had a Dating Game type skit the other night where a row of men were assessed by random women from the audience as to whether they were worthy of a date with her. Usually it was an evaluation of their appearance, or a remark or job James declared as lame, and they would be rejected by falling into a giant box of balls. Can you imagine the outrage if this were men rating women for their desirability? How in the hell does this get by the producer as a good idea? We still have SO far to go. It will be interesting to see how we get there from here.

And really lastly - I'm sorry, but I don't think women can expect to have it both ways, and hey - I grew up in San Francisco in the 60's with free love and rock and roll, so….I assure you, I am NOT conservative. But….there are the Grammys rife with #Me too spirit one minute and female artists bending over shaking their barely covered tits and asses and grabbing their crotches in simulated orgasms the next. You can't behave like a sex object and then feel incensed when you're treated like one. I know, that's going to get me in a lot of trouble but I had to say it. Respect starts with self respect. And both women and men have a lot of work to do. Remember "consciousness raising"? I think it's time for a comeback!

Shari Ulrich

________________________________________

Wow! The victimization of all these people is sad. Maybe it's just the world we live in and dealing with people on all different and weird and creepy levels is just part of life? It seems like nobody got the memo about how "nobody ever said life was fair"? Nobody ever said working in the music business was fair and it's always been full of eccentrics and loud mouths and freaks. It's a dog eat dog game and what does anyone expect? Welcome to the real world not the one that's supposed to be perfect and safe! Whatever that one is? Most hide there names here , so like my feminist friends say " your part of the problem"? I am sorry people are going through these kinds of things but hey , life is cruel , GROW UP! Handle your business ! If you can't perhaps you don't belong in the jungle? I lean towards you don't belong. If you did you would use your brain to work around the issues. Power makes people act a certain way. I know that , you know that and it will NEVER change.
Peace
CuzinD

Darren Eboli

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I want to tell a story that puts a man in a good light. That man is Ed McMahon. In 1965 I was very young, and he was my manager. He managed me for one year. He was already on the Tonight Show as Johnny's sidekick at the time, but he saw me perform in a New York club (singing and playing guitar,) and came up with an idea for a kid's show with me as the star. (That's another story.) During that time, he also wanted me to perform on what was called "The First Fifteen" on the Tonight Show. Back then, to sing on the show you had to audition for Skitch Henderson, the band leader. When that day arrived, Ed came into the audition with me, and brought the entire office staff in as well. I did my audition. After the audition, as we were leaving, I asked Ed why he brought everyone in like that. I wondered if that was the way it was always done. He smiled and said, "No not always, but Skitch has a reputation with the ladies." Looking back on it, I like the way he put that. He was a gentleman. But apparently the reality wasn't so genteel.

Tracy Newman

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It is all so much more confusing in the larger sense of things. There is no doubt these actions are reprehensible. But when sex, drugs and rock and roll is celebrated. Groupies are celebrated, even bragging in books, it makes the message fit the actions. What did we think was going to happen. As usual, don't look, don't tell, don't lift the veil of secrecy. Plus now with songs with outright sexual overtones, sexual language, videos depicting the same, becoming so numbing it is accepted as the norm. Sad state of affairs. I hate to say that we pandering to the lowest common denominator instead of lifting up people, butit seems to me that that is where we are.

It is all so much water over dam, true. But more importantly how does the genie go back into the bottle? That may take years to fix and more importantly what will our own look in the mirror say about our legacy as a society. That we were so self absorbed, that others didn't matter as long as we "felt good" about ourselves.

Wes Kelley

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Speaking of #ME TOO, I want to share #NO MORE! Many men in the music industry don't/didn't treat/relate/see women as equals. My point here is to say it's not just sexual abuse, it's sexual misuse, sexual harassment and anything else that makes you uncomfortable or is demeaning TO YOU! That said, I shared the air with some incredible women who were beyond capable, smart, talented and knew their shit. Often they would share thoughts/suggestions/ideas with their superior who took full credit and were lauded! I recall a young woman being told if she didn't want to clear the crumbs, plates and debris from her bosses table after he lunched in his office with managers, agents, employee or family members, she would be fired! H.R. took notes, and who knows where those notes landed! Certainly not on her side! She was fired for not doing her job! Yes, truth! Somewhere in the 90s it began to slowly change and I'm sure it didn't make everyone happy, but the stench of segregation was the culprit in clearing/cleaning the air. Working in the business a long time, I was lucky to work with some wonderful and incredible bosses who treated me like a 'star' (that I was), and a few who didn't. Regrets, I have none. But to those men, who didn't care or have any idea what their product managers, directors, assistants or secretaries did at the outer offices, or realize how many times their asses were saved as well as saving them extra work, keeping unhappy employee out of their office, etc. Again, it's a so sad! To bad! I have no qualms. The industry was good to me, however, like I said, not all bosses were! I was always fascinated by their camaraderie. When men moved on to other record companies, they would keep and continue to stay in touch, lunch, dine, wine, celebrate and share parties with each other. When women left - gone, forgotten and goodbye! I've been out for quite a while, yet every so often I'll get a call about one or another kind of abuse. Lot's less now, but still brewing!I PLEASE KNOW, IT'S NOT ONLY SEXUAL ABUSE! Those who know me, know I respect and love men! Fair men! Good men! This is not anti-men. This is anti-abuse. Yes men are also abused in many ways and some women are also guilty of these abuses. But overwhelmingly, it's women. Don't be forced out - ROAR OUT AND UP!

Thanks for lifting the veil...

Regards,

Rose Gross-Marino

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I ran a famous music venue as a man. Ten years later I was rcruited again to come back and fix it. I've been a trans woman full time for 2 years. I can tell you that as a woman I was forced the fuck out and after being ignored by corporate for over a year with no HR support. And I'm mad. I've never proclaimed myself as a victim. I am now. I can't talk about the details due to legal issues. I'm not really motivated to shout out names or to rat anyone out. But I will be the advocation in the future responsibly. I have a voice. And it's loud.
-Maci Jane

________________________________________

We all have stories about harassment and inappropriate behaviour and comments. Unfortunately it's life.

Interesting that no ones's talking about the star fuckers and the women who will cross any boundary to get where and what they want.

(anon-a woman)

________________________________________

And the problem is that when the victims dont call out the perps it just continues, effectively making them accomplices in future abuses that take place.

Chris M

________________________________________

HR isn't the problem. They report to the CEO. That's the problem. Need to report to the board. Also when the ceo is a chief offender (EMI in my day) what do you expect him to tell HR to do? His bidding. It's all sick and fucked uo and I'm so glad it is being outed and hopefully coming roan end. The next generation won't stand for it.

Thanks

Scott Hughes

________________________________________

Think Portnow will go down? Nah.
The letter the "girls club" sent was interesting. Obviously a club
that's somewhat exclusive. It's hard enough knocking on the
ceiling without wondering if our fellow females will open the
door ahead of time.

Janie Hoffman

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The Grammy Ratings Decline

"Ratings for Grammy Awards Drop 24 Percent": http://nyti.ms/2En63Zu

It's the end of the monoculture.

There's a fiction we all care about the same things.

We don't.

The ascension of the importance of the Grammys coincided with the MTV era, and that ended nearly twenty years ago.

So why did viewership then go up?

First of all, there was the hangover.

Secondly, there was the Twitter era.

Now no one notices and no one cares. That's not to understate the importance of hip-hop and women, it's just that we're all in our own niches, and old people don't listen to new music and young people don't care about old music and ergo, a Grammy ratings flop.

The show was constructed for an old era. For when the show and its awards counted. Furthermore, we live in an on demand era, one wherein you don't have to watch SNL because the good moments are all online shortly thereafter. If anything happened on the Grammys you'd find out about it. But by playing it safe, the show had no water cooler moments, in an era where so many work from home or are freelance entrepreneurs and there is no water cooler.

Playing it safe is anathema, isn't that what music has taught us? That the new and cutting edge wipes out the old? Which is why we don't want to see Sting, Bono and Elton. The Beatles and the British Invasion wiped out Bobby Rydell and so many more, the kids stopped paying attention.

And the kids drive the culture.

So what now?

The truth is as dominant as hip-hop is, there's a whole swath of the public that is not paying attention and doesn't care. Hip-hop won because it embraced new technologies, i.e. Spotify and Soundcloud and new distribution methods, i.e. mixtapes and singles...this is the future, when are the other genres gonna wake up?

They will, but they're so inured to the past, like the Grammy show, that they've been left behind. Rock is a marginal enterprise where outside of the radio format, i.e. Active Rock, the bands are meaningless, they barely pop up on streaming services, it's as if in the old days their records were unavailable in chain stores.

Country has made inroads in streaming, but the powers-that-be don't want to break the hegemony of country radio, they're like religious zealots who don't want to find out their children are atheists.

As for pop... It's so busy trying to reach everybody that it reaches nobody. Formula never works in music, not for long, and it even stopped working in movies, sequels killed the summer box office.

So where do we go now?

Realize we live in a Tower of Babel society, we're all speaking a different language. The odds of someone listening to the same music as you are de minimis.

Second, it's nearly impossible to get the message out, there are too many news sources. So either you're a nobody or someone who believes they're a somebody who is not. Meanwhile, traditional markers don't account for this. There's still a "Billboard" chart, there are still record reviews in the paper, it's like it's still 1989, no one wants to catch up with the present.

As for the Grammy Awards and the telecast...

First and foremost the Grammy organization needs a rethink. Neil Portnow was a placeholder after Mike Greene, who made the Grammys what they are/were and ruffled too many feathers. You see Greene was a renegade who stood up to the powers-that-be, Portnow is a tool of the labels and usual powers when they matter less and less. If the Grammys are to mean anything, they must be more independent. Now they rely on CBS and are so out of touch that the ratings have flopped.

As for the show itself...

The one they've been doing will no longer work. I know they've got a big contract with CBS, but that does not mean viewers care. To tell you the truth, they should make a deal with Netflix, wherein every nominated track, IN EVERY CATEGORY, has a video that the public can peruse and vote on. Then there's a show, actually multiple shows, wherein every nominee performs said track live, and then an awards show that's only awards, no music.

You might not agree with this formula, but the point is you've got to think outside of the box. You've got to go back to the basics, you've got to go back to the music itself.

Now we've got performers who are not nominated singing songs that are not nominated while only a few awards are given out. Who wants that?

The VMAs blew a hole in the awards show paradigm by knowing to create moments along with the music. There was irreverence, it felt like the show was on the pulse.

But then that show died.

Nothing is forever. You can't keep doing the same thing and expect to succeed. The world is constantly changing and you've got to change with it, otherwise you're left behind, listening to your classic rock records thinking about the good old days.

Like the Grammy show producers and voters.

It can be fixed. But probably not by the old white men in charge.

We live in a rainbow world. Forget the orange man in power and his vocal fanbase, the truth is gay marriage is legal and everybody now knows a trans person and if you're not looking forward you're being left behind.

Like the Grammys and this telecast.


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More Sexual Harassment

The music industry crickets are because of fear. I'm not sure how much of this sh*t you want to publish, but here's more.

It's not just the old music industry that has problems. I worked at a very large streaming service. There are a lot of great people there, but a guy named ___________ is/was not one of them.

He is married and a father who brought his young children into the office regularly. He had been there for 6+ years and rose to become a VP who surrounded himself with direct reports of young, lesser experienced women. In public, he held a professional albeit very odd, nervous demeanor. In private, he threatened and intimidated women including me. One good example was after others in the company had positively noticed my capabilities, he became angry, got in my face and told me in a one on one meeting, "You cannot succeed in this company without my support, and I don't support you. I WILL NOT support you" then ended the meeting. Overnight I was removed from all distribution lists and meeting invitations. I did everything I could to avoid him until I finally left, as I realized I could never be successful in that environment.

In October 2017 an announcement was circulated that ___________ was leaving to "spend more time with his family." Odd, as his email was shut off within days. Turns out in addition to the intimidation and threats, he had a long-standing sexual relationship with a female subordinate whom he took on business trips, promoted, and gave a disproportionate salary increase. It's all about power, intimidation, and control. I'm glad he was fired, but the damage was done.

Why is it so threatening to have a capable female on the team?

Name withheld - yes, out of fear

___________________________________

I was at SXSW and witnessed peers rally around her later after a female photographer, trying to shoot a showcase, had been assaulted by one of the the artist. She said he simulated sex on her and demeaned her in other ways while she was just trying to do her job. I heard at least one fan filmed it on their phone. The incident was reported. The artist was from another country. I don't know how the photographer is doing and I've not heard anymore about if the artist was charged or how it was addressed by others concerned.

Anonymous

___________________________________

Thank god I'm a lesbian. Never thought there would be a time when I could say that and mean it.

If anyone in the business tried to make a pass at me, I made sure they knew I preferred women. It doesn't always work - sometimes I was treated like one of the guys, but sometimes men still thought they could "turn me." Most of the time it protected me from sexual harassment.

It's sad - with everything going on, more and more I am hearing friends leaving their jobs, or on the edge of leaving. Even men my age (late 20s) are unhappy with their jobs. Again, I'm going to say this is primarily a generational problem. I know it's not always the case, but I think the problem lies mainly with those of the older generation who haven't grown, and who aren't willing to pass the baton. Maybe it's time they learn a new skill - bee keeping, carpentry.. I hear those are popular in retirement.

Lastly, let's leave Ed Sheeran and Bruno alone. Also can we get a legit answer for why Lorde wasn't offered a performance slot? I met Neil once - pleasant experience (reminded me of Willy Wonka of the music biz - with all of the music toys in his office), but every year his speech sounds exactly the same. Just that alone should be a sign it's time for a younger successor. Charlie?

- Candace Carter
*not anonymous - because why should I be afraid of taking ownership of my thoughts.

___________________________________

"As a feeling man, who cannot stand sexual abuse, i'm starting to feel ganged up on"

Get a grip. If you haven't enabled an abuser or been the abuser WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT?
I've got plenty of stories to share but wouldn't because I'm still early in my career and trying to get ahead. The fear of reprisal for people who've experienced that abuse of power is incredibly debilitating and accusations are not put forward lightly in most instances. And as for the lady's comments about how the route to solving this all is laughing off unwanted advances with a demeaning laugh.. what a crock of crap. She should thank herself lucky she felt powerful enough to do so without violent repercussions, check your privilege.

(Name withheld please)

___________________________________

Women aren't the only ones exploited or "abusive" in the music industry.

I had a gig with a high profile country music FEMALE artist back in the early '90's and if I mentioned HER name, it'd end MY career!

After I repeatedly refused to sleep with her nightly, I was eventually fired. The band leader even asked me what the hell was wrong with me? It was common knowledge that she "required" new band members to bed down with her. He told me that was the reason she wanted me out. I wouldn't play along and fit in.

Call me Anonymous...

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HR HAS FAILED IN ALL COMPANIES NOTABLY NBC.
HR IS THE DISASTER.

Walter Sabo

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Hi Bob~

I wanted to pass along a note of gratitude for sharing my story. I have hundreds of messages of support and dozens of Charlie Walk reveal stories that found me through your newsletter. I'm not a subscriber personally so I don't know what you shared but it is clear to me that you have had a profound influence on many women... and for that I thank you. Thank you for supporting me and the thousands upon thousands of not just women, but people who have been and continue to work in fear in the music biz.

You. Are. Amazing.

--
With love and gratitude~
Tristan

Tristan Coopersmith, Chief Inspirologist
Life Lab


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Mailbag

I spoke to Sony HR twice about Mr Walk even though he states no one ever complained to HR. I was told if I wanted to pusue the complaint that Sony would tie me up in court for more than 3 years and freeze my paycheck. Fuck Ira Sallen the head of Sony HR at the time and fuck Charlie the pig. How about the time he asked a women if he could stare at her in his office while he masturbated into his garage pail!!

Harvey Leeds

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I also had the dis-pleasure of working with Charlie Walk. An absolute rancid and disgusting individual with ZERO morals.

He would threaten myself and fellow executives DAILY with firing. He thought that it was motivating to use the tactic of losing your job and not being able to support your family, but meanwhile, all he did was motivate you to find another job.

In an A&R meeting while listening to music, he climbed on the desk, ripped open his shirt and started rubbing his nipples while he licked himself and motioned his hips in a very sexual manner.

In a meeting in a studio, he just got up and started spinning on his back while listening to music. What record company President starts to break dance in the middle of listening to music in a meeting WITH the artist and their manager that they are looking to sign???

He also made-out with executives assistants at various company functions.

I find it puzzling that more is not being made of his executive staff(s) enabling his deviant behavior.

I was told when I went to report his behavior to executive staff members that it was "Charley being Charley". I find it amazing that his executive staff(s) kept quiet for as long as they have. Did they really not know what was going on? A la the Penn State scandal, and recently Michigan State, the predator was NOT the only 1 in the wrong. People knew and didn't do anything!! Sr. VP.s, EVP's and GM's that work(ed) with him should be ASHAMED of themselves!! YOU KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING!!

He is a PREDATOR and a DEVIANT. He preys on young executives that he knows are trying to come up and would probably stay quiet because they were trying to get ahead. He is a prime example of a "Dog & Pony Show". He reels you in, you drink the Kool-Aid, and then you are trapped having to deal with a monster. He is a circus..

Charlie is obsessed with power.. He needs that power to over compensate for his height. It's not meant to be funny, but really is an undiagnosed diagnosis. I'm sure a therapist would agree that he has deep rooted issues because of his lack of height, and his deviant behavior is a mechanism of lashing out and proving that he worthy or respect.

The issue is that he doesn't think that he did anything wrong. Like a recovering alcoholic, he should write his wrongs and start apologizing to his victims. I still can't believe that none of his victims brothers, fathers, husbands or boyfriends didn't knock his block off.

The only way he will truly understand what his behavior really has done is if his wife or children are subjected to that kind behavior in their workplaces..I can only wonder what he would do.... Then maybe he will finally get it.

The sad reality is that once this blows over, he will find a hedge fund to finance his company and will be back with a vengeance. If you have a great well-connected entertainment attorney, you always have a shot.

He is the quintessential example of VERY bad people can do VERY well in the music business.

Kudos for people speaking out. It's time to rid the music business of animals like Charlie Walk. Good Riddance....

-anonymous

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Hey Bob - I met Charlie Walk on a set in 2005 when I was a young, stressed-out Hollywood assistant. He was remarkably friendly to me when he didn't have to be (whether or not this matters, it was my impression). At some point he told us a story about how John Mayer's "Daughters" was on track to becoming an ignored/forgotten track on the album, had he not personally zeroed in on it's poignant message and fought tooth and nail for it to become a successful single (and we all know it endures).
If the letter is true, there's some sad irony in this story now.

Matt Robertson

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Hello
Music execs and producers alike.
When I was 20 years old I got invited to a studio after the club. I was nieve and viewed this as an innocent musical opportunity.
That night I met _____________, a major producer at the time.
In an effort to summerize this night, _____________ told me that if I wanted to succeed in the music industry, I would have to sleep with him. That it was a requirement. When I said no, he said that I was ruining my shot and that I would think back to this night and remember the moment I killed my dreams - for not doing what "all girls in the industry" have to do. There was another girl there who was saying that he was right and it was just what I had to do. He tried to get closer to me and I continued to say no. I tried defending myself and he started yelling. This continued. I was frozen. I wanted to cry but I didn't. I stayed still, looking forward and apologizing for my "no's". I had just moved to this new city, my friends and I had gotten separated but later night when one of them picked me up I broke down in the car. I googled "_____________" the next night and realized that the year before he had been accused of rape. I cried all night. I questioned my decision to be chasing the chance to be in this industry. Being worried about the safety of my family has kept me in fear. I wish it was safe to come forward. I wish it was safe to come forward. I wish the names of the ABUSERS along with the names of the MEN behind these sexual harassment stories were placed on a general universal list or on a website so girls would be able to go look up who they may be going in to work with.
Even if the government is dropping the ball, even if companies are taking tooooo long to enforce safe workplace environment regulations; this would at least be a way to warn women about the men that are not as high profile and may not get as much coverage. Had I known this guy had been accused of rape,
I would have known to go the fuck home.

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Oddly, when this has happened to me in the context of employment (and believe me, it's happened. Multiple times), it's always crossed the back of my mind that "well, he tried that on me...I guess I've got one over on him if I ever need to use it." Of course, that will only work if said offender fears whatever repercussions might befall him were I to use the information against him...marital trouble or divorce, dismissal with cause from employment, a public court battle, the list goes on. Some don't fear any of it, and that's when you know you're in trouble (Donald Trump comes to mind...I genuinely pity his wife. I lived the hell she's trapped in for 16 years before I got out, which all but ruined me, I'll admit, financially, emotionally, psychologically, physically. While people who insist she could leave can't possibly have lived in such an oppressive environment where your entire reality is created for you and rue the day you step out of bounds. Christ, if he was bold enough to tell McCabe to go ask his wife what it's like to be with a loser, imagine what he says to his own behind closed doors?! But I digress...).

But some of your readers/commenters have it wrong, as do many people at large. This whole phenomenon has NOTHING to do with trying to get sex. Men who say so are in little danger of becoming offenders themselves because they can't even fathom that this behavior is 100% about POWER. Feeling powerful by making someone else feel powerless. I do agree with what some have said about our adoration of celebrity contributing to people abusing their power to exploit others. I suppose ultimately (for now anyway) we women need to ask ourselves if that dream or thing we're chasing (that job, that project, that promotion, that client) is really worth suffering such indignities and abuse. It's not the only __________________ (fill in the blank with any one of the above) in town. Do some due diligence and thoroughly evaluate your employer, the team and company culture, your supervisor, etc. it's as much an evaluation on your part as it is on theirs.

Thanks for helping to bring the stories into the light. Only when we understand what we're dealing with can we ever hope for to really see measurable change.

Gwen Gayhart

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Thank you so much for sharing the stories of women in the industry who have been silently enduring objectification, harassment, misconduct, and assault for far too long.

Like many of those women, I of course have my own stories. I once worked backstage at a concert at Madison Square Garden for a very legendary artist who I will not name. I was so excited for the opportunity to network and make a name for myself. I was a senior in college. I was even more excited to be introduced to the band's tour manager, who I idolized for his tenure in the industry. When I approached him to shake his hand, he pulled me onto his lap and kept his arm around my waist. I sat there frozen and didn't really have any other choice than to laugh it off, because up until that point, the opportunity to work at this show was one of the biggest opportunities I'd ever been given. This happened in front of a room full of people, which to me signals that this man thought that objectifying a 20-year-old woman was nothing to be ashamed of and perfectly normal.

Years later, I found myself at SXSW at an industry cocktail party following a performance by one of the most major Latin artists in modern music. I was attempting to get some facetime with this artist's manager, as I'd been communicating with him for weeks about a potential partnership and was hoping to make some headway in our discussion. Instead, this manager got extremely drunk, pulled his pants down and put his ass in my face, and made jokes about how it would be "hot as shit" if I took my glasses off in slow motion like they do in the movies. Again, I laughed it off. I was maybe 23 or 24? I didn't know what else to do. Was I supposed to slap one of the most powerful music managers in the world across the face in front of a room full of people who respected him more than me? And again, this happened in front of an entire party full of people, leading me to believe that this man sees this behavior as normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

I've had plenty of other experiences in between. I was once told in a business meeting in front of my coworkers, "From the back, you look like J-Lo." I once was pressured to slow dance with a member of a band in a green room by their (again very powerful) manager, also with all of my coworkers in the room. I've been preyed upon by artists who I was supposed to be hosting and guiding through a content shoot. And I just had to grin and bear it and make sure THEY were happy. It wasn't worth complaining to HR, because the people who harassed me within my office walls didn't actually work for my media company, they worked for the labels and artists and management groups who were visiting for business.

Pretty much everything that's happened to me in the industry has happened in front of other people, and no one has ever stood up for me or batted an eye in the moment. And when you're young, you simply can't stand up for yourself. You can't risk pissing off the wrong person if you care about building your reputation and brand towards a long, bright future.

I hope more women will come forward with their stories. The music industry desperately needs its #TimesUp moment. Having you as an ally is truly invaluable, and I can't thank you enough.

Sincerely,
Anonymous

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With all respect to Stu Cohen, there was a huge amount of this behavior at WBR in the 70's and 80's.

It was common knowledge the WBR wouldn't promote from within; if a female wished to progress out of a 'secretarial' position she'd have to leave the company, work elsewhere, and apply for a new job in a higher category. I could list at least 5 women who experienced this.

As for sexism and sexual abuse - it was rampant. My 'boss' would run up and down the halls yelling about what a stupid bitch I was because I didn't do *something* as instructed (even though I might have double- and triple- checked it with him previously) and still, many times when we'd be alone - after work or at an industry function - he'd come on to me with promises of how I could really progress in my career if ........

Oh, the stories I could tell......

OMIT MY NAME!!

____________________________________

*Please keep name & email address anonymous if you choose to publish:

The bottomline is that while other women have now come forth, anonymously, with Charlie Walk's harassing behavior, the fact that women feel they can only do so anonymously, shows cleaerly how the industry is dysfunctional and abusive.

There is no system in place for women to bring these complaints. And, after the Time's Up movement came to light, not ONE label came forth with a position, or stating what processes they would put in place to make sure women are protected, and that things are fair, and/or a protocol to deal with such issues.

Why not? They can't. They're too broken in this area.

How powerful would it have been had one label, ONE, come forward to support the movement. It's pathetic that not one did.

Charlie Walk will get a slap on the wrist and life will go along. Because it's an industry run by men, who have no understanding of the real damage of this behavior, nor do they care. Nor do they want to understand. And that's a sad state of affairs. It's like Donald Trump getting elected President, even though.

Lastly, Neil Portnow has to go. He and his comments egregiously represent an old guard, and Everything that is wrong.

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I have for years donated money to a charity that helps sexually abused girls/women and boys/men, I find it abhorrent. I've sadly known many... an ex girlfriend being one, who is lucky to even be alive, and after hearing her childhood ordeal I needed counselling, because it was so incomprehensible to me.

But I have also had experience (working my whole life in the entertainment industry) of males that have had their careers shattered by females accusations, both true AND false, in "trial by media".

So while many many females have every right to speak out about horrible treatment from men, the Charlie Walk open letter from Tristan Coopersmith makes me feel very uneasy. How can you work with someone for a whole year while being treated that way!? Is she so weak minded?... Its clearly because she wanted fame and career over integrity. And as she is "speaking out", it implies solidarity with other females. Please don't paint females as weak and defenceless little lambs, who'll put up with anything to advance their own goals - yuk!... most of the ones I have the privilege of knowing are strong, more than most males I know, and have integrity.

AND she took hush money and STILL spoke out. So i'm sorry, i just dont want to hear it. You absolutely lessen the cause of women and girls who were truly abused or harrassed, against their will, and that they had no part in enabling.

I fear that this "gang up" on men could sadly go pear shaped if some common sense is not employed. As a feeling man, who cannot stand sexual abuse, i'm starting to feel ganged up on, therefore I know others are too.

This could go badly. Careful everyone.

Name withheld please, Melbourne Australia.

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Bob, I hope you turn your searchlight on the cause of female instrumentalists, who are held back from learning the ropes and the riffs by the sad fact that if a cute guitar-playing girl asks a guy - any guy, pretty much - how to play a cool chord or riff, they'd try to fuck you. It was regular as clockwork. Guys in general, need to watch more Jane Austen movies.

Paula Franceschi

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I'm so disheartened and depressed about my career that I absolutely used to love. I've been working in the music industry for over 18 years and it might be finally the time to get out. Bob, I can't speak up. I need my job and I'm afraid to be black-balled. I've had plenty of #metoo moments, that if pressed, I couldn't count. Including being kissed on the mouth by an EVP who was 30 years older and groped dozens of times.
Sexual harassment and gender equality sometimes fight side by side especially in this industry. We need more women in supervisor roles without it, we can't ever be equal or move forward. At my job, every department head is a man. Even though, I'm in my 40s, I'm still called "my girl" or "girl" every day. When I got mad about some issue here, and by mad I mean I used the word FUCK about 10 times in one sentence, I was told I'm too emotional. I can count at least 5 executives (all male) who have had affairs on their wives with subordinates. Just last week, when discussing hiring a new assistant, I overheard the guys say "hire her, she's hot". And all this is just the tip of my memory, what I'm willing to recall because the rest is just too painful. I work hard and all I want is to be treated the same as my male counterpart, not get harassed and get paid the same. I fear, no strike that, I know that will never happen in my lifetime and FUCK its depressing.

-feel free to print but please don't use my name. thank you.

____________________________________

Nat Weiss used to stare at me as he gave his cigar fellatio. Ugh!

Paul M Martin
Vipers NYC, LLC

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still a lot of 'crickets' out there... so many (women) afraid to speak for fear being 'black balled'... and RADIO (programmers, etc) have a closet full of misogyny
I'm just a lowly record rep, have been for 20+ years now (still employed)...none of this is surprising, except that it's remained a hushed secret for this long and I really don't expect to hear much more about it.
I hope I'm wrong... another note, the fact that he didn't hit on female artists isn't that surprising, his power is over his minions, not his product per se
(do not use my name either please)

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Fascinating, necessary and received with thanks Bob. Did I say necessary? Absolutely, and I'm glad to see these experiences surfacing. And I'm listening and I'm hearing. Then again, like every record, there's a flip side.

The wife of a good friend is a respected professional, top of her field, and just received a career-capping promotion. We were all on the phone together and she was thrilled with the appointment but already anticipating friction with her boss. Why? "He has a penis."

Hmmm… Now of course I'll never walk in a woman's shoes but I'm just not ready to apologize for my penis. (Other than the fact that its too small. but still.) So was I offended by that comment? Not really, it's a reflection of the moment and I understand that it has to come out. That doesn't make it right though.

Pardon the stream of consciousness, I'm just taking it all in. Anyhow I'll leave you with this:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2018/01/16/open-letter-to-aziz-ansari-sexual-assault-accuser-banfield.hln

Don Rose

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Hi Bob,

A co-worker of mine sent me your Charlie Walk letter from the 29th, and while I have never read your letter before (I subscribed today), it sounded very much in line with the reactions I hear form almost everyone. "How could people know this is going on and not do anything?"; "Why are so many men doing this and thinking it's okay?" A lot of people say that the women didn't feel comfortable speaking out in fear that they would lose their job. That even if they did speak out, THEY would be the ones to be let go and have to find a new job and keep their mouths shut.

This kind of enabling not only tells other perpetrators that this kind of behavior will go unpunished, but will also be swept under the rug. The more this happens more people will do it and when more victims see this kind of behavior being ignored, it enforces the vulnerability they feel in not speaking out.

While I believe those who choose to act in this degrading, harassing, and alarming way should be fired, that does little to solve the overall problem. Even if HR does listen, take it seriously, and rightfully fire the aggressor, someone else will most likely fill that spot in short time. It will also cause the aggressors to be more secretive or place more threats on the victims to keep them quiet. For example, my company made us all sign a form that says we cannot speak to any journalists regarding this subject, even if we know something has happened. I personally know of a situation where one girl spoke up about one of the office heads and his harassment toward her and another employee helped her write a letter to HR. The victim of the situation was given the option to take a demotion or leave and the employee who helped the victim write the letter was fired and forced to sign a NDA (I think this goes without saying, but please keep me anonymous).

It surprises and saddens me that more people aren't focusing on the bigger picture of how to solve the problem as a whole and, instead, focus on the immediate single person. Almost every story I have heard has a component of someone else knowing the person in question has an issue and is capable of this sort of abuse, yet they do nothing. Enablers are the driving force behind problems and without accountability, no one would stay the course. This is why we have HR, but apparently in the entertainment industry, they are more focused on the company and tradition than the employees they should be protecting.

This is why I believe all HR departments throughout the entertainment industry should be held accountable and instead of having in-house HR departments, the entire industry should move toward third party HR companies. This would ensure that whistle blowing isn't silenced, that there are no personal connections between the alleged and HR, the established power structure of companies will not apply, and the people at the top would save money, both in harassment suits and in the salaries and wages of in-house employees (and we all know how important money is in this industry and people who run it).

This industry as it stands reminds me of the Mangrove's sacrificial leaf. The water is too salty, and subsequently, toxic to the trees, so instead of infecting all of the leaves with the toxic salt water, the tree directs the salt to one leaf. This leaf falls off and then another sacrificial leaf grows. This is a solution, but another leaf always gross back and the life of the tree is shortened because of this process and it's habitat. If the Mangroves had a new environment, they would be able to maintain all of their leaves and have a longer life. While moving an entire species is difficult and takes a lot of time, it would, overall, be more successful and it would no longer be a necessity to sacrifice any leaves.

Changing an entire industry's model is time consuming, taxing, and costly, but the longevity and health of the industry and the people who work in it are more important than maintaining tradition.

Thank you for reading this and for all that you do,

Leigh Andrzejewski

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Funny thing, on Twitter looking at responses to the NYT article about the Grammies falling off in viewership a lot of people are carrying on about 'too much rap'. I asked my 14 year old daughter what she and her mostly white friends listen to and she unhesitatingly said "hip hop" The 20-30 demographic is out of touch.
Also a lot of MAGA idiots raving about 'too much politics'
I didn't watch, I never watch this stuff, never have.
The Grammies are suffering from lack of authenticity, they, like much of the pop music world have become rooted in Vegas style show biz shtick

Chris Stein

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Bruno Mars over Kendrick Lamar - CRIMINAL!

Val Garay

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I am Childish's engineer and I love BOTH Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino's music and Bruno's music. Bruno's music was about good times. Donald's music was good and about what's going on in the world ,in relationships and people's mind's on top of funky ass grooves. As is a large part of the nation, perhaps is the Academy as well, a large portion of voting members who didn't want to and couldn't get behind lyrics like "With a gun in YOUR HAND I'm the Boogieman. If you point a gun at MY rising son, know we're not the one, but in the BOWELS OF YOUR MIND WE HAVE DONE THE CRIME". While grooving to Childish there are thought provoking lyrics and subject matter. Bruno gave 'em happy snappy, Childish gave 'em a face full of funky truth. Both have their place in my opinion and music collection, but I was ready for the funky truth and think a lot of people will look back at "AWAKEN, MY LOVE" as a sign of Donald's genius, a pivotal moment in music and the beginning of evolution of Donald Glover/Childish Gambino into a major superstar.

Kenneth H. Williams
Production Manager/ Audio Engineer

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it is way past time for a complete changeup at the music "academy" , the tv broadcast, and the surrounding grammy connected gang (Clive Davis et al). Its been the same for decades, and not a woman in charge (or in sight) anywhere.u

Gail Roberts

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Thank you for the shout-out. It is sad to see the number of people who still - ignorantly or worse, in a racist way, still think "hip hop isn't music". Give me a break. Those folks need to get back to their nursing homes or their KKK meetings. One or the other.

Keep doing what you do. Spreading the light!

Baris Bozyetis

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This -

"I've never heard of Kendrick Lamar. But I'm pretty sure he can't sing play an instrument well, write music or do much of anything that qualifies for music. A collage of samples and "beats" as a bed underneath street poetry does not qualify as music. Oh you may be a fan of it and it maybe cool but it certainly does not classically qualify as music thereby should not win a Grammy. Create something else for that form of art but It cannot stand next to Dylan, Joni Mitchell or the Beatles. It's just not the same thing.

And cut the shit with racist crap. It's all the left has and it's so tired that even you guys are tuning it out."

Sean Mormelo
Sean is so right Bob. He could be way more blunt though, such as "Please shut the fuck up Bob, you're so full of crap".

Art Masciocchi

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Sean Mormelo wins the Grammy for most insane, out-of-touch-with-reality, ignorant, off-base comment about Kendrick Lamar and rap music. And I grant him this award being a HUGE fan of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. And who even judges the talents of someone you've never heard of?

Here are some other probable quotes by Sean Mornelo:

"I've never heard of Ray Charles, but I'm pretty sure he can't play piano..."

"I've never eaten Italian food, but I'm pretty sure it never uses olive oil."

"I've never watched Seinfeld, by I'm pretty sure it's a sci-fi horror series."

Gabe Lehner (9 Theory)

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Sean Mormelo must live under a fucking rock.

Denise Mello

____________________________________

Did you ever stop to think it has nothing to do with race? I happen to hate everything about rap music, but it has NOTHING to do with race. Nothing. I just think it sucks ass. And the culture that it breeds is about on par with 80s metal culture. Both are pretty deplorable.

For a guy who always encourages people to be open-minded, you've drawn some pretty closed conclusions on this topic.

Anyway, I look forward to your next post!

Tim
in Calgary

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From that John Barone guy:

"You have really lost you're mind if you think Fox is Biased. You should listen to Hannity every night and Rush from 9-12 on 1150 am to really know what going on . Sorry but its true"

From someone who can't even use apostrophes correctly, advice on where "un-biased" news can be found.

Gary Stockdale

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Thank you for what you do. I am a producer, engineer and the Director of Education at Cr?o8 Music Academy in Los Angeles. I am a loyal subscriber and refer all of my students to your blog.

I am also a GRAMMY nominee from back in 2013 -- I was nominated for my work on Channel ORANGE. After we lost to Mumford & Sons, and a bit of research, I found out that contemporary urban records don't win Album of the Year...with two exceptions: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. What happened this year is par for the course. If anyone's mind drifts to believing that 24k Magic is a proper urban record, give it a spin against the two aforementioned albums and then re-evaluate your stance.

I am a Caucasian male. In speaking with my African-American partners, peers and counterparts, I learned their sentiment about this year's urban-dominated Album of the Year category.

They didn't like it.

Why? They shared with me that they want to be nominated and compete alongside all other genres of music. And then WIN. Anything short of that, including a field full or urban records in which none of them win, is seen as pandering.

I hope their sentiment is as revealing to you as it was to me.

Best,

Doug Fenske

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AMEN, BROTHER! And how in the hell does Despacito NOT win Record of the Year??? The Grammy voters are tone deaf.

David Lackey

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Probably my favorite letter from you in awhile- couldn't agree more.

The thing that bothers me the most is Bruno, and the fact he isn't capable of doing anything original.

Keep fighting the good fight bob!

Everett Entertainment

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I it not derision or praise but just an observation of fact that "rapping" is talking, not singing" and as such it SHOULD be in it's own category and not competing head to head with music/songs. Now that is political correctness at it's worst. To those of us who worked to learn to play an instrument it is offensive to see the very definition of music dumbed down regardless of popularity.
Larry Brown

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The only thing that would've made U2 a relevant moment ( ala Spinal Tap Stonehenge) is if the barge lost its mooring and started floating back across the Atlantic!

They were hermetically sealed, by themselves.....vacuum packed like a pouch of frozen peas! Rich guys preaching to no one.

Steve Chrismar

____________________________________

"As a old white woman with a masters degree in English literature who supports Trump wholeheartedly, I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would listen to "obscene nursery rhymes" or what you would call hip-hop. Every aspect of this genre is infantile, from the laughable rhyming schemes to the disgusting demands for sex, money and drugs right now. This is not art; this is a cry for therapy.

Art demands artifice - a certain disinterested distance from the facts that allows universal truths to be portrayed. True artists cannot be trusted for the facts. Entertainers cannot be trusted for the facts or the truth.

Paula Van Dellen Eastman

P.S. Hip hop is not the thing right now. Never has been and never will be. "

Ms. van Dellen Eastman = Clueless, Racist Dolt. Alway was and always will be. ;-)

Hugo Burnham
(An old white man with a Masters Degree in Education!)

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Thanks for sharing the note from Paula Van Dellen Eastman.
Best laugh I'll have all year.
Cheers!
Steve Gorman

____________________________________

I was really impressed with Bruno Mars' Superbowl appearance a couple years back. But when I heard the singles from his album, I yawned. After reading your post, I finally decided to see what actually won. Ho hum.

I guess it's good. But it's a 70's flashback with R&B vocals and the briefest hint of hip hop. Highly disappointing. But considering the Grammy voting audience, it makes sense. Much like the U.S. election, it's all about who votes.

I also listened to Kendrick Lamar's album. Not my thing. His voice grates on me. But a helluva lot more creative than Bruno Mars. Lamar he has some pretty amazing rhymes. I agree with you. It's a much better album. He strikes me as a modern Bob Marley. Kinda awesome. I will keep listening in the future.

Thanks for all your insights and thoughts.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn

____________________________________

To the guy who replied and said rap doesn't qualify as music, and can't compare to Joni/Dylan/Beatles, needs to leave his zip code.

They don't give you a guitar when you grow up in Compton. You moron.
Leland Grant

____________________________________

There's a strange dichotomy here though. On one hand they snub talented hip hop artists. But on the other hand, there are ALWAYS artists (including rappers) that are nominated that no one has ever heard of. So how does that work? Is it just p.r? In other words, how could the committee snub Jay-Z but nominate Rapsody, who no one has ever heard of (but is coincidentally signed to Jay-Z's label)? That's the part I don't get. I think there has to be a p.r. aspect to the nominations.
Josh Lefkowitz

It could have been, and it has been ten times worse at GRAMMY Headquarters. I distinctly remember wanting to scream loudly into the phone during a portion of an evening early on, in my what was to become a close to five-decade career as both a Promotion Man and A&R Man as the highly coveted Best New Artist award for 1978 went to A TASTE OF HONEY for their social commentary hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie!!! Who did this brilliant duo beat out that had perhaps a more reasonable resumé? The Cars and Elvis Costello for certain!

Everything old is new again!

Marc Nathan

____________________________________

Thank you for including people that somehow can still say with a straight face that rap isn't "real music" or they've never heard of Kendrick Lamar.

It's like when folks used to say "Creed went Diamond!? I don't know anyone who bought a Creed CD!" These people exist and they think they are making america great again.

Impressive that they know how to subscribe to your mailing list I guess.
Rick Savage

Decades ago, Grammy members could purchase vinyl, and then CDs, at bargain-basement prices to stay current with the music being made (of course there were many fewer releases because having to make physical product was a huge filter). I was a voting member back then, and gave myself a $100-$200 a month budget that was split between music I wanted, and music about which I was curious. A lot of my votes went to music where my curiosity was rewarded...and I would not have found out about it any other way.

Remember too that the Grammys are supposed to be about honoring artistic and technical achievements. I voted more than once for music I didn't like, but which was technically outstanding.

Bob Marley never won a Grammy. Then again, there wasn't a reggae category when he was alive. Kassav will probably never win a Grammy because they don't really fit in a category either. And that's why awards shows are inherently flawed: As soon as you try to categorize music and apply arbitrary objective standards to say something is "best," the magic starts to dissipate.

Craig Anderton

____________________________________

It is time for women (and men) to no-show the Grammy's until the diversity of voters matches the diversity of performers. It would be a weird show if there were simply zero women there.

I was on the board of Habitat for Humanity in the early 1990s, and the bylaws were strict about the board diversity mirroring the community. It works.

Matt Roche

____________________________________

Music's biggest night...
Is always followed by
Music's biggest fight...

And both are basically insignificant.

Marty Bender

____________________________________

NHL ratings big for there format.

Grammys down.

Go where your celebrated, not tolerated.

liberal media is exactly that. lebairal…lol

check the gate and show my hard tickets for rappers are selling. its like a gucci bag, lots of rip offs.

Robert Ritchie / Kid Rock

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Peter Asher-This Week's Podcast

I saw him and Gordon headlining on the Steel Pier at Atlantic City.

What I did not know was the story of Paul McCartney finishing "World Without Love" for the duo.

Peter tells it here.

As well as going down into his family's basement to hear the Fab Four's "I Want To Hold Your Hand" played on the piano, can you imagine?

I certainly can't.

Peter's father codified Munchausen Syndrome. His mother taught music. His sister...

Dated Paul McCartney.

And after his fame with Peter & Gordon Asher got a gig as an A&R man at Apple and signed James Taylor, that's still my favorite of his albums, with the definitive versions of "Carolina In My Mind" and "Something In The Way She Moves" as well as the exquisite "Circle Round The Sun."

But when that didn't work out, the two, in this case Peter and James, decamped to Los Angeles, made a deal with Warner Brothers and the result was...

"Sweet Baby James."

And then the production success with Linda Ronstadt, who'd knocked around forever and had had a hit with the Stone Poneys and the solo "Long Long Time," but was languishing. Then came "You're No Good," the part you like she hated at first, concocted in an all night session with Andrew Gold and Peter, but then she came around.

And so did everybody else.

Which begat a management career and further production duties and the astounding thing about Peter is he's still working! When most of his compatriots can't or won't, he's producing Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, as well as helping Steve out with music on his Broadway endeavors.

And more.

We go very deep here.

But not deep enough.

Then it would be four hours long!

TuneIn:
http://tun.in/tikHmQ

Apple Podcasts:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bob-lefsetz-podcast/id1316200737?mt=2&i=1000397753495

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ijrpbkgbdxmjxc3netk434lpsv4

Stitcher:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-bob-lefsetz-podcast

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/bob-lefsetz/peter-asher-8

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+LBr-mxnhg



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Re-Sexual Harassment In The Music Business

It happened to me too, not ever physically like this brave woman's story, but the mental games and invitations to galas and dinners that I didn't deserve, followed by comments about my photos on social media and invitations to hotel rooms and unwanted naked photos sent to my phone via Snapchat so that I couldn't save them.

One time after I was laid off from Republic he twirled me in front of Joe Carozza Republic's head of PR and said something like, "She's so hot, look at her, I can say it now that she doesn't work for us."

feel free to print this but please leave my name anonymous.

thanks Bob for paying attention

___________________________________

I wish to remain anonymous but I am not surprised at all to hear this news, Bob. I have warned other women behind closed doors of Charlie Walk but I have never spoken publicly about how uncomfortable and inappropriate he was to me when I worked with him years ago. From repeatedly directing the conversation to my looks, my figure, my eyes and how attractive he found me (I am a married woman and business owner), both in front of people and when alone. He would take a perfectly normal business encounter and steer it toward objectifying me and completely disregard anything I had to say about work (which could be hugely embarrassing, awkward and degrading when said in front of other members of the company). He had also sent me inappropriate text around that time which left me to wonder, where did this man (who is married with children) think exchanges such as these were going to go exactly?

I tried to laugh it off but couldn't escape the fact that this was a completely inappropriate way to talk to a female colleague. He creeped me out to no ends but given his position of power, I was left with no option other than to downplay this exchange and simply not engage. Who knows where he was hoping to take this but I did not reciprocate. For years I have wondered to myself "am I the only one that has ever experienced this with Charlie Walk?" Seeing that letter today gave me a shock but I hate to say it, I was not surprised.

I am aware that this is NOTHING compared to what others have gone through and are speaking up against right now but it is a prime example of what women have to put up with in this business from men in powerful positions. I'm just glad to see this industry is finally starting wake up. Because of Charlie's position he felt he could belittle, objectify and act inappropriately towards me and I'm ashamed to admit I have been part of the problem by not speaking up until now.

Like I said, I had warned others about him over the years, because if ever there were a red flag, those encounters I experienced with Charlie were enough of one for me. Predatory behavior is rife in the music industry and I would not be surprised if more women come forward with worse accounts than mine.

___________________________________

Just because this was her experience, doesn't mean it was everyone's. And just because this was my experience, doesn't mean it's anyone else's:

On a typical promotions/programming add call in 1993, I told Charlie Walk I was moving to NYC. He asked what I wanted to do and I replied, "work for you." He said, "You don't want to move all the way up to New York just to work for me." I said, "Yes, I do." What I wanted, was to move out of Radio and into Records. The artful ease in which our weekly calls took place led me to know I could learn a lot from Charlie Walk. It mattered to me that I worked for a major once I got there, so I held the Columbia/Sony dream close. I moved without having a job (like you do when you're in your 20's), and I signed up through a temp agency in Manhattan.

As fate would have it, my very first temp gig was for none other than Charlie Walk at Columbia Records. 25th Floor at 550 Madison. I walked into his office and he about crapped his pants. He called me by my last name and said, "You're _______?!" recalling our conversation two months prior. He stood up from behind his desk and gave me a hug. I assume by his verbal reaction he was surprised I was attractive- or maybe relieved. I was surprised he was as well- I hadn't been able tell much from the little postage stamp-sized pix I'd seen in R&R. But it was really more like sizing each other up so we'd know what we were dealing with, rather than some sleazy get-to-know-me.

I worked with Charlie for just over a year in that 550 temp position (in the most legit of ways) before moving across the hall to Marketing into a permanent gig.

What I learned from Charlie about the record industry are lessons I STILL use today. He showed me the complex footwork the industry requires, and by example lived and breathed the art of promoting hit records. It was a defining point of reference for a lifetime doing the thing I love most- music. Yes, I saw that "side" of him. In the 90's most people in the industry had that "side." The trick was to be one of the boys without losing your femininity. Know your worth, live it fully without the fear of someone else taking it from you. Pursue your goals and don't forget who you are. The only way to diffuse a cheeseball is by not empowering them with shock or fear. Deal down to them the way you would a drunk, delusional teen. A sincere, catty, demeaning laugh, and an "are you f*cking kidding me" dismissive shrug-off goes a lot further. Nothing lets the air out of unwanted advances more reliably than the steady drumbeat of quick, demeaning laughs.

We are never gonna get certain people to agree to the concept of equal respect when we come from a victim's position, using the voice of victims. When we do that, we agree to the role we in turn have to fight our way out of. To be clear- I'm not talking about the open-letter author. I'm talking about all of us.

Some don't respect women in the first place and never will. Appealing to their common decency is a joke. They're mentally incapable! Appealing to their reason is a joke. Fairness- joke. Morality- joke. Reputation- joke. Even their wallet/bottom line- joke. And as far as that sort of man goes, there will always be women who don't care who they're married to. There will always be friends of sleezeballs who sleezeball together and run businesses in a vacuum.

As time marches on, the men and women who can make a difference are taking the place of the bro club members, one member at a time (pun intended)- slowly but surely. And that's fantastic. Change happens via many outlets.

As for Charlie Walk, part genius/part scoundrel- or just one of those one in a million guys who's really good at what he does? I think it depends on what his take is on you. His rep precedes him, but he is absolutely capable of decorum and respect.

And just because it didn't happen to me doesn't mean I'm attempting to minimize someone else's trauma or negative experience, to any degree.

The people on both sides of theese stories are multidimensional- not flat, convenient characters.

Name withheld, please.

___________________________________

I realize resentments only poison my soul. I pride myself on not rooting against people who have harmed me. But.....I'm only human. When Donny ran the evil empire and Charlie was a top lieutenant , I was called into his office. I was brought in to help Sony break a Swedish pop girl group Play by Ienner, Botwin and Ingrassia. Having had a modicum of success with the Boy Band Dream Street despite little radio air play. I met first with Play's A an R rep the delightful Lee Dannay and Project Manager Josh Zeman to share my ideas. When I was called into Walks office, I was showered with compliments which I admittedly soaked up. It took me a while to realize I was being set up, Its a long story but needless to say, it was as sleazy as it gets. Even for the Music Industry. Sometimes Karma isn't instant, but it's always a bitch. Sorry Charlie... not.

Brian Lukow
President
All for One Media Corp.

___________________________________

Hey Bob - I met Charlie Walk on a set in 2005 when I was a young, stressed-out Hollywood assistant. He was remarkably friendly to me when he didn't have to be (whether or not this matters, it was my impression). At some point he told us a story about how John Mayer's "Daughters" was on track to becoming an ignored/forgotten track on the album, had he not personally zeroed in on it's poignant message and fought tooth and nail for it to become a successful single (and we all know it endures).
If the letter is true, there's some sad irony in this story now.

Matt Robertson

___________________________________

This shit is crazy and this is just the beginning.

Another thing no one is talking about, is what are these wives thinking by staying with these dirtbags? What are they teaching their children by not leaving immediately when this happens?

I've never been so happy that I decided a long time ago to be my own boss in a small business. I haven't had to deal with any of this, but I know if it came out that my husband was talking to women this way, I'd be gone day one.

I hope the wives start leaving, including Melania. Show people, especially your kids, you won't stand for it.

-Maria

___________________________________

Yep.

Jennifer O'Sullivan

___________________________________

Amen.

Ali Harnell

___________________________________

wow. holy shit. i'm glad she wrote this. i'm mad at her for not speaking up sooner, but I understand why she didn't. I am grateful to you, Bob, for passing this along. I'm sad to say that this is probably EVERY woman's story in the industry, at some level, in some form.

yes, he needs to be GONE!

-sarah

___________________________________

I think there are a lot of reasons why the industry is curiously quiet with regards to sexual harassment.

I think a lot of it is subtle enough... we feel uncomfortable but we can't always quite explain why. On the other hand, sometimes it's explicit.

I was on an international business trip with a management client years ago. Her main label rep was in town and we got together to catch up after a session one day. He had told me that he wanted me to quit my job and come work for him. The label (owned/operated by an A Level artist) was looking to create a management company, he told me. He said I'd be perfect to run it. I was elated. I love the artist, and the opportunity seemed like a dream come true. Moments later, he began talking to me, bluntly, about wanting to sleep with me. Told me he'd fulfill any "black guy" fantasy I may have. Despite him having a wife and young children. He reiterated this in a text message which I still inadvertently have saved in "Whats App."

I used to be a tour manager. I'm lucky to have traveled with mostly respectful men over the years, but I will say that on one specific run, one of the crew guys kept dropping his pants/towel around me. The bus door separating the lounge area from the bunk area would open, and he would just drop whatever he was holding and expose himself to me. I had done several tours with him without this behavior, but suddenly, it seemed to be the norm. He was much older with far more road experience, so all I felt I could do in the situation was laugh.

There are so many men that I turned to for advice in my formative years in the industry who hit on me or tried to fuck me. Men I'd approach following panels that would try to take me back to their hotel rooms. The one who I was on a summer tour with who told me he wasn't married, meanwhile I found out later that his wife works in the music industry. There was the guy who I thought was my friend - who started to teach me the ropes with regards to touring - who I spent an entire day chauffeuring around my city to do off-day tour errands, who called me into his bathroom while he was showering in his hotel room (while two other people were also in the hotel room!!!!) -- I turned him down, and at the next day at the next show, he asked security to remove me from the backstage area, even though I was properly credentialed and was accompanied by someone else on the tour. There's also the guy who sexually assaulted me in the back of his band's van and lied to my friend in his band when I told him after the fact. There's also the management client who told me to take my clothes off and that he'd rub oil on me when I was looking for the tour chiropractor.

These are just SOME of my stories. I'd imagine, many women have similar; many have worse.

We're taught early on that music is a "boy's club."

It doesn't feel like there's room for our voices to be heard.

Even amongst this movement.

While I think that what Tristan wrote is brave, Tristan is also not in the entertainment industry anymore. Tristan doesn't have to feel like she's going to lose out on jobs or experiences because she spoke up. No one will google her name when she's interviewing for a job and see that she spoke out, and (whether it's right to do so or not), see the articles and form an opinion with regards to her potential employment.

Women are taught that you need to be able to "hang" with the guys if they want to make it in this industry. And by whistleblowing in the industry, even for men who truly deserve it, we fear our repercussions. Because the terrible men in the music industry are still much stronger than this movement. At least for now.

So instead, we laugh politely and we nervously bow out of uncomfortable situations as best we can, and we hope beyond hope that a small handful of the men that we know will not turn out to be complete creeps. And above all else, we continue to persevere in our careers despite all of it. It's EXHAUSTING, Bob. Our jobs are hard enough without having to constantly dodge advances and question intentions.

It's not right, it's not fair, but I understand why my peers are mum. It still just doesn't seem smart or safe or "worth it" to speak up.

Stacy Waronker

P.S. a note worth adding: the only woman in the music industry who is actively still in the industry who has spoken out against an abuser is kesha, and she went through hell to even have her voice heard. the way that was handled is not a good example of a safe space for women.

___________________________________

Good riddance. That guy was a loose unit and anyone who met him knew it.

Won't be missed. Some other irrelevant non creator will step into the breach I am sure...

Todd Clark

___________________________________

Thank you for sharing this letter on your platform.

Sara Sopher
This Fiction Management

___________________________________

His brother Brad(may he RIP) was a wonderful and caring guy. We were fraternity brothers at Tulane. Obviously Charlie was not given the mensch genes that or he drank too much of the NYC society kool aid.

Howard Glynn

___________________________________

"Put a little sugar in my bowl" Lots of lyrics from blacks in the 20's 30's were thinly disguised double entendres aimed at the whites who treated them so disrespectfully

Barney Adams

___________________________________

Is this the same Charlie Walk from Boston, started out with Columbia doing radio promotions?? I was assistant GM at The Channel, he was brand new to that gig but I can still picture him and this sounds like exactly the type of person I could see him becoming, just like the guy she's describing. Sadly I'm not surprised one bit if they are one in the same. Good for her, can't imagine how difficult that must have been.

Sean McNally

___________________________________

Thank you so much for this piece and, most personally for me, this line:

"I'd be scared to be a woman. It's like running a gauntlet every day."

It hit hard and clear because it is painfully true.

Hoping that your message is getting through so that younger women (and men) do not have to face that gauntlet.

With warm regards, Lisa B

--
Lisa Holmes
Director of Sales, Home Entertainment
Music Box Films | Doppelganger Releasing

___________________________________

Not for long, I assure you, Bob. Received an email that "Marie Claire" is currently interviewing women in the biz on and off the record for an expose, so you're about to see music industry stories come out next....

Morgan Hutcheson

___________________________________

It's been quiet from Wall Street too and its because no one worth their weight in salt wants to damage a relationship, and there is a whole lotta sex going on.

Kristen Schneeloch

___________________________________

With you on this one, Bob. I think the memo that they failed to receive is the one that read, "The Best Revenge is to Live Well." Instead, they have to punish those who rejected them when they were popping into puberty and slightly beyond, namely GIRLS. Unfortunately, the girls that get punished are not the ones who rejected them.

Alan Howard

___________________________________

I was raised by the son of a farmer in northern Kentucky.

My grandfather was a high school drop out from the Great Depression era, who started his first successful business venture at 16 years old, and made himself into a man that eventually became a County Judge and an entrepreneur who owned land, businesses, and livestock. My grandfather sat on the bench and tempered his judgements with the true balance of things...the noble cause of right versus wrong, and the heartfelt belief that everyone could be deserving of a second and even a third chance. He was Judge, but never judgmental...

My father and his father had respect and admiration not for money, nor power, but for people who behaved in a fashion that always trumpeted doing the right thing. My grandfather used to tell me "Don't ever do anything you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the newspaper". Truer words.....

Charlie Walk, if this is all true, you're an asshole, just like the rest of these cretins......where indeed did these men learn this shit from? A barnyard?

Trent Keeling

___________________________________

i play in the house band for this show.

i am raising 2 young daughters.

i dare anyone to make these moves while I'm alive.

David Delhomme

___________________________________

Well I was waiting for the shoe to drop on the music business.
Honestly other than Marko, and another guy with an M in his name, I never saw any of this stuff.
Probably because I worked for Mo, and he'd never allow that.
I almost hired Charlie out of of college for WB. He was smart and a smooth talker.
Maybe too smooth, because something bothered me and I passed.
As Charlie climbed the Columbia ladder, he always reminded me of my passing on him.
Admittedly, sometimes I thought I made a mistake.
I guess now I know I didn't.
Hit records and $ do not compensate for a low Moral Compass.
I'm sure we'll hear a lot more of this, but I'm grateful I worked for Mo Ostin and Russ Thyret.

Stu Cohen

___________________________________

Thanks Bob, I ask the same questions too, not only about sexual discrimination and harassment, but also about privilege in general. I think this is born from that privilege.

You see, I'm an immigrant and a woman of colour pursuing a music career. I started working jobs when I was 17 to help my family pay for food and shelter, while I dreamed of being a musician. And I've finally found a way to play music while I make money on the side, at 34years of age. I'm proud of what I've achieved on this journey towards music and it makes me humble everyday.

Privilege means not having to have faced these struggles on a daily basis, while still being mistreated in one way or another. Perhaps that is why we have misguided men (and some women).

You're damn right it is scary to be a woman. I've been assaulted, harassed and abused, but I'm still standing.

My tough upbringing has ensured that very little scares me, I guess that is a "benefit". And open conversations like yours empower me to speak up, over and over, as much as it's needed. I never back down an opportunity to stand up for women's rights these days.

I don't think I'd have such an urge if it wasn't for my history.

The blade cuts both ways.

By the way, here in Australia we've started our own campaign #meNOmore as a response in support of #metoo:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/musicians-launch-menomore-over-sexual-harassment-we-are-not-whingers-or-vibekillers-20171212-h03cqw.html

Thanks,
Shasha Gong

___________________________________

Regarding the percentage of pervy, pushy, rapey men in music, I suspect we're no different than any other industry. Doesn't matter if it's politics, movies, or dry cleaning, certain men will try to leverage their position to gain sex.

What sets music apart from every other business except porn, is that our product is sex. TV has sex, Films have sex, but music is sex. Men and women get into the business for it. I'll bet music people have more consensual sex than anyone this side of cocktail waitresses and bartenders. Ask David Crosby if he got into the music business for fame or fortune, and he'll tell you the original lure was "Girls. We were all in it for the girls."

I hope you're getting a lot of response from your female readers.

Jon Sinton

___________________________________

I think it is equally as important to mention that allegations do not and should not always equate to guilt. A line has been crossed, and the pendulum now swings the opposite way. Where women were once voiceless and all allegations were often discounted as false, we are now seeing the opposite occur, where any woman can make any allegation against any man with power and everyone believes it to be true, regardless of whether or not the alleged acted this way. Charlie may or may not have done what this lady alleged he has done. Maybe it's best to wait and hear from the person who is said to have acted this way?
I have an artist, most would describe as gorgeous named Dylyn that has spent a good amount of time with Charlie a couple years back. Monte and Charlie were fans and friend with Dylyn and often invited her out with them. She went to private karaoke with them and watched Psy perform, during his Gangnam Style fame. She hung out with them backstage at a handful of shows (including The Weeknd when he blew up) and swears they were both very kind and fun to be with. I asked her again after reading the allegations if Charlie ever crossed any lines with her and she said not only did he not 'try anything' he didn't give off any of those creepy vibes. She always spoke so highly of Charlie and Monte. She is an artist and he is a music mogul that was very much in a powerful position and never once made her uncomfortable. This doesn't disqualify the allegations that were made. They may be true. But please be careful not to add to the dangerous narrative that any allegation = guilt. This man can lose everything he has with reckless discourse about him. It's irresponsible to say the least.

Amir Epstein LLB
Epstein Management Firm

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