Singing the Label Elektra
Elektra Records was launched in 1950 as a spunky independent alternative to Columbia, Decca, RCA, and Capitol. Its founder, 19-year-old folk nut and audio engineer Jac Holzman, helmed the label until 1973. During that period, Elektra evolved into a comfortable home for hit folk and rock acts including Judy Collins, Carly Simon, Bread, Queen, and the Doors. Elektra also took chances on more experimental and eccentric artists—such as the Incredible String Band, Love, David Ackles, Tim Buckley, and Richard Fariña—whose influence exceeded would exceed their sales.
Holzman's glory years at the label have been distilled into a terrific five-CD box set, Forever Changing: The Golden Age of Elektra Records. Today Holzman heads Warner Music Group's Cordless Records, the first all-digital label to be launched by a major record company. We asked him a few questions recently, and this is what he had to say:
What's your most memorable meeting with a remarkable musician?
In 1954, when Elektra was struggling to find its way, I owned a record store specializing in folk and blues in the heart of Greenwich Village. People visited the store as much to talk as to buy. They were mostly white: teachers, social workers, students, professionals, and a leftish fringe, all of whom lived and roamed the village.
One lonely, very rainy night as I was about to close the store, I saw two eyes set in a dark face, boring through my chicken-wire window display. It was a black man, clearly soaked through. Inviting him in out of the wet we sat, talked, and listened to blues: Sonny Terry, Josh White, Brownie McGhee.
All he said was that he was a jazz musician playing at the nearby Village Vanguard. He was charming company and the soul of politeness. As he turned to go out again into the now merely drizzling night we introduced ourselves to the other. His name was Charlie Parker.
Who's the sleeper genius in the Elektra catalog?
There are brilliant artists I am still disappointed we could not connect to an audience. High on that list would be David Ackles, Paul Siebel, and Tim Buckley. David and Paul wrote deep, soulful songs that explored the human condition from many points of tangency.
Tim Buckley's genius was in his voice. That voice was not of this world, but Tim used it in this world like a paintbrush in the hands of a Michelangelo. Just to hear his multi-octave range was to connect to a higher plane and to connect without resistance. I still shiver when I hear him sing . . . and so will you.
Who would you be signing to Elektra today?
Cat Power, White Stripes, Beck . . . and of course Bob Dylan who just grows funnier, wiser, and deeper.
Comments
Josh redmond says:
Me and my friends are really interested in making a band.But the only bad part is that we need a singer We would apreciate if you could help us out.What I Iam saying is we would like to get a record contract. Thanks for your help, Josh Redmond
10/05/07 02:50 PM