Documentary Help

[MisterRadio]

I am in the process of digitizing cassettes, lps, 8 tracks and more that I inherited from my step-brother. He used to write lyrics circa 1980-1990 and sent them to various musicians and companies in order to get them sent back as demos. My father thought he was wasting his money and after reading the article in “Songstuff”,  "Music Business Scams And How To Avoid Them” by Steve Perrett, I can see where my father was coming from. Anyway, as a hobby I produce an on again and off again podcast and wanted to do a mini-documentary about the lyric writing business circa 1980-1990 that my late step-brother was investing in. I have found some of the musicians via Google and Facebook but they either don’t respond to my inquiries or only respond via text messages. If anyone has any insights that I could use to finish this project that would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[john]

2 hours ago, MisterRadio said:

I am in the process of digitizing cassettes, lps, 8 tracks and more that I inherited from my step-brother. He used to write lyrics circa 1980-1990 and sent them to various musicians and companies in order to get them sent back as demos. My father thought he was wasting his money and after reading the article in “Songstuff”,  "Music Business Scams And How To Avoid Them” by Steve Perrett, I can see where my father was coming from. Anyway, as a hobby I produce an on again and off again podcast and wanted to do a mini-documentary about the lyric writing business circa 1980-1990 that my late step-brother was investing in. I have found some of the musicians via Google and Facebook but they either don’t respond to my inquiries or only respond via text messages. If anyone has any insights that I could use to finish this project that would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Your topic wasn’t in the right place so I moved it here and hopefully you will get a response.

[Just1L]

While I can't really help you with the topic, I would suggest coming up with 5 or so questions that people could answer. This may help in knowing what it is exactly you're looking for. For example, I could talk about how the lyrics during that time-frame were less politically motivated as say the late 60's and 70's, but is that the kind of thing you're looking for? Good luck with the podcast.

[Reid Gibson]

I will share an experience I had in 1981:  I had written a good song, even had it transposed to sheet music, and picked up a copy of a book on music publishers (Songwriters Handbook), then sent out several copies to these places. One of them was "Columbine Records." They responded and I got all excited. Then they wanted money, and though disappointed, I didn't fall for this scheme. Never send them money, right on. Lyrics are hard to write well. Anyway here's is that song rerecorded as a CW style tune in 2017: 

 

[MisterRadio]

Thanks!

Loved that song! Yes, sounds like what my step brother was doing and sending money. Would love to talk to you about it over the telephone, if my email shows up in my profile and you'd be interested in an interview let me know.

[MisterRadio]

Just1L, thanks you got me moving on this topic!

Questions

 

1. What magazines, newspapers, radio or television stations advertised song lyric promotions during 1970-1990?

 

2. What was involved in promoting song lyrics, either legitimately or through fraudulent schemes during 1970-1990?

 

3. What were the typical costs for these demos?

 

4. Who were the legitimate song writing promoters during 1970-1990?

 

5. Who where the fraudulent song writing promoters during 1970-1990?

 

6. Do you know anyone who fell for any of these schemes?

 

7. Do you know any of these songwriters, musicians, bands, promoters or recording companies?:

 

Albert Parent, Allen Greene, Andy Anderson, Montana Moon, M.L. Wenn, Five Roses Greatest Country Hits Volume #1, Frontier Records Presents The Outstanding New Songwriters • Of 1972 Vol III Country, Gomez, Gordon Florence, Paul Jackson, Noble Records, E K Bruhn. (Kopperfield), Jack Redick, Jim Hall, Miguel De La Vega, Lou Wells, Luella Lewis, Olenick Records, Margarie Israel, Phil Coley, Tom (Star) Pedi, Tom Stanko, Truth Recordings, Red Woten, Ray R. Jones, Sal Rainone, “Stop That Bus” performed by David Johnson and Bill Pachal, “Tar Heel Jamboree” on WKDX, Sammie Lee Marler?

Edited January 5 by MisterRadio
Added questions