Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business : Book Review

"Hit Men" by Fredric Dannen is an eye-opening exposé that uncovers the dark underbelly of the music industry and its connection to organized crime. Through extensive research and interviews with industry insiders, Dannen reveals the hidden world of mob influence and manipulation behind the scenes. This gripping narrative dives deep into the practices of payola and extortion, exposing the extent to which these tactics shaped the music landscape of the 1970s and 1980s.

Dannen's meticulous research and insightful interviews provide a wealth of information that sheds light on the connections between key figures, such as Morris Levy and his record label Roulette, and notorious mobsters like Joseph Bonanno and Tommy Eboli. The author skillfully unravels the web of corruption, illustrating how individuals exerted control over radio playlists, record sales, and concert bookings. These detailed accounts make "Hit Men" an authoritative and captivating read.

One of the strengths of the book is Dannen's ability to contextualize the impact of mob involvement on the music industry. He not only explores the direct consequences, such as artists being marginalized or coerced into unfavorable contracts, but also delves into the broader implications for the music itself. The pervasive influence of payola and strong-arm tactics often overshadowed genuine talent, resulting in a homogenized and formulaic sound. Dannen effectively highlights this cultural impact, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the industry.

Moreover, "Hit Men" serves as a cautionary tale for both the present and future. It compels readers to question the authenticity and integrity of the music they consume, as well as the power dynamics within the industry. By exposing the dirty secrets of the past, Dannen prompts readers to critically examine the commercialization of music and the potential for exploitation in their own time.

In conclusion, "Hit Men" is a must-read for music enthusiasts and those interested in the inner workings of the entertainment industry. With meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking insights, Fredric Dannen offers a fresh perspective on the music business. Whether delving into the shadowy connections between music and organized crime or exploring the lasting impact of corruption, "Hit Men" takes readers on a captivating journey into a world hidden behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry.

What are readers saying?

The book "Hit Men" by Fredric Dannen has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from readers on Goodreads. Some readers have praised the book for its extensive research and the eye-opening revelations it provides about the music industry. They appreciate the author's investigative approach and the extensive interviews conducted with industry insiders. These readers find the book to be enlightening and believe it exposes the dark side of the music business, revealing manipulation, corruption, and backroom deals that have shaped the industry's history.

However, there are also readers who criticize the book for its writing style and lack of a cohesive narrative. They find the writing to be dry and scholarly, which hampers their enjoyment of the subject matter. These readers believe that the book could have benefited from a more engaging storytelling approach to maintain their interest throughout.

Another common criticism revolves around the book's structure and organization. Some readers feel that the content is disjointed and lacks a clear flow, making it difficult to follow the timeline and understand the interconnectedness of events. They note that the book jumps around from one topic to another, and the lack of a cohesive structure detracts from their overall reading experience.

A small number of reviewers also mention that the book feels somewhat outdated, as it was originally published in 1990. They believe that the lack of recent developments in the music industry and the presence of outdated information limit the book's relevance and value to contemporary readers. However, others argue that despite its age, the book still offers valuable insights into the music industry and its inner workings.

In summary, "Hit Men" has received a range of opinions from readers on Goodreads. While some appreciate its extensive research and eye-opening revelations, others criticize the writing style, lack of a cohesive narrative, and outdated information. Potential readers should consider these various viewpoints to determine if the book aligns with their interests and expectations.

#MustRead #Thriller #CrimeFiction