Podcast Summary: "Paul Rapoport: A Music Industry Legend and his Look at Music History"

Podcast Title: Takin' a Walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Paul Rapoport
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of the "Takin' a Walk" podcast, Buzz Knight welcomes Paul Rapoport, a venerable figure in the music industry. Paul, a longtime Columbia Records executive and author of Gliders Over Hollywood, shares his extensive experiences and insider stories from the golden age of rock. The conversation delves into Paul's interactions with legendary musicians, his promotion strategies, and the creative chaos that defines life in the music business.

Guest Background: Paul Rapoport

Paul Rapoport brings decades of experience to the table, having worked closely with iconic artists such as Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. His book, Gliders Over Hollywood, encapsulates his journey and offers an intimate look into the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry.

Paul Rapoport (04:10): "I'm trying to learn how to play the blues. I'm a kid in college, and an electric flag comes and I'm watching what he's doing... It can be sad, it can be happy, it can be exhilarating. All these emotions are flying out of this guitar."

Early Influences and Musical Passion

Paul recounts his early fascination with music, beginning with his first memory of being moved by "Big Rock Candy Mountain." This song ignited his imagination and set him on a path toward a deep love for the guitar and blues music.

Paul Rapoport (14:19): "At 14 years old, when I heard Bob Dylan, that changed my life. I went out, saved up my money, bought a guitar, and taught myself how to play."

His transition from acoustic to electric guitar during his teenage years coincided with the rise of surf music and the British Invasion, particularly influencing his admiration for the Rolling Stones and Keith Richards.

Navigating the Music Business

Paul shares anecdotes from his time at Columbia Records, emphasizing his genuine passion for music over business agendas. This authenticity fostered strong relationships with artists, who trusted his promotion efforts.

Paul Rapoport (13:55): "I had no other agenda other than I love this music so much. People knew if Paul Rapoport was coming with a project, it was going to have some meat to it rather than some fly-by-night operation."

He highlights the importance of work ethic and meticulous planning in his promotional strategies, often going the extra mile to ensure successful campaigns, such as envisioning elaborate promotions like "shooting a laser beam off a mountainside" for Pink Floyd.

Stories from the Golden Age of Rock

1. Michael Bloomfield and the Blues Connection

Paul expresses his admiration for Michael Bloomfield, a guitar legend who deeply influenced his playing style. He recalls a pivotal moment when Bloomfield's advice led to a breakthrough in his guitar technique.

Paul Rapoport (06:49): "When I met him, he said, 'It's all in the fingers.' I went back and emulated what he did, turning the amp up and wiggling my fingers to achieve the vibrato I needed. It was a lightbulb moment."

2. Rolling Stones: From Fan to Colleague

Paul narrates his journey from being a 17-year-old fan attending Rolling Stones concerts to collaborating with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at Columbia Records. He shares the surreal experience of advising Mick Jagger on marketing strategies years after idolizing the band.

Paul Rapoport (42:14): "I'm a 17-year-old kid falling for the Rolling Stones, and fast forward 20 years, I'm sitting across from Mick Jagger, telling him his marketing plan. It was a surreal experience bridging fan and promoter."

3. Journey and the Yiddish Challenge

One of the more unconventional stories involves Journey's manager, Herbie Herbert, who insisted Paul learn Yiddish to secure the release of a new single. This anecdote underscores the quirky and unpredictable nature of the music industry.

Paul Rapoport (50:08): "In order to get the next Journey single out, I had to learn two lines of Yiddish and call him back. You can't make this shit up."

Insights on Artist Relationships and Promotion

Paul emphasizes the delicate balance between promoting artists and respecting their creative integrity. His genuine love for music allowed him to forge meaningful connections, ensuring that promotional efforts resonated authentically with both artists and audiences.

Paul Rapoport (27:11): "Having the work ethic to ensure everything worked perfectly and being genuine in my love for the music were key to my success."

He also reflects on the changing dynamics of the music industry, noting that while the essence of collaboration remains, the magic of the 70s, 80s, and 90s is harder to replicate in the modern landscape.

Magic and Creativity in Promotion

An intriguing aspect of Paul's career is his foray into magic, which he seamlessly integrated into his promotional tactics. Learning from master magicians like Tony Slydini and Dai Vernon, Paul used magic to enhance his promotional strategies, making them more engaging and memorable.

Paul Rapoport (30:50): "Magic is a performance art. It's about getting people to think a certain way so that something amazing happens."

This creative approach not only set him apart in the industry but also demonstrated his ability to blend different forms of art to achieve promotional success.

Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

As the conversation winds down, Buzz Knight commends Paul on his book, Gliders Over Hollywood, highlighting its rich storytelling and insightful look into the music industry's inner workings. Paul shares his passion for the book, detailing the meticulous effort he invested over six years to capture his experiences accurately.

Paul Rapoport (40:25): "It took six years of writing, rewriting, and perfecting every paragraph to ensure the book truly reflected my journey and the stories within."

He encourages listeners to dive into his book to gain a deeper understanding of the music business and the personal stories that shaped its history.

Paul Rapoport (59:03): "Gliders Over Hollywood is more than just stories; it's an inside look at how the business worked and how these incredible relationships were formed."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Paul Rapoport's life in the music industry, blending personal anecdotes with valuable insights into music promotion and artist relationships. Listeners gain a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that have shaped some of rock history's most significant moments. Paul's authenticity and passion for music shine through, providing both inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the artistry that drives the industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Paul Rapoport (04:05): "I'm amazed that I'm on this side of the microphone."
• Paul Rapoport (14:19): "At 14 years old, when I heard Bob Dylan, that changed my life."
• Paul Rapoport (27:11): "Having the work ethic to ensure everything worked perfectly and being genuine in my love for the music were key to my success."
• Paul Rapoport (50:08): "You can't make this shit up."
• Paul Rapoport (59:03): "Gliders Over Hollywood is more than just stories; it's an inside look at how the business worked and how these incredible relationships were formed."

For those eager to delve deeper into Paul Rapoport's experiences and insights, Gliders Over Hollywood is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.