Listen Out Loud

May 1, 2014
A memoir of the music business from a manager who worked his way up from the mailroom to managing world-class acts.With the help of collaborator Goldsher (My Favorite Fangs: The Story of the Von Trapp Family Vampires, 2012, etc.), Weisner dishes the dirt on 50 years in the music business. It's a strange collection of anecdotes, ranging from the poignant (an 8-year-old piano prodigy serenading Beyonce Knowles at a benefit) to the outright bizarre (a profanity-laden threat to Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner over the publication of an unflattering photograph). Other superstars praise the producer-the book includes short memories penned by the likes of Gladys Knight, Steve Winwood and Quincy Jones-but there's also plenty of vitriol. While venting about most members of the Jackson family, especially patriarch Joe, Weisner reserves fondness for the late Michael, whom he stewarded through the height of his career and about whom he shares previously unknown stories (who knew the inspiration for Michael's uniforms came from punk-pop star Adam Ant?). Upon seeing the fading star just days before his death, the author writes, "He had that look in his eyes, a look I've seen too many other times in my life, a look of resignation, a look that said, It's over, and it broke my heart, because up until things headed south in the early 2000s, he had it all." Others earn less charitable plaudits-Lauryn Hill is labeled a "whack-job" for her behavior during the 2005 BET Awards. Weisner is particularly harsh about Madonna's behavior during a Venice video shoot: "Every time we packed up the cameras, she bitched. Every time we got into a boat, she bitched. Every time she had to wait for setup, she bitched."A matter-of-fact epilogue with advice for up-and-coming stars is sensible, but the book's gossipy, annoyed attitude threatens to disenfranchise all but the most cynical fans.

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June 15, 2014

A tasty nugget of insider information about Michael Jackson's wardrobe influences draws the reader into the story of Weisner's career in music, giving a singular glimpse into the industry and artistic process. There are tales of working as a manager for performers he loved, such as Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight, Sha Na Na, Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, and others, as well as a few he did not, including Madonna and John Mellencamp. The author's success came from a desire and ability to help artists be their most creative and successful selves combined with his years of experience and knowledge of the music business and industry. One of the many highlights are descriptions of working with Jackson on recording his first two solo albums (Off the Wall and Thriller). Weisner assembled some incredible collaborators, including Quincy Jones, and helped foster creativity, hard work, experimentation, and musical genius. Some of his stories portray the seedier side of the industry but most are upbeat, highlighting the wonderful music Weisner was involved with, and how it is made. It's like listening to a friend share incredible stories, swear words and all. VERDICT An eyewitness account that is not just gossip but a glimpse into the workings of the music industry from the 1960s through the 2010s.--Lani Smith, Ohone Coll. Lib., Fremont, CA

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