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Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business
The music business can make dreams come true and it can destroy someone in a heartbeat.
While the limelight is dazzline, behind the scenes there are darker stories to be told and that’s the business of Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business.
Why We Love Hit Men
We love music and we love the spectacle it brings into our lives but it’s important to remember that there’s a money machine behind the music we love and sometimes, that’s not a pleasant thing.
Fredric Dannen’s examination of the pop music world and the huge egos and ruthless ambition that supports it, is absolutely fascinating.
Who would have thought that the line of legality would be crossed in the name of a song or two?
It may be controversial but Hit Men is compelling reading that tells a fantastic tale of the dark underbelly of the pop scene and everyone should read it, at least once.
You can grab a copy online here.
If you found Hit Men thrilling, you may also find our most essential music books an enthralling read and you really shouldn’t miss out on How Music Got Free and This is Your Brain On Music, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business* about?
*Hit Men* exposes the cutthroat side of the pop music industry in the 1970s–80s, detailing greed, payola, power struggles, and the ruthless ambitions behind hit records.
*Hit Men* exposes the cutthroat side of the pop music industry in the 1970s–80s, detailing greed, payola, power struggles, and the ruthless ambitions behind hit records.
Who are the key figures featured in the book?
Key figures include CBS executive Walter Yetnikoff, Deputy President Dick Asher, and music mogul Clive Davis, all central to the era’s high-stakes power plays.
Key figures include CBS executive Walter Yetnikoff, Deputy President Dick Asher, and music mogul Clive Davis, all central to the era’s high-stakes power plays.
How does the book portray payola and independent promotion?
Dannen reveals how “The Network”—a cabal of independent promoters—used cash, gifts, and favors to secure radio airplay for major labels, often shadowing corporate executives.
Dannen reveals how “The Network”—a cabal of independent promoters—used cash, gifts, and favors to secure radio airplay for major labels, often shadowing corporate executives.
What broader themes does *Hit Men* explore?
Themes include the erosion of artistic integrity, the corrupting influence of money, and how backstage deals shaped which artists and songs reached the top.
Themes include the erosion of artistic integrity, the corrupting influence of money, and how backstage deals shaped which artists and songs reached the top.
Why is *Hit Men* still relevant today?
Though set in the pre‑streaming era, its exposé of power, manipulation, and corporate control offers essential insight into the persistent music business archetypes.
Though set in the pre‑streaming era, its exposé of power, manipulation, and corporate control offers essential insight into the persistent music business archetypes.
What makes Fredric Dannen’s storytelling notable?
Dannen combines rigorous investigative research with vivid prose and insider access to craft a compelling, deeply human portrait of an industry in turmoil.
Dannen combines rigorous investigative research with vivid prose and insider access to craft a compelling, deeply human portrait of an industry in turmoil.
