Episode 1 Jerry Moss: Legendary A&M Records Co-Founder

Jerry Moss is a titan in the music industry. He, along with his partner Herb Alpert, was responsible for finding and signing some of the most influential artists ever to record music. Listen in as he talks about his early life, how he got started in the industry, and shares so many amazing stories about his time scouting for talent.  To say that Jerry’s influence in finding and promoting his artists changed the face and sound of music would be a gross understatement. He is responsible for signing artists such as Joe Cocker, Humble Pie and Peter Frampton, The Police and Sting, Janet Jackson, The Carpenters, Carole King, Quincy Jones, and the list goes on and on. By relying on his gut instincts, listening for impactful lyrics, and looking for great performances, he found some of the most iconic acts in rock and roll. Have you heard of Soundgarden? Styx? Nazareth and Bryan Adams?  His long standing presence in the industry is not just a happenstance of fate. He and Herb made it a point to build their business with integrity first. They took care of their artists, respected the creative process, and made working with them a treat rather than a hardship. Andy and Jerry dig deep into generations of the world’s musical past to discuss the changes in the industry, the glory days of music, and what made Jerry finally decide to leave the business behind. Listen to the end to hear about Jerry’s foray into horse racing and what it felt like to win the Kentucky Derby. If you love and respect the history of music, then you will not want to miss this episode.  Show Highlights: [00:22] Learn a bit of history about Andy’s guest, music icon Jerry Moss.  [02:25] Jerry discusses growing up in the Bronx, New York in the 1930’s and 1940’s. [03:33] What motivated Jerry to go into the music industry and how’d he get his start?  [06:59] Jerry shares what his style was in promoting artists and why integrity was so important to him. [09:23] How did Jerry and Herb begin their partnership and become so successful?  [13:16] Learn the secret sauce between Jerry and Herb that helped them stay friends and business partners. [16:17] Where did Jerry’s ear for music come from?  [18:44] Jerry shares how he and Herb split up their responsibilities in the business. [21:35] How did festivals and rock and roll change Jerry’s sense of their label and the artists he wanted to sign? [27:10] What was Jerry looking for when he was looking at an artist?  [30:10] A&M created some big names in music. What did it feel like when they took off on their own success?  [32:18] Learn the philosophy Jerry and Herb stuck to when growing and evolving their business. [33:56] Why did Jerry specifically look for “performers” when signing new talent?  [36:11] Jerry shares why he enjoyed finding international talent.  [37:33] Listen as Jerry reminisces about finding and developing Peter Frampton’s sound.  [40:14] What was it like to work for A&M after he and Herb sold to PolyGram? [43:26] Jerry shares why he jumped back into the scene after leaving PolyGram and winning his fight against prostate cancer. [45:26] Dream big! [46:40] Hear about Jerry’s experience with The Carpenters. [48:33] Did Jerry experience any fear when building the business?  [50:39] Jerry sounds off on several artists that he worked with from The Police, Sting, Carole King, Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson, and Cheech & Chong. [01:03:18] Andy and Jerry discuss their love of Maui and Shep Gordon. [01:04:00] Hear Jerry’s thoughts on the future of music. [01:06:15] What drew Jerry to thoroughbred racing?  [01:07:18] Jerry shares the philanthropic organizations he is working with and how you can help. [01:09:58] How does Jerry define success?    LINKS & RESOURCES   Follow The Music Makers:    Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    Jerry Moss:Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2006 Inductee   Mentioned during the interview:Roy Yamaguchi on Extraordinary Ordinary People Remote Area Medical - Stan Brock The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston.