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Paul Rappaport

Paul Rappaport was Senior VP at Columbia Records where he enjoyed a 33 year career in radio promotion and marketing. He is recognized as being instrumental in the careers of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Journey, Elvis Costello, Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, and many more. He is also noted as the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the Emmy Award winning series, A&E’s Live by Request, producing 40 live prime-time television music specials featuring a diverse array of artists from Tony Bennett to David Bowie. An active musician himself since he was fourteen, this adventure also brought great musical opportunities, including an inspirational guitar lesson from Keith Richards and a live onstage appearance with Pink Floyd at the London Arena. Paul joined Judy in 2009 to help build Classics Du Jour into what is now the music industry’s premiere promotion and marketing company for classic rock. At that time he started writing “Backstage Access” for CDJ, which has become a popular music blog filled with insights and inside stories about the many artists he has worked with over the years. Although Paul has stepped away from daily operations to pursue his own interests, he loves CDJ and continues to write “Backstage Access.” His recently formed blues band, Blues Next, is rapidly gaining steam on Long Island, NY where he lives. He is also writing a book about the wild, early days of the rock music business.

Articles by Paul Rappaport

THE WALL!

Took my younger son Sam (the other Pink Floyd fan of the family) to see The Wall. This was my second time, as I was a part of promoting the original Wall album and performance. It was terrific as ever, and now ramped up with 21st Century sound and lighting effects. It also boasts an … Continue reading THE WALL!


BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN DARKNESS DOC!!

I got invited to the HBO screening of Bruce Springsteen’s “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” documentary. It was very sweet as most of the small party were folks who played a part in that project all those years ago. Of course, Little Steven was there, and Jimmy Iovine, Dave Marsh, Peter Parcher (the attorney … Continue reading BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN DARKNESS DOC!!


CLAPTON! CLAPTON! CLAPTON!

Well, I’m gonna hold off on part 2 of Bruce for a second, but this new Darkness Box Set coming in November is a must for ALL rockers, no matter what your favorite genre! We’ll certainly get back to that, but next week the brand new Eric Clapton will be released. I’ve only heard 5 … Continue reading CLAPTON! CLAPTON! CLAPTON!


Bruce Springsteen at The Roxy 7/7/78

Bruce Springsteen The Roxy 1978

I still want to tell you that funny Ian Hunter road story (cuz you can’t make this shit up), but first I think I’ll write about Bruce at the Roxy 7/7/78. The reason this is coming up now is that last weekend my wife and I spent time with another couple who are old friends … Continue reading Bruce Springsteen at The Roxy 7/7/78


HEART – HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM, NY!

Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve written. Been so busy with Judy in the actual promotion of the Stones, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Heart, Slash and more—whew! Anyway, speaking of Heart, Judy and I just saw them at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NY! They were f*cking awesome!!! I hadn’t seen them in years and … Continue reading HEART – HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM, NY!


Exiled with The Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones

Gotta hold that Mott story for a second because I was just recently at the Modern Art Museum for the premiere screening of the new Exile On Main Street documentary! WOW! Is all I can say—I’d buy the deluxe package just for the movie!! A very human story about how Exile was made and how … Continue reading Exiled with The Rolling Stones


Spirit, Randy California and an E String

Most all of us, new young “execs” in the record biz, the radio and press people, and the artists themselves were born from the counter culture of the 60’s.  And this counter culture had its own code, its own loyalties, its own rules to live by.  The priorities were being cool, being sincere, and as … Continue reading Spirit, Randy California and an E String


The Fertile Crescent: Lucky Times in the USA!

It was a great time for America.  The 1950’s and 60’s brought growth, prosperity, and the hope of a big future.  The middle class was in its prime.  Blue collar workers like my dad could afford to buy a small house, a television set, trade in for a new car every three years, and have … Continue reading The Fertile Crescent: Lucky Times in the USA!


Hi and Welcome To All!

For so many years, Judy and I have been a part of the most fabulous adventure known as the Music Business. If you read our “about” page, you will get a glimpse of some of the many artists that we have worked closely with over the years. There are so many amazing stories about these … Continue reading Hi and Welcome To All!


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