Advertisement

Classics Du Jour

Advertisement

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

Billy Joel, Still Relevant

Billy Joel performing for Rise Up New York

Recently there was a national television relief benefit concert called “Rise Up New York!” to support New Yorkers most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was put on by the Robin Hood Foundation, whose mission is to fight poverty in New York City.  It was a joy to see so many great artists come together … Continue reading Billy Joel, Still Relevant


Catching Up With My Old Friend Jim Messina

Jim Messina

Any time my wife Sharon and I can see Jim Messina or Kenny Loggins on tour we try and go to the show.  Not only do we enjoy their music but they are also old friends. Jim Messina built his reputation from being in the bands Poco and Buffalo Springfield and also acting as producer … Continue reading Catching Up With My Old Friend Jim Messina


Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band — Truth Or Whitewash?

The Band in Once Were Brothers

I recently saw Once We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, in a theater, and given the givens, I hope it will be placed on one of the TV streaming services soon.  I know it’s due to air on Canada’s Crave network but not sure when. I feel funny writing a blog without first … Continue reading Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band — Truth Or Whitewash?


Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution

Concert promoter Bill Graham

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution is a traveling exhibit now on display at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library.  I was invited to attend the opening ceremony in which there was a panel discussion about Bill’s early years and some of the more memorable moments and concerts he promoted.  Many of … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution


Grammy Scandal: What Happened to Music’s Biggest Night?

Grammy Award

In the wake of the recent Grammy scandal (if you’re not up on it, keep reading), we must ask ourselves… how did it happen? And what does a Grammy even mean anymore? In 1969 when I first started in the music business, the two big award shows were the Oscars and the Grammy Awards.  As … Continue reading Grammy Scandal: What Happened to Music’s Biggest Night?


WHO? Yes, And You’re Going Love It!

The Who

If you are a true Who fan, you’re going to love this band’s first new release in thirteen years, titled WHO — despite Pete Townshend’s opening cynical lyric, “I don’t care/I know you’re gonna hate this song.” I’ve wanted to write about this album since I first heard it in early November of last year.  … Continue reading WHO? Yes, And You’re Going Love It!


Bill Wyman The Quiet One – An Extraordinary Film With A Remarkable Perspective

Bill Wyman The Quiet One Poster crop

I’ve just seen the most remarkable rock documentary, which I think may be my favorite so far.  Bill Wyman’s, The Quiet One, available on Amazon and a few other streaming services. I am actually writing this review on an airplane flying home from visiting family in southern California for Thanksgiving, and I’ve literally just seen … Continue reading Bill Wyman The Quiet One – An Extraordinary Film With A Remarkable Perspective


Rob Halford and the Secret Lives of Metal Gods

Judas Priest

I was perusing CDJ, when I spied a great interview with Rob Halford by my old friend Jim Villanueva.  New music by iconic veterans is most always something to shout about.  The idea of always “becoming” keeps an artist fresh and vibrant.  A metal Christmas album is perfect, and Celestial delivers on all fronts.  The … Continue reading Rob Halford and the Secret Lives of Metal Gods


ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas – Inside The Top

ZZ Top That Little Ol Band from Texas

I listen to more ZZ Top than ANY other band or artist. And I listen over and over again, with seemingly very little burnout.  The music is a combo of rock and blues that I just can’t get enough of.  The new documentary, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, states that ZZ Top … Continue reading ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas – Inside The Top


Remembering Eddie Money

Eddie Money

Eddie Money is the only recording artist I know who was loved by everyone.  He had the biggest and warmest personality and made you feel like a best friend immediately upon meeting him. I remember the first time we met. It was right before his debut album was released on Wolfgang/Columbia Records. It was 1977 … Continue reading Remembering Eddie Money


David Crosby: Remember My Name – Melancholy Movie

David Crosby Remember My Name

Usually “Must See” appears at the beginning of my description of music films or documentaries I write about. I have to admit — I can’t say that about Remember My Name.  Not that it isn’t interesting, or that you won’t learn some cool things about David Crosby by watching it. But overall, it doesn’t possess the … Continue reading David Crosby: Remember My Name – Melancholy Movie


Reliving The Rolling Thunder Revue — More Bob Dylan Revealed

Bob Dylan Rolling Thunder Revue

The Rolling Thunder Revue documentary by Martin Scorsese is a fabulous piece of music history as it captures a time when pure art was celebrated, when art was what the counter-culture musicians of the 60’s and 70’s were striving for.  And when that counter-culture found a mass audience in the Baby Boomer generation, even the … Continue reading Reliving The Rolling Thunder Revue — More Bob Dylan Revealed


Advertisement
f