Music industry insiders’ biographies are often quite entertaining. They give the reader an insight into what takes place behind the scenes, while regaining tales of famous clients and artists. Though riddled with gossipy bits as they so often are, when you look past that, you can really learn a lot about how the business works. 

Paul Rappaport is one such insider,; and his new book, Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay, and the Art of Rock Promotion, offers up his story in vivid detail. Rappaport, a Columbia Records radio rep, got his start as a College Rep—essentially a street team—and worked his way up from the mailroom, going so far as becoming a VP. His is a story of hard work, quick thinking, and just plain good timing on his part. 

Gliders Over Hollywood is chockablock with great industry stories. There’s the time he had to literally hold Randy California’s hand to get him to turn in his latest Spirit album. Then there’s the time he took off on a debauched US tour with Ron Wood and Keith Richards. You’ll be intrigued to see how conflicted Columbia was with new signing Loverboy, and how he dealt with less-than-enthusiastic executives. How a thoughtful gift to Elvis Costello led to some great music. How he consoled a down-and-out Bob Dylan who was having second thoughts about his career. 

There are tons more stories to be had in Gliders Over Hollywood, each chapter being a new adventure, all of which show that Rappaport’s was a life well-lived and well-traveled. . That’s what makes the book so readable—seeing the inside scoop behind the making of some of the finest music of all time. Gliders Over Hollywood is a book you won’t want to put down. 

Purchase: Amazon

Do you enjoy The Recoup’s content? Please consider helping to support us by becoming a patron at Patreon. Your donation helps to keep the website self-sufficient.