Great story. Thanks for sharing.

very inspiring! Specifically this nice point "it was actually a long-term strategy of Elektra. That sometimes he’d release records by amazing artists, knowing they’d probably lose money, because not only was it the right thing to do, but other successful artists would later choose to sign with Elektra instead of another label, because he had proven that Elektra would support their artistic exploration" =)
Yeah. That's a whole 'nother subject to dive into. Wonderful long-term thinking that's often lacking today. — Derek

I loved that record too - seminal-

I love the circles we create around each other…. Like -minds find one another….. Thank you .

Great people never carry great ego. He is an example. And you too.

I do what I do in the music biz for the last 40 years because of Jac Holzman. He sets the bar for what everyone in the music business thinks they are achieving. He has found the perfect balance between the creative and the money weasels. An icon and true inspiration and oh yeas a man with great musical taste. Jac never ceases to amaze-and yes the Doors app is fantastic! Lets meet and eat!

I'll have to read his book. Heard nothing but good things about him. I suppose I haven't done enough research, but I've written over 1,800 songs, and dying to get them out there. Very difficult to get musicians together at my age, especially without a lucrative offer up front. Be interested to know what you and Jac think about marketing songs in the 21st century.

Further proof that music is the actual fountain of youth, as I've long claimed. We were born too early, I'm afraid, or certainly we might have been out there rubbing elbows with Jac. I don't grieve for the music of old, but certainly for the music business of old. Heard the "Monkey Chant" in the early 70s and still wonder how they got those tapes back from Venus...

Wonderful story Derek. It's great people like this, true visionaries, who built the music industry that barely exists now. But, the legacy is there. History is history.
Thank You, Sam.

Lovely love fest from one music business visionary to another. A delight as always, Derek (and Jac)

That's a beautiful story Derek. Your writing always inspires me. Merry Christmas and another Brilliant New Year to you and your family.

It is no surprise to me how connected everyone and everything in this story is. I have recently discovered just how synchronous life can be, and while it's truly amazing, I think it is something to be expected and appreciated. Everything comes full circle eventually. :) Can't wait to read your next blog, Derek. Happy holidays!

Hi...i feel like i grew up with Electra Records, I went to high school with Bill Harvey's daughters the guy who created all the great album covers back then for Electra. I loved the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and later in life became friends with him as well as Paul Siebel who also recorded for Electra who was one hell of a song-writer What a roster! Jac Holtzman was a genius!! Electra was a huge part of my life. That was the music i listened to. Thank you!

Now that's a great story !

You are clearly Lucky to have made such an import connection in the wacky world if music. Life long mentors with such giving creative vision, is an amazing gift.
I just wish my wife had had this earlier in her career, maybe she would have had many more Grammy nominations, and a few statues on her shelf. As a total independent I know wonder if that type of recognition even matters. Today Nonsuch seems to have that corner of the market wrapped up these days, Grammy darlings.
Clearly he is rewarded for his dedication to artists discovered, just don't know if we see that in the biz any longer.

Loved this one, Derek; Good work! I'm happy/looking forward to how much your writing now! Because of this, I'd love to chat with Jac. Do you know how I could get in touch with him?

Thanks!

Another great experience in your life and times of meeting someone special. I am glad that after your recent loss, you have taken your dear departed friends advice and started to write again; and now to see you are writing about another marvellous person in your life and times. Somebody up there loves you kiddo, your'e in the flow. Thats great. Merry Christmas and hoping that in 2014, your life and times will be brimming with happiness.

Beautiful story. A nice refresher on why we do this in the first place.

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Derek.

It's good, it's warm and it continues our learning when we remember and learn new things just by doing so. The reason of course is that each second we're changing and therefore each time the remembering teaches us some thing different. Your story is a beautiful example of that.
Island Frank

Although I would have expected to run into Jac in my guise as a music equipment manufacturer, my only conversation with him was when he called for customer support on the Argus moving map display in his airplane. Different context but I immediately recognized his name and we had a brief babble about the early days of Elektra and all the albums of my youth that for which he was responsible.

Looking at the top photo, above, I see distinctly a Hammarlund Super Pro short wave receiver and a Globe Scout transmitter and what I'm guessing are homebrew amplifiers on the right. His hand appears to be on a Morse Code key. I can't find his name in the FCC amateur radio database, so I guess he's a lapsed ham at this point. Even so, he's one versatile and interesting guy. I'd like to think that if we were not on opposite coasts we might have had more than that one brief babble.

Derek - I have copy of his book, but so far haven't found the time to read it. How about your next article explaining where time comes from and how make more?

In the 60's the only actual label I cared about (pre-Apple) was Elektra. I would buy any album that I found on Elektra, particularly obscure ones, because it was the hippest label out there. Of course the Doors, but Love, Paul Butterfield, Delanie and fuckin' Bonnie. Thank you Jac.

Very inspiring indeed! Thanks for sharing Derek.

This is the time of year when we think about those folks who have made a HUGE impact on our lives. To find a mentor like Jac and nurture that relationship is one of the wisest things you could do, Derek! Thanks for sharing this story. XO - M

That's neat, Derek! It's exciting to hear about one of your heroes for a change.

Wow - Jac sounds like someone everyone needs to have in their 'sphere'. On a parallel tangent, people like you, Ariel and Ari Herstand http://www.aristake.com always seem to have an uncanny knack for coming out with exactly what I need. At the moment I needed to hear it :) Manuia le kirisimasi and big luvs D! Lis xx

Isn't it truly amazing the people God puts in our lives!! Some come in asking for help, some come in to help us. Best of all happens when we can help one another, encourage each other, and lift each other up. Maybe no conclusion to the story but still a great moral in it. Thank you Derek, ~Pastor Lynn

Glad your doing well. Thanks for sharing another inspiring story. Happy New year !

As always, a great story. Thank you for sharing!

I enjoyed reading this! It sounds like he had a pretty clear vision of what he wanted to do at a pretty early point in his life! I feel pretty fortunate that my life turned out that way too. I set three major goals when I was in my late teens, and always pursued and eventually achieved those goals, and now continue to expand on them. One thing I hadn't counted on.....pursuing those three major goals has taken me on a fantastic journey on countless learning experiences far removed from my original plan, but worthwhile non the less. One common experience has been to learn from others who have already been through similar things, or who had similar goals. Nothing beats first hand experience, but being able to share thoughts, ideas, fears, and failures with some one who has a pretty good idea of what you may be going through can be priceless!

2 things:

1--- jac's book is heavy---really---compared to other books of a comparable number of pages, it is heavier (weight-wise)---always thought that strangely apropos

2---i sent away for the Elektra catalog when i was in high school---still have it---it is a heavier weight standard page of paper folded in thirds with the entire Elektra output on that single piece of paper

I love your stories!

rada

This reminds me a bit of how you avoided meeting James Brown at Warner...you went home early as I recall. To meet or not to meet. Seems your connections are always on target.

Wow! To hear about your connection with this guy to me is electric. To me you are a pioneer and an industry genius. To hear of you meeting someone of that magnitude and maintaining a friendship that has lasted through these years is a testimony of the level that you are on. Thanks for sharing this story. It gives me hope of connecting with a few more legends that can help my journey.

Really great story, Derek. So great to see you writing again. The number of comments should be a reminder that you probably should be doing this on a regular basis again. Just saying :-)

Sad how the record industry is only thought of now as this decaying carcass with these big corporate buzzards looking to suck the last drops of blood from the old model before it runs dry.

But people forget the visionaries that built this ship, who possessed that unique balance of musical passion, adventure and business sense and who, collectively, launched the careers of the most important musical artists of our time across all genres and set a bar line of excellence that very likely will never be cleared again. If you can't instantly fill in their last names: Jac and Ahmet, Clive and Walter, you need to go back and read about these amazing men.

Their stories are probably more colorful than the amazing artists they signed yet, contrary to the music executives today, they never lost sight of the fact that the artist always came first.

Welcome back, Derek!

Great read as always. Love the idea of prepping before meeting someone. Today, that's so much easier. You book and a few videos and I started corresponding.

I'd like to think that we would already met face-to-face if I bothered to travel.

Someday, eh?

Derek, you did a lovely job of re-transmitting to us some of Holzman's inspirational effect on you! That's not always easy to do but a great writer can do it. The two photos are instructive. He still still has that youthful zeal in his expression despite the grey hair and aging complexion.

There's way too much meat in your article to comment on everything that touched me, but I'll just mention one little moment in my life when I felt that the classic old-school record company ethos (as exemplified by Elektra) was starting to dissolve. It was a long time ago now - 1983 - but I remember reading in one of the UK music rags that Warner Brothers had dropped Van Morrison from their roster. Dropped Van Morrison?! You don't DROP Van Morrison! Why would you DROP Van Morrison!

My goodness. If you drop Van Morrison, presumably because of some accountant's calculations on how much money his last few albums made or lost, things are going awry.

I can't imagine Holzman would have dropped someone like Van Morrison just because of a few figures in a ledger.

And Warner Brothers was one of the great record companies, one of the ones you could be sure would put out some scene-changing music several times a year, along with a steady stream of consistently good stuff, back in the heady days of the 70s. I was only a latecomer, but even now, when I think of that distinctive WB label sliding out of the inner sleeve, I feel a sense of anticipation. Seriously, it makes my heart beat a little faster just thinking about it! (And I'm no vinyl revivalist by any means!)

But when they dropped Van I did feel that it was a sign of bad things to come, and I was right.

It's REALLY nice to know someone like Jac Holzman is still around and burning with enthusiasm - for music and for life.

Jac looks like the guy we all know, are wished we did know. He looks like a great man, thanks for sharing him. God Bless and have a wonderful Holiday Derek.

Amazing. I have been taking a free online class via Coursera on the History of Rock and it is so fascinating how much ingenuity and passion went into bringing the world great music.

Derek, before I die, you are one person I'd really like to meet. Seriously. LOVE this article, and the posting of it just because you had to.

I loved this story, perfect reading on this gloomy Singapore day and very inspiring to take on 2014 with the passion and principles like those of Jac.

Thank you for sharing you encounters with this exceptional man, exceptional man.

I love living vicariously through your stories. My little musical niche ministering to the sagacious septuagenarians won't ever be as famous as all the stories you have, but the fact that I have the privilege of being on your mailing list always makes my life a blessing. May you and your family enjoy the holidays, because I know you enjoy every day. Many thanks.

Music From the Morning of the World!!! YES!! I absolutely love that record! It is amazing to listen to on solitary road trips through different landscapes.

I just discovered your blog - am really enjoying it - thank you !

Yet another inspiring read and food for thought, Derek. Thanks!

I don't read very well but, if I were to speed read anything such as this it would be a mistake, I do have to admit I care deeply about derek and even bill gates and now someone whom I have never known before so thank you for the education!!! this is what I like life, life of a musician and life of all of us together.

Derek,
You always have such interesting and entertaining blog posts. I love what you write because it makes me feel AND think. This post is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing it with us - I'm so looking forward to reading Jac's book!
Bob Wilson

Awesome Jac and you too, Derek!
Say hi from Yogyakarta - Indonesia. Congratulations on your moving to New Zealand.

I like this article, as I always do. Thanks for sharing!

Derek,

You inspire me. What an awesome story!

Hi Derek;

Never heard of most of these music people, but I sure liked the story; one to soak in and appreciate and learn some things from. Or just enjoy.

Put a Nat King Cole CD on for my wife's mom last night; she's visiting for a time from Toronto. Joan proceeded to tell me about meeting Nat King Cole and his wife, just after they'd had twins of their own. My wife being an identical twin, there were some things to talk about there; my wife and her twin being just a few years older then, than the Cole twins.

Turns out my wife's Dad, Sam, worked for Capital Records in their accounting department back then, in Toronto; worked there for a couple of years I believe before eventually becoming a teacher. Nat King Cole's manager was there too, and apparently didn't get too far trying to pigeon hole Sam as another prejudiced white person intent on exploiting other's talents.

Sam, Joan said, was quick to put him straight on the causes he'd fought for and they apparently got along just fine after that.

There's capital and meaning in stories, I suppose.

Thanks for the story, Derek; some materials there of interest to link through to now; always room for life inspiration and musical education, at this end.

If you are ever climbing Mt. Egmont, there, on one of your hikes in New Zealand, don't fall off. Friends we met from Canada while travelling in New Zealand, in 1986-87, set up a tripod for a summit photo; one grabbed for the tripod as it was falling over and fell himself, sliding on the loose rock over a cliff.

Timing is everything, though, as they say. Walking up the trail at that point was a search and rescue team member out for a hike. What could have been a tragic event, turned out to be a successful rescue and rehab for the patient.

Merry Christmas and all the best!

Cam

When a creative, soulful artist sets out to run a business, it sometimes feels like walking out on a sandbar at low tide and being left stranded at high tide... lonely, scary, unforgiving. The creativity gets drained by the adrenalin of survival. The moon loses its allure. The depths of the water becomes something of a nightmare. Honestly, it is just really difficult.

So to meet a Jac in that situation, to meet a Jac is a life jacket. One never to be forgotten. One to be cherished. One whose survival instincts are a sure guide.

All that said, Jac found you too, because he was out looking for you. That's the coolest part of all. The best of friends are ones made of mutual heroes, mutual respect. I'll take that over a rico suave any day. ;)

That's some musical sandbar you all found, Derek. I'm pretty sure Jac would agree.

Congrats on finding your professional soulmate! Enjoyed the read.

Its great you are talking about music again! I like articles about guys like that, people who generate advancement in music for the love of. You were very lucky to be able to spend time him. The world can always use more this type of person.

Did he talk about different genres of music and what he thought of them?
Good question. No. He seems very genre-agnostic. I've heard him mention appreciation of artists from all across the spectrum. — Derek

Fascinating article... I'm going to get Jac's book and read it.
All the best to you, Derek, and Merry Christmas!!! :)

Hearing about successful perfectionists motivates me. It makes me want to do my very best and never settle for anything less. The other thing I got out of this article is the importance of a warm greeting. Good article

Derek, I enjoyed the article - but LOVED the 2 photographs of Jac, decades apart. The look of bliss and passion on his face, while surrounded by what he loves doing, is priceless!

Everyone should be so lucky as to find something they're passionate about.

Everyone should be so bold as to follow that voice from their heart.

Great read! Thank you!

Well and truly blessed, you are. Merry Christmas and all that jazz!

Hi Derek,
Thanks for the new article.
Jan

Jac is a great friend. He and I and 3 other record business types (Nigel Grainge, Robin Hurley and Bruce Botnick) get together every 3 months and have dinner, drink wine and listen to music. Those nights are some of the high points of my year. Jac's stories are the BEST. Sharp as a tack.

I really don't think that there are too many musicians who are really involved in the industry who aren't in some way connected with Jac Holzman or at least have a story or two about Jac. My story revolves around my daughter who is a classical singer, but when she was only 13 was hired by pianist Mike Garson (of David Bowie fame) to sing on a CD he was producing for Jac. The album was of movie hits for 1994 and titled Screen Themes 1994. My daughter Jessica was signing a song from the Lion King and Jac listened to her and on the spot wanted to sign her to a record deal. But the catch is that she would have to sing pop music and that was something my daughter really wasn't interested in so she very politely said no...can you believe that, she said no to Jac Holzman who was offering her a chance to make it in the music business. But at the time she was so focused on singing opera and classical music, that she didn't have any regard for the big picture or what the real world of music was all about. But I allowed her to make the choice because it's one thing to be a pushy parent and control a child's career and it's an entirely different matter when that child has the opportunity to makes their own choices, be it a good one or poor one. I had had my own career in music and I wanted her to command her own path. Of course today looking back on that event, my daughter would have made an entirely different choice knowing what she knows now, but at the time it was important for her to at least feel like she had control over who and what she was as a performer/musician. To this day, Mike Garson and his family, and my family, are very close friends, and my daughter Jessica still works with him and records with him too. In fact this coming March Jessica and I will both be performing with Mike in a benefit concert he is putting on in Orange County to raise money for the study of how music heals the body. It will be the first time that I will work with Mike professionally and it will also be the first time that my daughter and I will perform together. I retired from the professional world of music back in December of 1976 when I left the pop rock band I had performed with for 7 years. I picked up my horn (I play trombone) again to start on the path to re-learning how to play in 2009 and by 2012 had managed to regain my old professional form and have since recorded 2 CD's of music and am working on a third. I am also writing original material too so you see, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Since you were telling a story about Jac Holzman, I couldn't resist adding my story as well.

It is so nice when someone positive comes into our lives and inspires us.

HI Derek,
One of the artists on my label (http://motema.com) turned me onto your blog post saying it reminded her of me... I love this story, and I run my label with the exact same philosophy... I've been to Bali/Outback Oz/ Africa/Morocco and all around Europe on some beautiful musical mystery tours... I'm also DEEPLY influenced by Elecktra/None Such spent hours with headphones on listening to the Doors as a 13 year old girl. (Not sure exactly what that did to my head...) Let me know if you'd like me to send you any music from Motema. Gregory Porter & Pedrito Martinez are two of our biggest successes so far... the new Rene Marie tribute to Eartha Kitt is pretty crazy and fun. And of course there's plenty of art-first records on the roster.. in fact the whole roster is 'art first' ... I too am having a blast climbing the mountain. Let me know if you and Jac ever want another hiking partner. I'm due for another musical mystery tour... and I'm sure I could use some mentors. Thanks for the story.

Good morning Mr. Sivers, its been a while,since we have talked. The problem with getting to meet and getting to know someone of such high caliber as Jac Holzman. They are not accessible, and do not make themselves available, unless they hold a very deep interest in meeting you. As I grow older I find out that most people that are true artist are genuine and are very humble. But than again, they do not make themselves accessible for everyone to get to know them, because of how today's generation act some are very disrespectful. I'm glad you have shared this with us Mr. Sivers. I would like someone of this caliber to really take a serious listen to my material. http://www.reverbnation.com/gap?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

You know what's great, there really is no conclusion to the story; that's good, because that way, it'll bear fruit on a continuous basis; good music is like that, too. :-)

Wonderful story. Nonesuch has done so much keep giving us REAL music. Looks like I have a book to read. Peace

What a lovely story. A reminder that not every "non-artist" in the music industry is a greedy grabber--that there are those who will sacrifice time and energy promoting real talent for the love of music. Thanks for sharing this.

Happiness and greatness is not always about the money. Be true to yourself and don't get lost chasing things that are not a right fit... If you constantly complain about "what you love", you have to either change that thing or change how you think. Jac seems to be a perfectionist with a healthy balance on his goals and how to accomplish them.

What a wonderful Christmas present. Thank you very much and happy holidays!

Enjoying these articles. One of the reasons I am happy with my publisher is the care and time they put into my work-the latest of which is so different -as you have seen-that we are having some difficulty in marketing properly.But the publisher said that even if it loses money it is worth their effort to put it out Gamelan music in Bali-awesome. Have a safe, great trip.

Wow, what a cool read ... the loops and circles of life indeed.

Great stuff!

Great stories, and lovely storytelling. I'm all fired up to dive deep into Jac Holzman's autobiography now.

The long-term strategy of releasing specific artists is brilliant. Wildly encouraging and exciting to hear.

Cheers Derek!

When everything is dark out there, you're that light at the end of the tunnel ;) Thanks for existing.

You always amaze me with your stories and it has healed my regret of not working with you in the past on cd baby EU. After stepping into academics i have been getting calls to come fully back to entertainment. Was among the best Nigerian promoter/producer, now in film making and broadcasting in London. All my past artistes are calling, asking when am i coming back into the business, especially now that afrobeat is gaining international recognition. I might add it to my list of can do for 2014. I will be reading Jac's book asap, Electra is huge. Thanks

As I sit here in a Tokyo cafe on Christmas eve, your writing just inspired me. I love the soulfulness of Jac which you clearly captured in words. Thank you my friend.

Another great article Derek annnndd I had always wanted to go to Bali from the first time I heard a gamelon gong 35 years ago in my world music course..
My husband and I finally went last year for our 25 anniversary !! The world is small and wonderful . I'm going to LA jaz 20 to do some networking and get some licensing going for my song catalogue . Maybe I could meet Jac too! Hiking on the hills or I'll make him a plate of pasta!
Check out my cooking videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXmGnpG4GA8 Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsyhYi6Do5k "DREAM" Cocktail....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_gCU_KXn3M Interview/Flying Trapeze

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DwL0TuQb04 Strawberry/Rhubarb Pie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxXXkm6UKVE Pasta Cacio e Pepe..

I love the history of recorded music and all the pioneers and creative folk. Thanks for this one, another piece in my puzzle of understanding how it goes. Cheers!

Thanks Derek for keeping us in the loop. I (we) really appreciate your writing us. Did I miss a message? This is the first time I hear you had a baby! Way cool! A Derek baby instead of a CD baby!

Great article! It really makes you appreciate every friendship and connection made. You never really know where they will lead you later in life.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for an awesome New Years!!

Great article Derek! I am going to buy this book immediately. As we come to year's end, it's given me time to reflect on how much the music industry has changed in this internet age. We owe it to the pioneers like Les Paul, visionaries like Ahmet Ertegan who dared to release "Race Records" for mass consumption, and of course great men like Jac Holzman for helping pave the way for others. Their style was just as important as their accomplishments - the fact they walked through their space with Grace and Love - always making others feel they mattered, too. I include you in this list, Derek, you've set a wonderful example of how to achieve your dreams with humanity, compassion and kindness. Thank you for this, and much love and health to you in all your endeavors. We're listening... Mark W. Curran, Los Angeles, CA

You are a great writer Derek!

WOW. I am a firm believer in no such things as coincidences!!! All are divine appointments. All.

Great story! I love bios and will read it. Can't wait do learn more about Jac.

Thank you!
Merry Merry Christmas!
CH

Hi Derek - Love this story about Jac. I wish there were more people cut from this same cloth...

Does the digital midi track sound Door's like http://www.reverbnation.com/tommycarl/song/19094954--forget-not-forgotten Music, new technology and coding work will to create new music.. Derek thanks Tommy

Loving this wave of New Zealand narration.

Awesome article ..Happy holidays to the Sivers family!

Greta! Thanks!

Enjoyed it!!! Passing on to my network ...
Much Creative Bliss comin at ya in 2014..

Interesting article Derek. I have a sense - and only spare evidence to back it up - that paths cross between remarkable people with a universal intent, but only if our mind and heart is open to the learning. Your article adds another anecdotal piece of evidence! Thank you for sharing. Derek (the other)

The man responsible for making the first release from MC5 and The Stooges. What else can I say?
\m/

Thank you, very interesting!

I can relate to this article, Derek, because I had a similar experience. Ever since I was a teenager I was interested in world music, when I was around 19 a friend introduced me to musicologist Harry Smith, who had an amazing world music collection in his room at the Breslin Hotel including tons of stuff on Nonsuch and Folkways. I spent a lot of time listening to records and talking about music with Harry who later introduced me to Moses Asch, the founder of Folkways Records. He wound up signing me to the label and issued some experimental flute music I was writing and recording at the time. It was so cool spending time with those two old guys listing to music that was off the beaten path and opening up my mind to different cultures.

One time when the three of us were standing around at Folkways, Moses asked me who was writing the liner notes for the record (remember liner notes?) and I told him that Harry was writing them – he just laughed and said they would both be dead before it got done. He turned out to be right! We have to treasure the relationships that we cultivate with people who are so accomplished and whose efforts lead to a more evolved human race. You are very fortunate to have such a close relationship with Jac Holzman. Thanks for sharing as always!

Hi Derek! I feel honored that I am included on your email list. This is a very inspiring story. Being a hotel and restaurant musician most of my life, everything you speak of seems out of reach for me. But mauybe not. I am writing songs and i just wrote a good one "Is the Doctor in today?" A moving simple little melody. Please keep me on your list. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Mark Remington

Everything we do (or don't do) has its effects - upon ourselves and all around us, in our lives and world of expression and experience. But those who - being spiritually wise - DELIBERATELY do things to inspire or help others, generate blessings for themselves and everyone in their world.

I love how life gives us these great journeys we don't even know we are on, and what starts us out is something we think is so random, but actually has great purpose.

I love that a guy who was there for the start of music has seen so many changes in it and STILL loves it. I think that's true of the biggest music fans. ALL music is sacred if it touches your heart.

And lastly, its great to see yet another example of a person living life because they WANT to and not because they HAVE to.

Great to hear your thoughts on Jac match mine perfectly. He's the most inspirational individual I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I loved working on The Doors app with him (thanks for your kind words!)

An eBook, website or platform that played to the lowest common denominator just wasn't good enough for Jac, so he pushed for an app that would allow him to tell the story of The Doors with the fewest technological boundaries - a great illustration of his approach to any industry challenge.

He's as generous with his lunches as he is with his enthusiasm and innovative thinking and I'm not ashamed to say I shed a (happy) tear when we delivered another number one to add to Jac's glittering career. The great man is still on top!

A vinyl record, a cd, movement, travel, hikes. the circle of life stays young in jacs eyes

Hi Derek, I met Jac in 1970. I was with a band called Anthrax, NO NOT THAT ANTHRAX! I was the last to join the contract negotiations. If you ever saw "One Trick Pony" with Paul Simon, there's a scene where Paul is sitting in the office with the record company president, and he's performing some material for consideration, just a guitar and vocal performance. The record executive is played by Rip Torn. The exec has repeated phone interruptions. Paul Simon keeps playing, only to have the phone ring again and again. I had that exact same scene with Jac. We later changed the name of the band to "Formerly Anthrax and did one album on Electra called "A Show of Hands" Jac was always straight and honest with me, even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I have been with C.D. baby since 1997, and have 3 discs on the roster. All these years later, I still have much respect and fond memories for Jac and his son Adam. He may not remember me but, I will always remember him. Thanks for the heads up.
Jerry

Elektra was my favorite label growing up from Paul Butterfield, the Doors, Harry Chapin, etc. I just loved the artists that they signed. I got to know Harry Chapin and looking back on his career I can't imagine that anyone would sign him today. Jac took chances on great artists and you could feel that as you listened to those albums. Thanks for a great post.

I love your P.S. It's amazing what influence music has on us. (I'm a musician and still amazed by it.) What an awesome realization to come years later!

By the way, congrats on your baby! Just had one myself :)

He's your spiritual father!

Yes, Nonesuch Records was a fountain of inspiration. I submitted a proposal to Nonesuch decades ago which was my recording of a John Cage tune. The letter I received is still one of my favorites within a very full box of letters from the days before e-mail.

Hi Derek-)
Thanks for sharing such an interesting and personal blog. wow. Life's journey can be so full of adventure.:-)
What a beautiful move in art to have some one like Jack work on one's creations. To make your best sound...that is to me, a sigh of relief.
Have a wonderful day and a Merry Christmas to you and yours...Happy Holidays!
Rachel

Fantastic story...sweet memories of two great friends. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

Derek, great story telling as always. Quite a guy was Jac. I'll dive into your recommendations.

I think Jac is a fantastic person and also you. Doing things is interesting but just being yourself in the universe is much better. I love music but the Divine instrument in creation is inside my soul. Musically and lovely in the umiverse, Anaya

Thanks for sharing that Derek. As a musician I love to hear about any kind of mentoring between music people. When there are so many big egos and selfish middlemen it's great to hear stories from true pioneers.

Jac,

This is FANTASTIC. I totally get it. The question: does Jac Holzman get it?

You are wonderful!!!

Jeni and I are on Maui for a couple of weeks. Why don't you two join us for New Years. We'd love it!

Derek,

wonderful story as always; I enjoy reading everything you so share with us.

Have a Blessed & Happy Holiday season.

Jean

Okay. You got me.
peace on earth,
jb

Lovely reflection of a life mentor. How sweet to hear a man express such love and adoration for a fellow veteran. Jac clearly teaches by example, as have you by your amazing contributions to the development of artistry and the protection of the music craft. Men like both of you set the bar for others to follow. You are kind to bring our attention to the life and works of an industry master. These great lives must not be forgotten and will be the benchmark for new entrepreneurs coming into the scene.

JH was keynote speaker at the 2011 Folk Alliance Conference. "What was the key to your success," Somebody asked. "The artists," he said. Made me wonder, where are such people today? Afterwards, I asked if he could say a little about the Incredible String Band. He spoke for another ten minutes on trying to figure out how best to promote them. Somebody then thanked me for asking the question. That person turned out to be a college buddy of mime (another Derek, Derek Andrews) who I'd not seen in nearly 40 years. I also had a lot of the Nonesuch albums and, though I didn't move to Bali, I almost ran away to India on the strength of them. Etc. So, I realized then that Jac Holzman had been a central figure in my life. As did you. Thanks for the piece.

There's always something so wonderfully resonant in your musings, Derek...something universal that we can all learn from. Thank you for your generosity of spirit...for sharing your journey. When I read what you've written, I, too feel like a global citizen. Happiest of holidays to you and your family!

Thank you for sharing this story. It really shows the powerful impact a mentor can have on your life. Thanks for paying it forward and sharing your journey with us.

I can relate to your writings in so many ways. I remember how I had to visit Scotland after seeing the movie, Local Hero. This is why art is so vital to us as creative human beings. We now come full circle because I presently work with Jac and through him I have had the opportunity to learn about you, Derek. Thanks for this great story.

Surreal & Excellent Ideas, Thx 4 The Hope, Merry Christmas Derek.
It's Surprisingly Inspirational Hearing Stories like These.

OMG!!!!!!!!The love and respect that exuded from this article practically has me in tears. Happy tears............ because it's people like you and Jac that give me hope in a world that sometimes often feels so shortsighted and empty......

Great share Derek! Sounds like a real positive relationship.. I can see how it is fairly rare for you to find a person with such depth in your area of the music biz and I'm sure he finds your .com experience fascinating .. Glad you found a friend, and I may have to visit New Zealand now as we'll!

OK, you have blown my mind many times...but this just fucking slams it into another world... wow... how small, small things lead to profound undertakings... if one day I could meet you...or Jac... that would be awesome..

I never input these sort of things, however I must add to the admiration. Of course because of history.
In the early days of my career when I was somewhere around 20 I had left Texas, gone out to hang with my buddy going to Cal Tech, in Pasadena California, taking LSD (sandoz blue glass vial), learning an open D tuning from an old Beatnik at a coffee house in Hollywood...and then taking that and a bag of the then legal LSD back to Texas to start the first "Psychedelic" band In San Antonio...RACHEL'S CHILDREN...We were the same time as the THIRTEENTH FLOOR ELEVATORS, sharing stages with them early on.
Our manager, Phil Krum was somehow connected to Jack and sent him a live demo of the seven piece group...all original material. Jack's first response was that we couldn't have possibly created that music live, in one take. When Phil wrote back and assured him that we were doing that music from stage as he heard it, he then put us in consideration for Electra's launch into this developing Psychedelic genre along with one other group...which ultimately won the coveted "deal" at the time ...you guessed it... THE DOORS.
Of course when they made LSD an illegal substance, our group had to disband overnight (remember this was in Texas). After traveling solo and doing a project called THE MEDICINE BALL CARAVAN with my then producer, Milan Melvin and Big Daddy Tom Donahue (grandfather of "underground fm radio) for Warner...landing me in Europe, I recorded for Eddie Barclay the LP, Roads of Tomorrow...picked up in the UK by RCA but never released in the U.S. After a year there, I came back and put together the Rex Foster band...and went back to California...doing business with Jack once again with this group...also known in L.A. briefly as TEXAS...he rescinded the offer of a deal because we were "playing" too many labels against each other hoping to up the ante (stupid move)...but he graciously produced a demo with us and was always the honorable and appreciative guy. During that time I turned down a "solo" deal with David Geffen (who played me the rough mix of the first EAGLES record he was working on)...he wanted me to "get rid of those yahoos from Texas" in my band...sorta set bad with me.
There was a fellow Jack picked up on and produced in his early career...Dana Cooper....this proved to me his love of the artist and the music...for Dana has become one of my best friends and most talented singer/songwriters out on the road today...and I am sure Dana would have admiring words to add about Jack.
So, unknown to him...he influenced me greatly and I am truly grateful.
Thanks for sharing, Derek

Thank you so much for this. I met Jac at a Money and You training prgram in 1982 when he was Chairman of Panavision. He later hired me to run the breakthrough Holiday Giving program for, and with his staff. It was the the best job ever!

I have lost touch with him, and though I've looked for him through social media, have not found him. Please give him my love, when you next talk to him.

Keep up the great work!

Vivien

Derek. Lots of catching up to do with that article, thoroughly enjoyed learning from it. Inspiring. Appreciate it. Thank you. Arthur

Life goes around in circles that create a path of cycles for those who travel the same path.

Nice story.
Like many other artists, the Doors cut a ton of great records. I like their sound. Its elevates the energy but its relaxing at the same time.

I own a vinyl copy of the great "Nonesuch Guide to Electronic Music" - and as I read your story here, it feels like another moebius circle is kind of closing:

You are really enriching my web experience, Derek - and I hope I will read so much more of your blog posts in the future, enriching me even further.

Thank you for writing such fascinating stuff. - Keep up the good work.

Jac Holzman is a true music legend. Thanks for sharing his story.

Alicia

Awesome.

Wow that is awesome,I would love to learn everything that I could from both of y'all, Since starting my business last year New Country Entertainment Group I need all the help and information that I can get. I thank you and look foward to reading and learning more about this forever evolving industry.

Really nice tribute and good story. Will definitely look into the book.

sometimes a little story like this, brightens my day, and gives me hope for another one. Don't stop these posts ... too many people counting on them!

Loops and circles of life I like that. Like the loops and circles of creation and the universe. However music is creation too. Great story wow meeting Bill Gates the same day thats squeesing many into one day. Happy Christmas and another super New Year

Wow Derek... What an awesome story?!. I've always been impressed to hear about the stories of music visionaries such as Jac, and Barry Gordy, and the folks at Sun & Chess Records... I truly love music as one of my most favorite art forms, and anyone that's involved behind the scenes of its success inspires me! I hope that you keep getting inspired big D...

Sincerely,

Grateful Ed aka MrNDVERSE:-0~

Derek, I have read many a story you have written, but this one of Jac was personal. I am so very sorry I have never met him, I do feel like I know him! and the exciting story I have just read.....better late than never. Thank you so much. I am in Mexico right now and when I return to RI in April, I will get Jac's book and the Doors appt. Happy Holidays to you and your Family! Highest Regards, Kim

As with you...I have someone who inspired me. My original influence was Carlos Santana. I mean...I'd certainly heard guitar music before...but when I heard Santana (1969!) and then the Abraxas album...I KNEW that I HAD to learn to make those beautiful sounds. After m-o-n-t-h-s of my incessant whining for a guitar (and several inconsequential beatings from dad) my mom bought me a classical guitar. And...I was off!

Although I'd love to visit...I doubt I could live in Asia very long. Because I doubt they have very good tacos or pizza there. Probably no Dr Pepper either...ha.

One of my bassist friends will be interested/excited to know about the Doors app!

Thank you, Derek, for sharing a very positive story about the music industry. I think that most independent artists nowadays are disgruntled or alienated by the industry that does not function for the most part in the interest of musicians. Hence, the going indie.

I've always loved Judy Collins who used to do songs by others that I loved and then created her own songs too. I saw her perform for the first time a few years ago. She is still a shining star and has such a beautiful voice even after all of these years. I used to sing some of her songs that were broadcast on the radio in the late 1960s, early 1970s. That was such a great time for hearing all kinds of music. There was a great explosion of talent hitting the air waves and with positive messages that were hopeful. Some said that I even sounded like Judy, or was reminded of her when I sang & played the guitar. I don't think my voice was as high though & I have no recordings to support such a claim of sounding as good as Judy. We might never have heard of her if it were not for people such as Jac Holzman. So, my hat is off to Jac and of course to you, Derek, for putting a positive and hopeful spin to the music business.

With great admiration for you, Derek.

Ah, yes.....only a fool would under estimate the power of music.
I believe music is the voice of God.

Great article! Jac Holzman sounds like an okay guy. :-)

Derek,a very thought provoking article ,and I thank you again for sharing you experiences with us.....Myron Cohen.....

Thank you for the story of an interesting person. It seems like, producers and record companies today, are more interested, in how much money and exposure they can for their manufactured music groups, rather than allowing musical artist to explore in their creativity. It is like having a dinner with only salt and pepper, and all the other spices are left out.

great article Derek! I miss your articles!

Great. While. Living. And. Breathing. Music. In ny. I. Had. A. Meeting. With. Electra. A And. R. Dept. my. Story. I had. Heard. About. Him. Thru. The. Grapevine. I. Always. Loved. Music. I played my. Whole. Life. Had. Multiple. Offers but. Never. Signed. Was. Suppose. To meet. Him. Life is a circle i would like to see what could happen now Derek. I met. U. In Hollywood. Faith. Hope love.
Gaea.
See me. On u tube. Soon.
Sincerely. God. Bless. U.
Thanks. For. Thinking of. Me

Wow! Thank you for sharing this awesome story with us Derek! It's so cool that music you found and listened to, that was hand-selected by Jac many years ago, inspired you to move to Asia, an area in which you can create and expand even more of your fantastic ideas! Keep on going Derek and thank you for continuing to inspire all of us songwriters across the globe! I am so thankful to have found your creation, CD Baby, and you made it possible for me to release nearly 100 songs on the site so far! Thanks Derek, you truly rule!
-Trey :)
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/whiskeychildrecords
www.WhiskeyChild.com

The youth of our memories reside without age while the truth of our lives chastise the undisciplined efforts and laziness which can leave one alone and envious of what others have done. Yet if the dream fires are kept burning and knowledge is pursued with steps forward out of the morass of self-pity, hope grows and no matter how long the avenues of despair have kept one chained, that hope may blossom and flower with light reflecting another late bloomer into the revelation that this is NOW your chance, your time to be true to yourself your calling. Thanks Derek for the watering of souls and words that soothe the wounded soldiers on the mend.

before my first trip to Bali 14 years ago, a friend who had been said, "oh, you'll get to hear pots and pans music". I had to laugh initially when I went to a first concert there. It did not take long before I stopped laughing and was totally immersed in the experience.

First, one of the first records (that's right, records - I'm 59 years old) was Spider John Koerner & Willie Murphy's " Running Jumping Standing Still." Great then, and still great now.

Your article about Jac Holzman reminded me of something I thought after watching the DVD about the legendary producer Tom Dowd. For them, it wasn't about the money first and foremost. It wasn't an exercise in ego indulgence. The motivation was the deep and abiding love for the music, coupled with a sense, conscious or otherwise, of doing what you do to the very best of your ability, to be so immersed in the project that the quality and excellence has to follow.

Themes, I think, that are not missing from your own approach (i.e., if you can't say hell yeah, then maybe you shouldn't be doing it at all).

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy this fabulous day. (Aren't they all?).

hi derek..interesting to know that jac holzman inspired you as he did me in a different way..the great 60's recordings of the ground-breaking fred neil along with judy henske, tim buckley and paul siebel were inspirations to me and encouraged me to continue creating in a style outside the mainstream..for you interest you might view an LP sized version of the beautiful and bleary Fred Neil "Bleecker and Macdougal" cover and enjoy his unique stylings..years later after a night of performing in a bar I lay in my room trying to sleep and replayed that title song in my mind to block out "smoke on the water" as it blasted from the jukebox downstairs for the cleaning crew..by the way cdbaby finally brought some of my music out of these backwoods..best wishes and thanks to both you and jac..cris cuddy

i do feel a little close to the man, with the work i put in my label, thanks for the story
be well

Derek,
Thanks for sharing such a great story of friendliness. I'm a music lover and a teacher of English in Spain. I am starting to feel kind of disappointed with the way things are (especially with politics and their impact on education and economy around me).
Your story strikes me for three reasons: first because it is telling me what I often tell my children and my students, and that is that "one should do things because it is the right thing to do, not only because there will be a reward; the reward is the feeling of having acted correctly". Secondly because it is also very uplifting to see a true friendship build up, how two people, apparently without any kind of connection, end up having some kind of unknown bond that existed before they ever met. And finally because I feel I have learned something and now I feel better.
Love

I love books about music and musicians from 60s & 70s. A magical time when music and many of those of my generation were tightly bound together.

I have read the Holzman Book, my copy came with a wonderful cd full of great music. One of my earliest memories of great cover art was Hello, Goodbye by Tim Buckley, no relation.

Great post...music people really are my people...there really is something deep inside yes?

Yes, he's such a major figure in music, period. So nice that you've had this relationship. And what I would have given to have been a fly near the pool when you were having that discussion with Lyor Cohen! Ha!

Now several of my CDs are available on iTunes. How nice!

Cheers,
Jeff

Derek...you got mojo...you got the touch...

Thank-you for sending this to me, Derek. Very inspiring.

Great story as usual Derek! Keep it up!... ;) :)

Great story! Funny how life comes full circle. I just went to Bali too! 24 years after having worked with the Indonesian collection at the Field Museum. It all makes sense now.

That point about Jac Holzman releasing good music even though it might not be immediately profitable (but realizing it was an overall good move for goodness' sake) really strikes a chord with me.

I think many people are living in a world so engulfed in capitalism that we forget that some of the most valuable things in the world can't be measured by how much money it makes! Money is simply another physical, tangible device and/or symbol that represents power. If something moves someone to do great things in life, that is power -and money is not the only medium that wields this type of power. I hope that more people will understand this.

You just keep your GREATNESS coming Derek! I was off line for several months, and I save EVERYTHING you send me until I can sit down and REALLY read it! What a wonderful story of your meeting and ongoing friendship with Mr Holzman! Going to forward it to Rege. How are you doing and where are you presently in the world? hee hee. Take care, my online traveling friend, be safe and keep the words and wisdom coming. We NEED you! Clair

I'm just reading "Follow The Music" and enjoying it hugely..I'm interested to know the attraction of New Zealand to Jac, having been involved in the music industry there.

This is a terrific piece Derek, thanks for sharing and thanks also for the book recommendation.

Derek:
If you're still reading these, can you connect me with Jac? I think he'd be very interested in the internationally acclaimed book I wrote and the major documentary film we are doing, drawing on the book: "The Original Guitar Hero and The Power of Music."
Check the appropriate section of my website and you'll see the major significance of this project: www.deanalger.com

Thanks, -Dean/"Dr. D"

What a fun read. I love love love hearing about super-successful people who stay grounded and relatable. Reminds me of this Mike Myers-directed documentary I saw on talent manager Shep Gordon called "Supermensch". Managed Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd, among others. And one of the most universally-loved people in show business, according to people quoted in the movie. Thanks for sharing, Derek.

Jac andI were both WCI presidents of Warner companies , and we’re professional
friends throughout the 70’s. Please pass on my warmest regards to Jac, and I email
address should he wish to beintouch. I’m certain he is mourning the passing of Joe
Smith, as I am. May he live longer!
Ed Silvers

Hi Derek,

I heard you on Tim Ferris' podcast awhile back, and thought the interview was a great thing. I remember sitting in my car in the parking lot of a southern Indiana Barnes and Nobles while listening to you and Tim explore your story thinking, Wow, this dude did it. Or is doing it. Started an influential company and found a way to live an interesting life. You felt very happy. And practical, which brought me some clarity at the time. So thanks for doing that interview.

Now, I'm reading a book about the epic English recording engineer, Glyn Johns called Sound Man (which I recommend!), and Jac Holzman's name has popped up a few times. I remembered learning about Elektra Records while studying in college, but not of this guy, Jac Holzman. So I googled him, found your blog, and learned of you and his connection. I think that's so cool. i've added his autobiography to my Amazon cart upon your indirect recommendation, and am excited to read it next.

Thanks for sharing,

wesley