The Old Guard Hated the Rock But Loved the Bankroll (Field Notes From a Music Biz Life, Part 4)

In Part 4 of his autobiography, MICHAEL SIGMAN explains why the old guard post-war pop songwriters 'hated the rock but loved the bankroll'
by David McGee
 

 
 

This New Year’s, Resolve To Give Yourself a Break

'Shooting for the moon with our New Year's resolutions and then falling short is a fast track to aggravation, self-loathing and the joyless consumption of massive quantities of week-old fruitcake,' writes contributing editor Mi...
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Quiet Heroism of ‘Right Living’

Contributing editor MICHAEL SIGMAN reflects on the recent fall of 'self-appointed heroes' and the virtues of 'quietly going about one's business.'
by David McGee
 

 
 

Let’s Hear It For The Girls

Considering memorable holiday fare from EDIE ADAMS and DORIS DAY
by David McGee
 

 

 

A Few Answers About ‘Answer Me’

'ANSWER ME, MY LOVE' is a classic pop song with a complicated history. CARL SIGMAN wrote the lyrics, and herein his son MICHAEL SIGMAN relates the tune's fascinating backstory.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Mythic Weight Of Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift: A Semicentennial Reflection

November 22, 1963, was a horrible day for the nation, and for PHIL SPECTOR, a personal disaster as well, as his ambitious Christmas album arrived and was promptly forgotten. A semicentennial look back ensues.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Torn Between Two Bosses, Not Feeling Like a Fool

BOB AUSTIN and SID PARNES were partners as the owners of RECORD WORLD magazine but otherwise had no use for each other. As RW editor, MICHAEL SIGMAN had to get along with both.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Field Notes from a Music Biz Life (Part 1)

'No Brill Building, no me.' So begins Chapter 1 of MICHAEL SIGMAN's autobiography, FIELD NOTES FROM A MUSIC BIZ LIFE, previewed in serial form in Deep Roots.
by David McGee
 

 

 

How To Have Fun With a Serious Song (Field Notes from a Music Biz Life, Part 3)

In this installment of his autobiography, MICHAEL SIGMAN recounts some amusing incidents following in the wake of his father CARL SIGMAN's now-classic hit song 'EBB TIDE.' JERRY COLONNA makes an appearance.
by David McGee