The History of Music Production

In The History of Music Production, Richard James Burgess draws on his experience as a producer, musician, and author. Beginning in 1860 with the first known recording of an acoustic sound and moving forward chronologically, Burgess charts the highs and lows of the industry throughout the decades and concludes with a discussion on the present state of music production. Throughout, he tells the story of the music producer as both artist and professional, including biographical sketches of key figures in the history of the industry, including Fred Gaisberg, Phil Spector, and Dr. Dre. Burgess argues that while technology has defined the nature of music production, the drive toward greater control over the process, end result, and overall artistry come from producers. The result is a deeply knowledgeable book that sketches a critical path in the evolution of the field, and analyzes the impact that recording and disseminative technologies have had on music production. A key and handy reference book for students and scholars alike, it stands as an ideal companion to Burgess's noted, multi-edition book The Art of Music Production.

Richard James Burgess is Director of Marketing and Sales for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and author of The Art of Music Production, Fourth Edition (OUP 2013). He also runs his own artist management company, Burgess Worldco. Prior to coming to Smithsonian Folkways, Burgess managed major label artists with top ten chart hits and international touring schedules, including Spandau Ballet, King, Colonel Abrams, Five Star, Living In A Box, Shriekback, and New Edition.