Founder of Elektra Records

Boxtop presents

July 30, 1998

There is a good chance that Jac Holzman has seen it all. As founder of Electra Records back in 1950, Holzman is responsible for signing legendary acts such as The Doors, Carly Simon, and Queen. His recent book “Follow the Music” tells the stories behind the most turbulent period in American music – the 60s and 70s – and the musicians who made them happen.

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JaxCCC: Tonight please welcome our special guest - Music Icon, Mr Jac Holzman! Mr Holzman is legendary in the entertainment business both behind the scenes in the corporate arena and creatively for signing music legends The Doors, Carly Simon, Queen and other acts. Let’s welcome Jac to Talk City and see what he is up to today! Greetings!

Wimppy: How did you get into the business Jac?

Jac Holzman: In 1950 I took my Bar Mitzvah money and started a music label and decided to hire myself!

DianeCCC: Mr. Holzman, please tell us more about your new novel!

Jac Holzman: It is not a novel. But rather a book that describes the music and culture of the 50s and 60s and early 70s.

Heyday: Jac, I wanted to ask if you had any regrets about selling Elektra and Panavison? Both have resold for heaps more recently, do you feel you received your due benefits?

Jac Holzman: I had no regrets about selling either company. It was time for me to move on in both cases.

Jazzy: Jac, you have been around since the days of 'Hi-Fi' recordings, and now the digital age. What do you foresee for the 21st century as far as a recording medium?

Jac Holzman: The two biggest developments in the digitalization of music will be responsible electronic downloading with a small charge to the user. And also there will be a 2nd generation of CD and this format will have greater dynamic range and greater detail in the music and it will enjoy the same multi channel surround sound that you hear in the theatres today. And the name of this is DVD audio. It will be difficult to download DVD audio from the web because of the size of the downloads.

Wimppy: Jac, besides the novel, do you have any other projects in the works - maybe another recording company?

Jac Holzman: God No! I have started three labels and I am pooped! My current activity is as chief of technology for the Warner Music Group, which keeps me very busy.

Rtang: How does it feel to be the founder of Elektra Records?

Jac Holzman: Well, when I did it at the time it was pretty tough. But at 25 years after the fact I am extremely proud of both Elektra and Nonesuch Records. And the response to the book "Follow The Music" has been very rewarding from all the fans.

Jim: How do you tell if someone has the potential to be a singing star, a gold or platinum quality talent? Besides their voice.

Jac Holzman: That is a difficult question. One looks for a magical quality in which the singer and the songs are so perfectly joined that the impact transcends the ordinary. It is difficult to put into words but when the hair on the back of my neck rises I know it is something special.

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