Richard James Burgess draws on his experience as a producer, a musician, and an author in this history of recorded music, which focuses on the development of music production as both art form and profession. This comprehensive narrative begins in 1860 with the first known recording of an acoustic sound and moves chronologically through the twentieth century, examining the creation of the market for recorded sound, the development of payment structures, the origins of the recording studio and those who work there, and, ultimately, the evolution of the recording industry itself. Burgess charts the highs and lows of the industry through the decades, ending with a discussion of how Web 2.0 has affected music production. The focus remains throughout the book on the role of the music producer, and Burgess offers biographical information on key figures in the history of the industry, including Fred Gaisberg, Phil Spector, and Dr. Dre. Undergirding Burgess's narrative is the argument that while technology has historically defined the nature of music production, the drive toward greater control over the process, end result, and overall artistry came from producers. In keeping with this unique argument, The History of Music Production incorporates clear yet in-depth discussion of the developmental engagement of technology, business, and art with music production. Burgess builds this history of music production upon the strongest possible foundation: the key transitions, trends, people, and innovations that have been most important in the course of its development over the past 136 years. The result is a deeply knowledgeable book that sketches a critical path in the evolution of music production, and describes and analyzes the impact recording, playback, and disseminative technologies have had on recorded music and music production. Central to the field and a key reference book for students and scholars alike, it will stand as a companion volume to Burgess's noted, multi-edition book The Art of Music Production.

About the Author
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.

Reviews
Indispensable for lovers of music who are fascinated by the history of how musical recordings are made. Burgess has wrapped engaging stories around impressive research. * Steve Savage, author of The Art of Digital Audio Recording and Mixing and Mastering in the Box *
This important work brings new perspectives to the history of recorded music and shows how new technologies have been applied artfully and creatively by the many talented artisans of the craft in ways that changed how music is understood. * Mike Howlett, Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology and Grammy award-winning producer *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199357178
Author Richard James Burgess
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 354g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 166mm * 19mm