Listen to Godfather of the Music Business: Morris Levy (American Made Music) by Richard Carlin
Enjoy this audiobook with MP3 Audiobook Player - the ultimate iOS audiobook experience
This biography tells the story of one of the most notorious figures in the history of popular music, Morris Levy (1927-1990). At age nineteen, he cofounded the nightclub Birdland in Hell's Kitchen, which became the home for a new musical style, bebop. Levy operated one of the first integrated clubs on Broadway and helped build the careers of Dizzy Gillespie and Bud Powell and most notably aided the reemergence of Count Basie. In 1957, he founded a record label, Roulette Records. Roulette featured many of the significant jazz artists who played Birdland but also scored top pop hits with acts like Buddy Knox, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Joey Dee and the Starliters, and, in the mid-1960s, Tommy James.Stories abound of Levy threatening artists, songwriters, and producers, sometimes just for the sport, other times so he could continue to build his empire. Along the way, Levy attracted "investors" with ties to the Mafia, including Dominic Ciaffone (a.k.a. "Swats" Mulligan), Tommy Eboli, and the most notorious of them all, Vincent Gigante. Gigante allegedly owned large pieces of Levy's recording and retail businesses.Starting in the late 1950s, the FBI and IRS investigated Levy but could not make anything stick until the early 1980s, when Levy foolishly got involved in a deal to sell remaindered records to a small-time reseller, John LaMonte. With partners in the mob, Levy tried to force LaMonte to pay for four million remaindered records. When the FBI secretly wiretapped LaMonte in an unrelated investigation and agents learned about the deal, investigators successfully prosecuted Levy in the extortion scheme. Convicted in 1988, Levy did not live to serve prison time. Stricken with cancer, he died just as his last appeals were exhausted. However, even if he had lived, Levy's brand of storied high life was effectively bust. Corporate ownership of record labels doomed most independents in the business, ending the days when a savvy if ruthless hustler could blaze a path to the top.
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Plays MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and iPod with seamless integration
Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x for your listening preference
Import audiobooks via iTunes, cloud services, or direct downloads
Get your favorite audiobooks in supported formats from various sources
Import audiobooks to MP3 Audiobook Player using multiple methods
Control playback from your device, headphones, Apple Watch, or CarPlay
Join thousands of users who enjoy audiobooks with MP3 Audiobook Player daily
Download Now