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Soundcheck

Wednesday, July 25, 2007
  • Clive Davis
    Clive Davis

    The Man with the Golden Ears

    Clive Davis is the record industry powerbroker who launched the careers of artists like Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, and Alicia Keys. Today, he talks about forty years of being a hands-on executive, and he considers today's volatile music industry. Natasha Khan is better known as the singer-songwriter behind Bat for Lashes, a band recently nominated for the Mercury Prize. She joins us today.

Clive Davis

The career of Clive Davis took off 40 years this summer when he attended the Monterey Pop Festival. He's been the head of CBS and then Arista Records, and now is the chairman and CEO of BMG Music U.S., where he heads a recording empire that includes some 170 artists. We speak with Davis from his offices in Midtown.

Clive Davis at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Copyrights and Wrongs

Yesterday, the British government decided NOT to extend the current 50-year term for copyright protection, despite heavy lobbying from the music industry. Several labels were requesting an extension to a 70-year term, claiming that many living musicians will lose the rights to their work soon. Joining us to explain the story is Ren Bucholz, assistant director of international affairs for the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Bat For Lashes

Bat For Lashes, aka British singer-songwriter Natasha Khan, was recently nominated for the Mercury Prize. She joins us today to share her debut album, "Fur And Gold," due for American release on July 31.

Bat for Lashes
Video: Bat for Lashes, "What's a Girl To Do?"
Video: Bat for Lashes, "Prescilla"

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.