Hit MenPOWER BROKERS AND FAST MONEY INSIDE THE MUSIC BUSINESS.4.2 out of 5
4.2 out of 5
Hot take
Hit Men by Fredric Dannen is a legendary exposé that rips the curtain off the music industry’s golden era, chronicling the egos, greed, and power struggles that shaped pop’s biggest hits. The book dives deep into the top 40 business of the ’70s and ’80s, unmasking payola, corruption, and even mafia connections with a storytelling style that’s both captivating and unsettling. For creators, it’s a must-read—both a warning and a lesson about what really goes on behind the scenes, and why so many industry problems persist today. On the flip side, its focus is largely on old-school, major-label battles, so don’t expect tips for navigating the streaming era or indie scene. Still, Dannen’s reporting stands up as an essential industry history, even if some examples now feel a bit dated.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Candid, well-researched exposé of the music business
Engaging storytelling with real-life industry drama
Insight into power dynamics, payola, and corruption
Profiles legendary music execs and their influence
Widely considered a classic industry read
Cons
Focuses on the 1970s-80s major label era—feels dated for today's landscape
Doesn’t go in-depth on independent or modern digital music scenes
Can be overwhelming with insider references and industry jargon
Key Features
Investigative journalism into music industry machinations
Chronicling of major label politics and scandals
In-depth profiles of influential executives
Exploration of payola and organized crime connections
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