Record Label Executive Discusses the Origins and Growth of Rock Radio
Paul Rappaport, a former executive at a record label, shares his experiences and insights on the early days and transformation of rock radio in his book, “Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay and The Art of Rock Promotion.” This book, released on April 15, 2025, by Jawbone Press, provides an insider’s perspective on the label’s promotional tactics for rock icons like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink Floyd.
Rappaport’s journey in the music industry began as a college representative while studying at UCLA. He reminisces about his first experience promoting the debut album of Santana and his creative yet somewhat naive attempts to market it on campus. Despite this initial hiccup, he quickly rose through the ranks and landed a position as Columbia’s album promotion man in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix. Initially tasked with promoting albums across various radio formats, he found his passion in working with rock stations like KMET, KPPC, and KLOS.
His role as a promotion executive involved carefully presenting music to radio programmers, providing background on artists, suggesting key tracks, and advocating for album plays on radio stations. Rappaport’s innovative promotional strategies, such as painting a radio station building pink for Pink Floyd’s album release or orchestrating laser light shows synchronized with new music, captured the attention of both listeners and media outlets.
Recalling his excitement upon receiving his first gold record from artists Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina for their album “Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin In,” Rappaport reflects on the familial and less corporate atmosphere of the music industry in the early 1970s. He emphasizes the shift from a more personal and collaborative approach to a more corporate structure within record labels over the years.
Rappaport’s book offers a firsthand account of the evolution of the rock radio landscape during its heyday of multi-platinum sales and large-scale tours. His anecdotes and experiences shed light on the dynamic relationship between record labels, artists, and radio stations in shaping the rock music scene. By recounting his adventures in the world of music promotion, he provides a unique perspective on the intersection of creativity, innovation, and strategy in the music industry.
As he delves into the highs and lows of his career in rock promotion, Rappaport captures the spirit and essence of a bygone era in music history. “Gliders Over Hollywood” serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and transform lives, as seen through the eyes of a dedicated industry professional who helped shape the sound of a generation.