CBS head tells of signing Elvis

[johnfoyle]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/tm ... _page.html


( extracts)

COCAINE MADE MARVIN'S EYES FILL WITH FEAR

Mar 22 2004


EXCLUSIVE DAY 2: My drug binges with a musical icon


FROM the mid-1970s until the early 90s, Walter
Yetnikoff was the most powerful man in the music
business. As head of CBS Records, he worked with stars
such as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand
and Bob Dylan. In part two of our exclusive series, he
tells of the drug-fuelled excess at the heart of the
industry.

-------------------------------------------------------

As part of my duties, I used to go over to England for
our annual convention.

One time, Diana, a music exec friend, was waiting with
open arms. We slept late... until the company called
from the Intercontinental. Where was I? Everyone was
waiting. I threw on my clothes and raced over.

Hurrying into the hotel, I was stopped by a
journalist, who insisted I listen to something by this
"fabulous singer-songwriter".

I turned around and standing on the street, his guitar
hooked up to a little amp, was a gawky guy with
glasses. "I don't have time," I said. The journalist
motioned to the guy to start playing. "I'll tell my
A&R man to sign him," I said, not really listening. As
a result of that seasoned adjudication, Elvis Costello
came to one of our labels.

[verbal gymnastics]

You could imagine that happening now couldn't you?

Or could you imagine Elvis auditioning for Pap Idol?

What do you reckon Simon Cowell et al would say?