BOOK REVIEWS

The following is a list of books dealing with copyright law, trademark law and the music industry. Briefs reviews and/or descriptions have been included for most. Most of these books provide very useful, accurate information while some may be a bit overly simplistic or inaccurate in some respects. Although this list is fairly comprehensive, it is by no means an all-inclusive list. If you are aware of any useful books not on this list, please feel free to let us know by sending an e-mail to info@copyrightguru.com. Most of these books can be ordered through amazon.com (click here to go to amazon's music business page). The list of books is organized according to the following categories:

• Copyright

• Other Intellectual Property (Trademarks, etc.)

• General Music Business

• Napster, MP3 & Online Music

• Songwriting & Music Publishing

• Record Labels & The Recording Industry

• Management, Booking & Touring

• Music Marketing

• Recording & Production

• Miscellaneous (Biographies, Fiction, etc.)

Copyright

Music Copyright for the New Millennium - David J. Moser, Mix Books, 2001 - As the author, I certainly don’t have an unbiased view on this one. However, to my knowledge, this is the only book about copyright law that is specifically geared to the music industry. Highly recommended

The Copyright Handbook: How to Protect and Use Written Works - Stephen Fishman, Nolo Press, 1992 - This book although it covers copyright as it applies to written works and is very practical and informative. Highly recommended

Copyright’’s Highway: The Law and Lore of Copyright from Gutenberg to the Celestial Jukebox - Paul Goldstein, Hill and Wang, 1994 - This book gives a very good account of how and why copyright law has developed in the United States. Excellent reference, but probably only of great interest to copyright lawyers and academics

Copyright Law - Richard Stim, West Legal Studies, 2000 - An easy to read overview of copyright law with plenty of interesting examples.

Digital Copyright - Jessica Litman, Prometheus Books, 2001 - This book examines whether some of the provisions of copyright law make practical sense. Litman believes that many of the recent amendments to copyright law were enacted solely to protect content creators and do not reflect the balancing test that copyright is supposed to consider between providing incentives to create with ultimately making works available to the public.

Copyrights and Copywrongs: The Rise of Intellectual Property and How it Thwarts Creativity - Siva Vaidhyanathan, New York University Press, 2001 - Covers the evolution of copyright and discusses some of the current controversial issues involving copyright law. The author takes the position that copyright no longer serves its intended purpose of providing incentives to encourage authors to create. Instead, the author believes that copyright only really protects very successful authors and corporations that own copyrighted software, digital music, films, books and other works. His proposed solution is to limit copyright in order to encourage creativity and to provide a greater public domain from which authors can borrow. Well written and makes some very good points although somewhat exaggerated at times (e.g., copyright does not really discriminate between authors although successful authors do receive greater financial benefits - that, however, is much more the result of business and economics rather than copyright).

The Copyright Book: A Practical Guide - William S. Strong, MIT Press, 4th edition, 1996 - Although a bit dated, this book provides a useful explanation of copyright law in a fairly easy to read style.

The Illustrated Story of Copyright - Edward Samuels, St. Martin’’s Press, 2000 - Provides ample illustrations of various copyrighted works and technological devices used to reproduce and distribute copyrighted works. Also provides a good overview of the basic provisions of copyright law.    Note - This book is currently out of print, but you can buy or download a copy from the author's website at www.edwardsamuels.com.

Other Intellectual Property (Trademarks, etc.)

Protecting Your Company's Intellectual Property: A Practical Guide to Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents & Trade Secrets - Deborah E. Bouchoux - Discusses how companies can protect their intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets). Also covers how to protect domain names and website content.

Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name (Trademark, 6th Ed) - Stephen Elias, Nolo Press -

General Music Business

All You Need To Know About The Music Business - Donald Passman, Simon & Schuster, 2000 - For someone who does not have much knowledge of how the music business works, this is probably the best book to start with. The author is a heavyweight entertainment attorney who has represented Mariah Carey and other superstar artists. The book is written in a very easy to read and entertaining style. Topics covered include: the artist’s team of advisors (managers, business managers, agents and attorneys); record deals; songwriting and publishing; copyright law; trademark law; touring; merchandising; and music for motion pictures. Highly recommended

The Musicians’’s Business and Legal Guide - Mark Halloran, Prentice Hall, 3rd edition, 2001 - Another very good book for people who want to gain an understanding of the main legal issues involved in the music business. It covers topics such as artist management, live performances, recordings, music publishing, film and television. It also provides some sample contracts with clause by clause explanations which are very useful. Highly recommended

This Business of Music - Sidney Shemel & M. William Krasilovsky, Billboard Books, 9th edition, 2003 - For many years, this was the only book dealing with the legal side of the music business and is still commonly referred to as the "bible" of the music business. It is quite comprehensive, covering recording, music publishing, copyright law, trademark law, etc.

A Music Business Primer - Diane Rapaport, Prentice Hall, 2003 - A relatively recent addition to the books that offer an overall explanation of how the music business is structured and how it operates. The book is quite comprehensive, covering topics such as record companies, copyright, music publishing, artist management, concert promotion, arts administration, etc. An excellent resource especially for those not very familiar with the music industry.

More About This Business of Music - Sidney Shemel & M. William Krasilovsky, Billboard Books, 1994 - This book is basically a supplement to This Business of Music which covers six specialized areas of the music business - serious (classical) music, religious music, jazz, print music, background music and live performances.

Breakin’ In To The Music Business - Alan H. Siegel, Fireside Publishing, 1990 - Unfortunately, I believe this book is currently out of print, but its well worth reading if you can find a copy. Covers copyright law, songwriting and publishing, recording, etc. Also includes a very good glossary of music industry terminology.

Music, Money and Success - Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec, Schirmer Books, 3rd edition, 2001 - Written by twin brothers and music industry executives Jeff and Todd Brabec, this book provides a comprehensive explanation of the various ways money is made in the music industry. It deals mostly with how income is earned by songs and the music publishing business, but covers other income sources as well. Topics covered include copyright, music publishing, recording agreements, and the use of music in film, television and advertising. If you want to know how much money hit songs can earn, this is probably the best source of information available. Highly recommended

Understanding the Music Business - Irwin Steinberg & Harmon Greenblatt, Pearson Custom Publishingm 2nd edition, 2002 - A very good overview of the various aspects of the music business including major record company structure, independent record labels, record contracts, marketing, radio, publishing, etc.

Legal Aspects of the Music Industry: An Insider’’s View - Richard Schulenberg, Watson-Guptill Publications, 1999 - This is a very useful book which contains many sample clauses from music industry contracts (recording, publishing, etc.) along with textual explanations. However, since most of the book is made up of contract provisions, it may be a bit more than some readers want to deal with.

Music Law: How to Run Your Band's Business - Richard Stim, Nolo Press, 1998 - Deals with most of the common legal issues that arise for artists such as ownership of band names, band partnership agreements, management, record deals and publishing deals. It includes a floppy disk which contains various form contracts.

Everything You’d Better Know About The Record Industry - Kashif, Brooklyn Boy Books, 1996 - The author is a successful record producer who has produced records for Whitney Houston, Kenny G and other artists. It provides a decent summary of the music industry, but is a bit dated and contains some inaccurate information.

The Recording Industry - Geoffrey P. Hull, Allyn and Bacon, 1998 - A good overview of how the recording industry is structured and how it functions. The book is based on the three major income streams in the recording industry (recordings, songwriting and performance). Topics include the structure of the six major record companies (since consolidated into 5 with the merger of Polygram and Universal), music publishing, live entertainment, etc. Very good overall, but contains some outdated information.

Making It In The Music Business - Lee Wilson, Plume Books, 1995 - A pretty good book on various legal issues that bands encounter. Topics covered include copyright, management, entertainment attorneys, etc.

The Music Business: Career Opportunities and Self Defense - Dick Weissman, Three Rivers Press, 2nd edition, 1997 - This book is a bit dated, but provides useful information on the history of the record industry, record company contracts, music publishing, audio engineering, instrument repair and other careers in the music business.

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide - David Baskerville, The Sherwood Co., 7th edition, 2000 - A very comprehensive overview of the music business. Topics covered include songwriting, publishing, copyright, recording, artist management, retailing, merchandising, and arts administration. Especially good book for beginners.

Confessions of a Record Producer: How to Survive the Scams and Shams of the Music Business - Moses Avalon, Miller Freeman Books, 1998 - The author claims to be a successful record producer, but is using a pseudonym which makes this impossible to verify. The book basically covers some of the many common scams prevalent in the music industry, including ways producers rip off artists, artists steal songs, record companies cheat artists out of royalties, etc. It provides some useful information, but also contains some inaccuracies.

How To Be A Working Musician: A Practical Guide To Earning Money In The Music Business - Mike Levine, Billboard Books, 1997 - This book discusses different ways musicians earn income, including live performances, recording, and composing for advertising. Useful information for aspiring musicians.

The Platinum Rainbow: How To Succeed In The Music Business Without Selling Your Soul - Bob and Riordan Monaco, Swordsman Press, 1990 - Although dated (it may be out-of-print) and oversimplified, this book provides some useful information for musicians on how to survive in the music business.

Making A Living In Your Local Music Market - Dick Weissman, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1999 - A good book for beginning musicians. Covers ways musicians can make money outside of the major music industry centers.

The Music Business Explained in Plain English: What Every Artist & Songwriter Should Know to Avoid Getting Ripped Off - Jeffrey Brandsetter and David Naggar, SCB Distributors, 1996 - A somewhat simplistic overview of copyright, music publishing, promotion, and contract negotiation tactics.

Welcome to the Jungle - Joe Owens, Harper Perennial, 1995 - Easy to read book which provides advice on how to get a record deal, etc.

Dictionary of Music Business Terms - Tim Whitsett, Mix Books, 1998 - A very comprehensive collection of definitions of terms used in the music industry. Although not the most entertaining reading since it is a dictionary, it is a very useful reference.

Moving Up in the Music Business - Jodi Summers, Allworth Press, 2000 - A useful book for aspiring musicians. Provides an easy to read description of the various aspects of the music industry, including artist management, marketing, promotion and distribution.

Law and Business of the Entertainment Industries - Biederman, Silfen, Martin, etc.; Praeger Publishers, 1996 - This is a law school textbook on entertainment law made up of both court decisions and textual material. Very comprehensive and informative, but probably a bit too detailed for non-lawyers or law students.

Recording Industry Sourcebook - Mix Books, published annually - This book is a compilation of music industry contacts including major and independent record labels, publishers, recording studios, entertainment attorneys etc. Very useful.

Napster, MP3 & Online Music

Sonic Boom:Napster, MP3 & the New Pioneers of Music - John Alderman, Perseus Publishing, 2001 - This book discusses the conflict between technology and the music industry in the beginning of the online music era. Takes the somewhat biased, but obviously media and consumer friendly position of portraying the free online music proponents as heroes and the traditional music industry as villains. I wonder whether the author would feel the same way if his book was massively infringed by file traders.

Beyond The Charts: MP3 and the Digital Music Revolution - Bruce Haring, OTC Press, 2000 - This book covers the so-called digital music revolution which began in the late 1990s. It covers the story of Mp3.com and other companies which tried to make a business out of selling music on the Internet (N2K, EMusic, etc.), virtually all of which have since gone out of business or been bought by one of the major entertainment companies. It also covers some of the legal battles fought by the RIAA such as the Rio portable MP3 player. Interestingly, it does not discuss Napster (possibly because it was written before the lawsuit by the RIAA against Napster). Overall, a very readable and informative book. Highly recommended

Songwriting & Music Publishing

Music Publishing: The Real Road to Music Business Success - Tim Whitsett, Mix Books, 1997 - The best overall book I have found on music publishing. Includes information on starting and operating a publishing company, publishing contracts, income sources and licensing, performing right societies and administration. Highly recommended

Music Publishing: A Songwriter’s Guide - Randy Poe, Writer's Digest, 1993 - Another very good book on music publishing although a bit dated. Includes information on copyright law, starting a publishing company, income sources, etc.

Kohn On Music Licensing - Al Kohn and Bob Kohn, Aspen Law & Business, 1996 - An extremely comprehensive reference on how music is used commercially. Contains detailed and practical information about how music is licensed for various uses, royalty rates, etc. The book includes many useful forms and license agreements which are also contained on an accompanying floppy disc. The only downside is the price (about $150) which will turn many people off.

The Craft and Business of Songwriting - John Braheny, Writer Digest Books, 1995 - A good overview of music publishing from a songwriter’s perspective.

How To Have Your Hit Song Published - Jay Warner, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1988 - Reasonably decent overview of publishing. Primarily covers the marketing or exploitation of songs.

Songwriter’’s Market - Donna Collingwood, Writer's Digest - An annual compilation of music industry contacts (publishers, etc.) along with a basic explanation of the music publishing business.

How To Pitch and Promote Your Songs - Fred Koller, Allworth Press, 1996 - Written by a successful songwriter, this book provides good information on how songwriters can publish their own songs.

Selling Songs Successfully - Henry Boye, Lifetime Books, 1995 - A somewhat simplistic view of how to publish songs. Songwriters will probably find How To Pitch and Promote Your songs more useful.

The Bottom Line Is Money: A Comprehensive Guide To Songwriting and the Music Industry - Jennifer E. Pierce, Bold Strummer, Ltd., 1993 - Covers the songwriting process as well as providing some basic information on the music business.

The Craft of Lyric Writing - Sheila Davis, Writer Digest Books, 1985 - A good book on writing song lyrics. Includes analyzes of many successful lyrics.

The Complete Handbook of Songwriting - Mark and Kathy Liggett, Dutton Books, 1993 - This book provides some useful information and tips for songwriters.

The Songwriter’s Idea Book - Sheila Davis, Writer's Digest Books, 1992 - This handbook contains brainstorming techniques and exercises to foster the lyric writer's creativity, and banish writer's block.

The Songwriter’’s & Musician’s Guide to Nashville - Sherry Bond, Allworth Press - A good source of information for aspiring songwriters and musicians wanting to make it in the Nashville music business. Includes information on showcasing, getting feedback on songs from publishers and performing rights organizations, etc.

Record Labels & The Recording Industry

Start and Run Your Own Record Label - Daylle Deanna Schwartz, Watson-Guptil Publications, 1998 - For musicians and others wanting to operate their own record labels, this is an informative although somewhat oversimplified reference. Topics covered include starting a record label, financing, signing artists, manufacturing and distribution, and marketing. It includes many quotes from music industry professionals.

The Musician’s Guide to Making & Selling Your Own CDs and Cassettes - Jana Stansfield, Writer's Digest Books, 1997 - A decent book for musicians who want to produce and sell their own CDs.

Releasing an Independent Record: How to Successfully Start and Run Your Own Record Label - Gary Hustwit, Rockpress Publishing, 6th edition, 1998 - Another book on how musicians can sell their own records. Includes information on manufacturing, distribution, publicity, touring, etc. The book includes contact lists (record stores, distributors, press, radio stations, booking agents, manufacturers, and record labels), many of which are outdated.

The Real Deal: How to Get Signed to a Record Label From A to Z - Daylle Deanna Schwartz, Billboard Books, 1997 - This book provides a somewhat over-simplified view of how to get a record deal as well as other advice on establishing a career in the music business. A decent reference for beginners.

The A To Z Of Record Labels - Brian Southall, Sanctuary Publishing (London), 2000 - This book gives an overview of many of the most successful record companies in alphabetical order, from A&M to Zomba. The labels included are mostly ones that deal with popular music and many small, niche labels are omitted. The book also contains statistical information such as number one singles and albums in the United States and United Kingdom. Unfortunately, a book like this is perpetually out of date to some extent since labels are constantly being bought out by other labels, merging with other labels or going out of business so don’t expect all of the information to be currently accurate.

An International History of the Recording Industry - Pekka Gronow & Ilpo Saunio, Cassell, 1998 - This book provides a history of the recording industry from the 1870s to the 1990s. It discusses advances in technology and industry structure. Somewhat difficult reading, mostly due to the fact that the book is translated from Finnish.

Management, Booking & Touring

This Business of Artist Management - Xavier M. Frascogna and Lee Hetherington, Billboard Books, 1997 - A reasonably detailed book on the hard to define subject of artist management. Since artist management is such a broad area, this book primarily covers the various areas of an artist’s career - recording, songwriting, performing, etc. It does, however, also provide information on how to select a manager and career planning.

The IMF Handbook 2000: A Guide to Professional Band Management - Andrew Thompson, Sanctuary Publishing, 1999 - This book is put together by the International Managers Forum and covers artist management, agents, live performances, recording contracts, publicity and merchandising. The book’s main focus is on the United Kingdom market, but most of its information is generally applicable.

How To Be Your Own Booking Agent - Jeri Goldstein, The New Music Times, Inc., 1998 - A useful reference for musicians which provides information on how to get gigs, goal setting, business structure and marketing. Provides sample contracts and contact information.

All Area Access: Personal Management for Unsigned Musicians - Marc Davison, Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, 1997 - Although this book provides some useful information, it is poorly written, containing numerous typos and terrible illustrations.

Music Marketing

The Billboard Guide To Music Publicity - Jim Pettigrew, Jr., Billboard Books, 1997 - Provides useful information on music publicity including press kits, press releases, etc.

Networking in the Music Business - Dan Kimpel, Writer's Digest, 1993 - Provides basic advice on how to make contacts in the music industry in order to start and promote your career.

Tim Sweeney’s Guide to Releasing Independent Records - Tim Sweeney and Mark Geller. Los Angeles: TSA Books, 1996 - A useful reference for musicians wanting to sell their own records. Topics covered include recording, packaging, distribution, promotion and marketing.

Getting Radio Airplay: The Guide to Getting Your Music Played on College, Public & Commercial Radio - Gary Hustwit, Rockport Pub, 1998 - This book provides advice on how musicians can try to get their music played on the radio. It includes a directory of radio stations, but many of these listings are likely to be outdated.

Recording & Production

The Billboard Guide To Home Recording - Ray Baragary, Billboard Books, 1997 - Good source of information on recording equipment and techniques.

The Expert Encyclopedia of Recording - Rick Clark - Various successful producers (e.g., Tony Visconti, Danny Elfman, Eddy Offord, Trevor Rabin) interviewed for this book share tips and information on the recording process.

Miscellaneous (Biographies, Fiction, etc.)

Exploding: The Highs, Hits, Hype, Heroes & Hustlers of the Warner Music Group - Stan Cornyn, Harper Entertainment, 2002 - Cornyn provides an interesting history of Warner, from its beginnings as a small comedy and soundtrack label to rock and roll, acquisitions of Atlantic, Elektra and other successful labels to its rise and fall as the world's #1 record label. Interesting anecdotes dealing with the behind-the-scenes deals, payola, artists breaking contracts, egotistical label executives and artists, etc. Includes stories involving artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Madonna, Ice-T, Lil' Kim, Dr. Dre and many more. A long (457 pages), but highly informative read. Highly recommended

Hit Men: Power Brokers & Fast Money Inside the Music Business - Fredric Dannen, Vintage Books, 1991 - Although a bit dated, this is an excellent book which details the unethical practices prevalent in the music industry. Some of the topics covered include record company politics, the huge egos of executives and artists, and payola (undisclosed payments for radio airplay). Should be required reading for anyone who wants to work in the music industry. Highly recommended

Off the Charts: Ruthless Days and Reckless Nights Inside the Music Industry - Birch Lane Press - A very good book, somewhat in the style of Hit Men, covering the music industry from the early 1980s, showing how the music industry has become more corporate while retaining its history of shady deals and con artists. Highly recommended

The Mansion on the Hill - Fred Goodman, Vintage Books, 1998 - Provides an analysis of how rock music has became a product of major corporations. Focuses on managers and record moguls such as Albert Grossman, Jon Landau, and David Geffen.

Have Gun Will Travel: The Spectacular Rise and Violent Fall of Death Row Records - Ronin Ro, Doubleday, 1998 - A somewhat sloppily written view of the once highly successful Death Row Records. The book covers Suge Knight’’s rise from the ghetto to leading one of the most successful gangsta rap record labels to his imprisonment. Gives a good view of how Knight, pretending to be the protector of young rap artists signed to Death Row, really took advantage of them as much (if not more) than any record label, often intimidating artists with threats and violence.

Nashville’’s Unwritten Rules: Inside The Business of Country Music - Dan Daley, Overlook Press, 1998 - Provides an accurate overview of the Nashville country music industry. The book is structured around the main individuals involved in the creative process - artists, songwriters, and producers (who are often songwriters, publishers, record label executives as well).

Women On Top: The Quiet Revolution That’s Rocking the American Music Industry - James Dickerson, Billboard Books - Outlines the historical bias against women from the executive levels of the music industry and how that situation has gradually improved. Although, its premise is certainly true, the book contains many inaccuracies and unsubstantiated opinions.

A & R: A Novel - Bill Flanagan, Random House, 2000 - This novel written by Bill Flanagan (former head of VH-1's marketing department) provides an entertaining and humorous view of the music business. Although fictional, most of the information about the music business resembles reality and several of the characters are likely based on actual members of the music industry. Very entertaining reading.

Get Hot or Go Home: Trisha Yearwood: The Making of a Nashville Star - Lisa Rebecca Gubernick, William Morrow & Co., 1993 - Although I think this book is out of print, its worth buying if you can find it. It provides a very accurate portrayal of the process involved in becoming a successful recording artist. Yearwood’s story illustrates that once an artist starts having some commercial success, life becomes much harder. Obligations and pressures mount, often wreaking havoc on the artist’s business and personal lives.

Moguls And Madmen: The Pursuit of Power in Popular Music - Jory Farr, Simon & Schuster, 1994 - This book, which I believe is out of print, tells the stories of several prominent music industry executives and record labels, including Rick Rubin, rap label Ruthless Records, country producer/label heads Jimmy Bowen and Tony Brown.

Dreaming Out Loud - Bruce Feiler - Using Garth Brooks, Wade Hayes and Wynonna Judd as his primary examples, Felier provides an accurate perspective on the Nashville country music industry, including how the industry has evolved.

To The Limit: The Untold Story of the Eagles - Marc Eliot, Little, Brown & Co., 1998 - This book documents the Eagles highly successful career, but also details the love/hate relationships (much more hate than love it seems) among the band’s members.