You are (in my eyes) a continuous trail blazer in an industry that likes to ‘think’ they are inclusive. And for the most part,it is, but bringing this to the forefront at such a pivotal time in history was gutsy and necessary. Good for you! Now…if we could convince another genre of music…
Connie V. and I (and so many others!) were cheering you on from Chicago when Bill handed the reins over to you. You were like the new Lava Light in the collection of dance music megaphones that the world needed at the time, to take things to the next level. Raising eyebrows, opening eyes and minds to the culture that resided within the dance music scene is what you were meant to do! ¡SALUTE!
OMG - I just got chills remembering "the car door incident." I'm still soooooooooooo sorry - I really am a natural born klutz. Could you ever imagine me "graceful?"
Yes those were wonderful, loud and busy fun days. We need them again, now is good.
Loved reading this Larry and you certainly did great at Billboard .. I just spoke on a panel at the first Queer Music industry conference in LA last week ( It was a great event ) I talked about how it was in the late 80s as a out gay man in the industry trying to get deals for LGBT artists I managed back then, in the middle of the AIDS crisis .I also talked about how indeed, in the 90s m gay marketing departments were created at various major labels but mainly to push straight artists to the gay community record buying public . Not so much to promote queer artists !. Many still remained in the closet especially to get a shot at radio in the US . I was amazed at the amount of young people who came to me after the panel thanking me for sharing a piece of queer history in the music business and wanting to know more. They had no idea of the struggles artists of that period went thru or how few out people there were in our industry . They were fascinated to hear about the changes in the industry over the decades to where we are now . It certainly has changed a lot ! My career as a gay music executive has been a bit of a roller coaster over 4 decades yet we had a lot of fun , a lot of work and a lot of stress but a lot of fun too ! I do miss the dance floor !
I remember that time so well. You had the guts and walked the walk. What an inspiration to everyone! Thank you for your honesty. Larry, you are a gift to our industry. Always have been!
You are (in my eyes) a continuous trail blazer in an industry that likes to ‘think’ they are inclusive. And for the most part,it is, but bringing this to the forefront at such a pivotal time in history was gutsy and necessary. Good for you! Now…if we could convince another genre of music…
Thank you so much, darling. I appreciate your kind words. There is still so much work to be done in the industry.
Connie V. and I (and so many others!) were cheering you on from Chicago when Bill handed the reins over to you. You were like the new Lava Light in the collection of dance music megaphones that the world needed at the time, to take things to the next level. Raising eyebrows, opening eyes and minds to the culture that resided within the dance music scene is what you were meant to do! ¡SALUTE!
These words just made me feel very emotional. Those were such grand and glorious days, weren't they?
Oh... and I still have PTSD from the night you slammed my hand in the car door. HAHAHAHA!!!!
OMG - I just got chills remembering "the car door incident." I'm still soooooooooooo sorry - I really am a natural born klutz. Could you ever imagine me "graceful?"
Yes those were wonderful, loud and busy fun days. We need them again, now is good.
😉❤️
HAHAHAHA! What a night! So fun and funny.
We DO need those days again. NOW.
You have always been a trailblazer, Larry!
You are far too kind. Much love to you
As somebody who grew up reading your column around this exact time, this is an incredible story to hear. Thank you Larry!
Thank you for reading then... and now!
Loved this story! Trailblazer!
Loved reading this Larry and you certainly did great at Billboard .. I just spoke on a panel at the first Queer Music industry conference in LA last week ( It was a great event ) I talked about how it was in the late 80s as a out gay man in the industry trying to get deals for LGBT artists I managed back then, in the middle of the AIDS crisis .I also talked about how indeed, in the 90s m gay marketing departments were created at various major labels but mainly to push straight artists to the gay community record buying public . Not so much to promote queer artists !. Many still remained in the closet especially to get a shot at radio in the US . I was amazed at the amount of young people who came to me after the panel thanking me for sharing a piece of queer history in the music business and wanting to know more. They had no idea of the struggles artists of that period went thru or how few out people there were in our industry . They were fascinated to hear about the changes in the industry over the decades to where we are now . It certainly has changed a lot ! My career as a gay music executive has been a bit of a roller coaster over 4 decades yet we had a lot of fun , a lot of work and a lot of stress but a lot of fun too ! I do miss the dance floor !
What a great story!
I remember that time so well. You had the guts and walked the walk. What an inspiration to everyone! Thank you for your honesty. Larry, you are a gift to our industry. Always have been!
I ALWAYS enjoy your insight! As far as we've come is as long as we have to go....=)