Listen Out Loud: A Life in Music: Managing McCartney, Madonna, and Michael Jackson

Even hardcore music fans don’t know the name Ron Weisner . . . but they should. A high-powered manager for over four decades, Ron worked alongside Madonna, Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Gladys Knight, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, and, most notably, Michael Jackson. He saw the King of Pop through his game-changing multi-platinum albums Thriller and Off the Wall. He watched M.J.'s prickly father Joe run roughshod over both his son and industry execs. He fought back as the industry tried to steer Jackson in a musical direction that would have derailed his career. And he saw Michael suffer through devastating press coverage that turned the troubled singer's world upside down.

 Featuring an introduction from Quincy Jones and commentary from Winwood, Knight, and some behind-the-scenes record label power brokers, Weisner's illuminating memoir Listen Out Loud underscores the destructive changes to the industry during his forty-year career, including the shift in focus from artistic integrity to the pursuit of cold hard numbers. It's an intimate glimpse into the music world from a man with a keen eye, sharp ears, and a big heart.

“The passion and loyalty Ron has for his artists, his business associates, and his friends is unmatched. . . . Now, with the music industry in such flux and turmoil, it’s the perfect time for Ron to tell his story. There’s a whole new generation of representatives, producers, and executives who could stand to learn from his experience. And if they take what he has to say to heart, maybe, just maybe, they can make our entertainment world a little bit better.” —Gladys Knight, from the foreword

"A memoir of the music business from a manager who worked his way up from the mailroom to managing world-class acts. Superstars praise the producer--the book includes short memories penned by the likes of Gladys Knight, Steve Winwood and Quincy Jones. A matter-of-fact epilogue with advice for up-and-coming stars is sensible. Weisner reserves fondness for the late Michael Jackson, whom he stewarded through the height of his career and about whom he shares previously unknown stories (who knew the inspiration for Michael’s uniforms came from punk-pop star Adam Ant?)." --Kirkus Reviews

A high-powered music manager reflects on his forty-year career, working with Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Madonna, his friendships with Gladys Knight, Quincy Jones, and Curtis Mayfield, and the huge, often detrimental changes he witnessed within the industry.

Ron Weisner began his career as a music manager in the 1960s at Buddah Records and worked with some of the most influential artists of the era. He managed Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Steve Winwood, and Curtis Mayfield, among other superstars. He has also spent decades producing television shows and special events for the likes of Beyonce and Chaka Khan.

Alan Goldsher is the author of 14 books, including the acclaimed Beatles/horror comedy Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion. As a ghostwriter, he has collaborated with numerous celebrities and public figures. For more information, visit www.AlanGoldsher.com.