Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast Episode 306 - Richie Weeks and Jerome Derradji
After reading a profile of Richie Weeks in The New York Times, we thought: "if ever there was an artist that should be on the pod, it's this guy."
In the spirit of transparency, Keith is a rock-n-roll guy, so dance music/disco isn't his jam. But he couldn't help but bop up and down and smile while listening to Richie's music.
We're confident his music will have the same impact on you.
Richie's story is not atypical to the music business - talent, exploitation, and redemption. The first two are much too familiar. The third is more elusive.
Past Due Records majordomo and DJ/producer Jerome Derradji and Richie stopped by to talk about their first release together. Richie Weeks, The Love Magician Archives - Disco - New York City 1978-79 vol. 1.
They shared with Keith the rest of the story that The New York Times article didn't tell.
After the usual battle with a record label, Richie and Jerome are lining up a release schedule re-packaging Weeks' entire catalog. And they're planning the release of new music. And maybe even a tour.
Did we forget to mention that he was a full-time US Postal Worker at the height of his musical career?
In this episode, we tell the complete Richie Weeks story... so far.
LINKS
Variety Magazine - Article on BMG’s Discriminatory Contract Terms for Black Artists’
The Conversation - Article on Denying Black Musicians Their Royalties
Rolling Stone - BMG Finds Disparity in Black Artists' Contracts