137. Paul Rappaport - Sr VP Columbia Records

On this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Paul Rappaport, the legendary rock promotions executive who helped shape the careers of The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and so many more. His new book, Gliders Over Hollywood, reveals the craziest behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of rock—some of which have never been told before! Paul shares how he: 🎸 Turned a flop live album into a gold-selling hit. 🚀 Launched unknown artists to number one, making enemies in the industry. 🔥 Manipulated the rock charts to keep The Rolling Stones at #1 for months. 💥 Fought a fencing duel with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson in the hallways of Columbia Records! It’s a wild, no-holds-barred look at the crazy world of rock promotions, where creativity, risk-taking, and sheer audacity changed the music industry forever. 📖 Gliders Over Hollywood is out April 15th—pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookstore! 🎧 Listen now for some of the best rock stories you’ve never heard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices