In this episode, Kevin Michael Grace and I discuss some of the infamous music industry rip-offs. This is part of the whole “well, how did we get here?” examination of the business. We start with a recent article about Leonard Cohen’s last manager and how he was cleared by a court of mismanaging the singer/songwriter’s estate. This led us back to the time when Cohen had his life savings stolen from him by his business manager Kelley Lynch; an interesting case study because all the legal documents are posted online. Then we can move on to others like Morris Levy, the gangster with the good ear, and Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary owner of Atlantic Records who, while better than some other record producers, still didn’t manage to pay his artists all that well.

SHOW NOTES

yusipka on Rumble, Apr 4, 2026: RPGG Episode 3 – Infamous Music Business Rip-offs

Globe and Mail, Mar 31, 2026: Judge finds Leonard Cohen’s manager did nothing wrong, countering claims by songwriter’s heirs

Leonard Cohen on Youtube, posted Mar 29, 2019: Everybody Knows (Official Live in London 2008)

Kelley Lynch Fact Check: The Truth about Kelley Lynch’s Allegations against Leonard Cohen

Toronto Sun, Jun 04, 2022: CRIME HUNTER: How rock ‘n roll mobster terrorized, ripped off stars

Wikipedia: Morris Levy

A Breath of Fresh Air 60s 70s 80s Music Interviews on Youtube, posted July 10, 2024: Tommy James (and the Shondells) on his Life, his Music and their Mob

henrysgig1 on Youtube, posted Dec 18, 2009: Mony Mony by Tommy James & The Shondells

Vanity Fair, January 1998: Devil in a Bespoke Suit

Wikipedia: Allen Klein

Time, Jul 24, 2024: The True Story Behind Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam