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Famous early Elvis Presley recordings, 'All Shook Up,' 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Return to Sender' were all written by African American musician Otis Blackwell and almost identically sung to how Blackwell had on his demonstration recordings. It’s obvious when you listen to the legendary R&B great, Roy Hamilton who the King of RocknRoll admired that Elvis Presley borrowed much of his vocal style from Hamilton. Listen to them both and you be the judge. Take a listen on YouTube. Why it’s obvious that Elvis Presley obtained his dancing style and vocal acumen from African Americans, the majority of people in the White community doesn’t give credit to the originators. Moreover, the Black originators were not compensated for their early input to RocknRoll. Many Black artists didn’t own the rights to their publishing and they signed bad record deals. As with many business dealings over the last century, it may come as no surprise to learn that the mafia has had its hands in the music industry. Several dodgy characters, particularly in the Italian and Jewish mobs, have played a hand in the development of musical ventures. The music industry was of great interest to the mob for several reasons. For starters, for a large part of the 20th century, many transactions were made in cash, including jukebox takings, drink sales at venues, artist revenue and vinyl sales. So too, was the music industry a perpetually moving industry, with constant new releases hitting the shelves. This meant that there was always money to be made. Music was also a central focus at many mafia-owned enterprises, such as nightclubs and bars. However, now that much of the music industry has become digitalised and the influence of the mafia on contemporary business has waned, the mob has largely left the industry. Some have also argued that the belief that the mafia controlled the music business is overstated. Jerry Wexler of Atlantic records said: “The mafia would like to control the record industry, but they have never managed to. They’re just on the fringes: selling cut-out records, pressing, independent promotion.” Just because they don’t control it doesn’t mean the mob has no past influence in the music industry. Organized crime influence explains why many artists have been “ripped off.”

2024: A year of massive moves, creative flair, and, yes, a few stumbles along the way. We’ll appraise the following: - Music Industry - Film and Television Industry - Theatre and Performing Arts - Content Creators - Fashion Industry - Comedy - Tourism and Cultural Events Additionally, we will assess the contributions of the *Office of the Entertainment Ambassador* and the *Office of the Peace Ambassador*. As we deep dive today, we’ll explore this crucial question: Which sectors rose to the occasion, and which… well… dropped the mic?

2024’s greatest losses: A year of farewells to luminaries across music, cinema, politics, sports and the arts - The year 2024 has been marked by the loss of remarkable individuals across diverse fields, including music, cinema, politics, sports, and the arts. These luminaries, celebrated for their exceptional c - https://lnkd.in/g_WnT5vE

As financial management and CFO service providers for nonprofits including arts organizations, we understand how critical it is to adapt to these shifts and leverage opportunities for growth. Are your subscription strategies aligned with these trends? Let’s talk about how we can help your organization stay financially strong and sustainable in an evolving industry! #ArtsOrganizations #FinancialManagement #PerformingArts #SubscriptionRevenue

Ever wondered how Elphaba soars during 'Defying Gravity' in the stage performance of Wicked? It's not just theatrical magic — it's physics! Check out our latest blog to discover #STEM principles behind the scenes of #Wicked. https://lnkd.in/gAeMJFYV #STEMEducation #musical

On this episode of Arts Engines with Aaron Dworkin, he speaks to Eduardo Delgado, Public Programs Director of the New World Symphony, who shares how the symphony harnesses evolving technology to realize its artistic vision of fostering meaningful connections with the community. For Eduardo, community engagement isn't just about outreach—it's about building genuine connections in public settings. By collaborating with trusted community leaders, the symphony seeks to bridge the gap and cultivate authentic relationships with the communities they serve. As Eduardo notes, trust is earned, not assumed, and partnerships must be approached with humility and mutual respect. One shining example of the New World Symphony's commitment to accessibility is the "Wallcast" program. What began as a modest endeavor with concerts on TV screens has blossomed into full-screen projections on building walls, offering free concerts in the park—a testament to their dedication to breaking down barriers and bringing music to all. But innovation doesn't stop there. Recognizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in their audience, the symphony pioneered the "Mobile Wallcast" initiative. By taking the concert experience to communities, they're ensuring that music transcends physical boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences across Miami. At its core, this is more than just about music—it's about understanding and embracing the spaces where art breathes and evolves. Partnerships, Eduardo emphasizes, must be reciprocal, honoring the excellence that exists in every corner of our communities. Yet, we must tread with care and mindfulness. The New World Symphony, like any other organization, must be committed to entering communities where their presence is welcome, ensuring that projects and programs are co-created and mutually beneficial. Change takes time—but the rewards are worth it. #Arts #Culture #Music #Programming #Community #CommunityEngagement #AudienceEngagement #NewWorldSymphony #Miami #Florida #Technology #Artistry #Collaboration #Accessibility #Innovation #Trust #Change

🌟 30 Days of Curiosity: Exploring Life and Learning 🌟 Day 18: Embracing the Performing Arts The performing arts—whether dance, drama, music, or theatre—offer students a powerful platform to express themselves and develop essential life skills like creativity, collaboration, and self-discipline. By stepping onto the stage or participating in a performance, students learn to communicate their emotions, boost their confidence, and discover new talents. How do you incorporate the performing arts into your classroom or school activities? Share a favorite performance or project that has inspired your students! #PerformingArts #CreativeClassroom #StudentExpression 🎭🎶🌟

Airbnb has created a new category called Icons - a list of experiences either free or under $100 - to some of the most unique stays/experiences, tying up with big-name celebrities and franchises. They have been testing similar experiences for a while, such as the Barbie Dreamhouse and Seth Rogen’s Houseplant retreat, and they are now doubling down on this strategy by creating an official category for it. While it doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective of increasing revenue directly, it sure is an effective marketing strategy to attract new segments to Airbnb, such as fans of franchises and celebrities who will check out Airbnb due to this press release. Additionally, the selection process for choosing guests creates a sense of exclusivity. Furthermore, Airbnb could use the data to assess if there is a viable market for high-end experiences based on pop-culture, potentially raising prices to more sustainable levels in the long run. #airbnb #marketing

Airbnb gets it and they know how to surprise and delight their consumers. I have been consulting for their luxury department in the pst five years and I can confirm that they do have access to some of the most unbelievable and unique places before they get mainstream. How can we learn from this? • 🧞♂️Unique Offerings: Airbnb’s “Icons” include standout experiences like a stay in the Ferrari Museum—combining travel with #UNIQUE & LOCAL culture. • 💎#PREMIUM Positioning: Moves Airbnb beyond just budget stays to high-end, exclusive experiences. • 👯♀️#Brand DIFFERENTIATION : Sets Airbnb apart in a saturated market by focusing on unique, CURATED experiences that are more than just accommodations. • 🌍Market EXPANSION: Attracts travelers interested in luxury or one-of-a-kind stays, potentially increasing average earnings per booking. • 👌#QUALITY Focus: Ongoing updates improve user experience by ensuring reliable stays and reducing host cancellations, boosting customer trust and satisfaction . They are basically able to dream, and find ways to let people dream with them. A fun and clever way to create excitement 🌟

Unequivocally, IMHO, the MOST exhilarating launch in the hospitality space this year by Airbnb. The 30-minutes long announcement video introduces 11 icons that provide unique immersive experiences. These Icons span from pop culture to pop music to movie franchise and tap into the upcoming Olympics and nostalgia. Ultimately, these magical experiences toy with our curiosity, imagination and fascination. Airbnb is disrupting the experiential travel category with Icons. The offering casts such a wide net, whether you are Gen Z or a suburban family of four with a dog, I would be shocked if you don't find one or two experiences appealing. This definitely goes into the list of "I wish I am a part of the design team". #experientialtravel #Xmen #Olympics2024 #innovation #immersiveexperience