On December 15, 1910, John Hammond was born, known for having found some of the best artists in the history of music.
The musiclike the rest of the arts, involves an evolutionary activity, in which one is always in search of the new, the fresh or the disruptive. Today that task seems to be simple; Just enter and wander through social networks until you find a niche artist with unimaginable potential.
However, in times without cell phones or television, that same search was on the street, the pubs and the stages. During that time the figure of the headhuntera profession as noble as it is evil, according to the names. one of them was John Hammondand his prominence in this note is due to the fact that he was not just any talent scout.
John Hammond, the music industry’s biggest talent scout
Born in 1910 in New York, United States, John Henry Hammond He belonged to an aristocratic family. To the four years started studying pianoan activity that was quickly replaced by the violin. There was clearly a passion for music, but Hammond, unlike his mother who encouraged him to enjoy classical music, found a language in common with black music.
a concert of Bessie Smith in Harlem bought a young Hammond who, after attending Yale University, He collaborated as a correspondent for Melody Makerthe oldest popular music magazine, founded in 1926. In between, he walked from bar to bar discovering music and along the way he tested record companies, all with one goal: “Giving recognition and value to the supremacy of blacks in jazz is the most effective and constructive form of social protest that I could think of.” “.
And so began his extensive path of help and favors to artists who were really worthwhile. Starting with Billie Holidayone of the most acclaimed female voices in history. In addition, he lent a hand to figures such as Count Basie, Aretha Franklin and Cab Callowayand even convinced Benny Goodman to add musicians of color to his band.
After refloating to Robert Johnsonblues composer, and falling in love with bebop, Hammond turned the page and began to become interested in folk. and in 1961his search paid off: He saw light and a future in a strange young man named Bob Dylan.. “You don’t look like a newcomer, kid, you look like you’re the genuine continuer of our tradition. You’re very, very talented, you just have to manage it and it will be wonderful. I’m going to sign you“Hammond told him.
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The last great goal was scored ten years later, when he found Bruce Springsteenwho would later be one of the biggest names in rock during the 70s and 80s. In 1987, Hammond died at the age of 77 from a stroke.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
