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Rhythm, Royalties, & the Blues: 1950s R&B Performers' Struggle for Unpaid Royalties

#PublicInterest - FIMS Talks in Media & Information continue over the Fall term at the Central Branch of the London Public Library.

Next Lecture:

Rhythm, Royalties, & the Blues: 1950s R&B Performers’ Struggle for Unpaid Royalties

Dr. Matt Stahl
Monday, November 9, 2015
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Central Branch of London Public Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room A

In the 1950s, rhythm & blues singers sold millions of records to black and white audiences. Their innovative performances provided main ingredients for much popular music ever since. However, as they approached retirement age, many R&B singers found themselves in dire straits, even as their records continued to sell. This presentation will outline the record industry practices of the 1950s and 60s that denied royalties and recognition to R&B artists, and how, in the 1980s and 90s, these artists fought back for cultural recognition and economic justice.

For a full listing of upcoming lectures, visit: http://www.fims.uwo.ca/publicinterest