All Platinum - The Making Of A Sound.

[Steve G]

I thought I’d just update everyone on my forthcoming book "All Platinum - The Making Of A Sound" which is now in its final pre-production stage. Although I am not yet taking orders, I am confident that this book will be out in time for Christmas 2023 (I still need to see how much a printer will charge me).

It is a comprehensive history of this most misunderstood of record labels, where so much incorrect “history” is awash all over the internet. A company that had an amazing array of creative talent pass through its doors which, combined with Sylvia’s flair for spotting a hit or a new trend, led to an explosive mix of hits and misses.

The story takes the reader through the history of All Platinum from its humble beginnings in 1967 in chronological order, through to its decision to purchase the Chess catalogue in 1975 and then on to 1979 and its ultimate demise. There are many exclusive interviews with people who were there and quotes from insiders.

As well as the company’s hitmakers, The Moments, The Rimshots, The Whatnauts, Donnie Elbert, Linda Jones, Retta Young etc., the obscurer acts to sign on with Joe & Sylvia have their stories told too. The penultimate chapter deals with the demise of the company and the birth of Sugar Hill Records. Whilst I have left the Sugar Hill story to someone else, the book finishes with the “death by litigation” that has persisted from the 1970s into the 21st Century and ultimately beyond the lives of Joe & Sylvia R.

I haven’t stayed away from the controversy that surrounded the company either. Joe & Sylvia had as many detractors as they had champions.

The book also looks at how the company’s musical explosion in the UK and Europe came about in the mid 70s, another fascinating story in itself.

The second part of the book is the most comprehensive discography featuring over a further 200 pp and showing what I believe to be every record released, distributed or pressed by the company (including some that I am sure you won’t have seen before and titles for some of the famous “missing numbers”.

The book totals 534 pages in A4 size and in colour!

So, make a note to add “All Platinum - The Making Of A Sound” to your Christmas list.

Steve

Edited August 9, 2023 by Steve G