Although he was not a musician himself, John Hammond is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of American music. An incredibly successful record producer and talent scout, Hammond is credited with launching the careers of countless musical greats, both in jazz and in rock. He was instrumental in bringing to fame such giants as Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Leonard Cohen, among countless others. In his revealing and highly compelling autobiography, Hammond tells the fascinating story of his career in the music industry. Bearing no shortage of colorful (and sometime hilarious) anecdotes, John Hammond on Record provides one of the most honest and entertaining depictions of the music industry to date. The reader finds a newfound rapport with the innumerable jazz and rock giants who are so intimately portrayed in this book, and gains unique insight pertaining to the "other side" of the music business. As diverse as its is direct, Hammond's autobiography is a rewarding read for music lovers of all stripes.