PETER ASHER — A Life in Music

Peter Asher, after over 60 years in the entertainment business, is long overdue for an assessment of his life and career. He is the only person who has been wildly successful in every facet of the music industry – hit-making performer, award-winning record producer, superstar artist manager, and major label vice-president. Yet his influence and innovations are mostly unknown; he was arguably the first producer to use samples, while other early recording experiments influenced The Beatles.

But the book - done with his blessing and cooperation - is more than about one amazing man and his incredible career; it is also a look at the last 60 years of popular music told by the artists and insiders who shaped it, filtered through the life of a man whose talent, intelligence, honesty and business sense earned the respect of all with whom he worked.

Along with both James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, whose multi-platinum-selling records Asher produced and whose careers he managed for years, over 100 other friends and colleagues are interviewed in the book. These include: Beatles producer Sir George Martin, Jackson Browne, Cher, David Crosby, Marianne Faithfull, Carole King, Kenny Loggins, Jeff Lynne, Graham Nash, Aaron Neville, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, J.D. Souther, and Robin Williams.

From a child actor working alongside Academy Award-winners to one-half of hit- making duo Peter and Gordon; from Head of A & R for The Beatles' Apple Records to inspiring the look of Austin Powers; from winning two Grammy Awards for "Producer of the Year" to being awarded the title "Commander of the British Empire" by Queen Elizabeth... Peter Asher definitely has quite a story to tell.

Photo ©Jim Shea,   1977   jimsheaphotography.com