Main content

This episode reveals how some of the most legendary black musical artists of all time have been exploited by the recording industry from its earliest days.

Charting the shocking story of how some of music’s most loved artists - from Louis Armstrong to Prince - were exploited by the music industry on the basis of their race.

This episode tells the stories of how some of the most successful and popular jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll musicians of all time suffered at the hands of the industry. Bad contracts with flat fees were signed by Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Chuck Berry and many others, which ended up losing them tens of millions of dollars.

There are the stories of scheming and manipulation of artists like Louis Armstrong and TLC by managers. White cover versions of songs like Tutti Frutti left artists like Little Richard, having unknowingly signed away his publishing rights, feeling used and underpaid. But the cost wasn’t always financial - in one of the most tragic stories, the relentless persecution of Billie Holiday by the authorities left her virtually penniless before she died of a drug overdose.

10 months left to watch

59 minutes

Signed Audio described

Last on

Tue 1 Oct 2024 02:30

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from The Battle for Black Music: Paid in Full

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Zawe Ashton
Director Alison Duke
Editor Alex Pascall
Series Producer Guy Evans
Executive Producer Greg Sanderson
Executive Producer Julie Bristow
Executive Producer Sabrina Elba
Executive Producer Idris Elba
Production Company Zinc Television London

Broadcasts

Featured in...

Exclusive Interviews: Artists and Industry Experts Discuss the Music Industry

Watch more on streaming, 360-record deals, and reparations with The Open University.