Backbeat Gangsters

The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Rock Music

Jeffrey Sussman

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Hardback

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English

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
15 April 2025

True crime; History of the Americas; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Organised crime; Music industry

During the early days of rock and roll the mob used every tactic they could, from creating their own record labels, bribing radio DJs and stacking jukeboxes with their own artists, to exploiting and intimidating performers, and creating their own black market of bootlegged records, to make millions. In the 1950s, when rock and roll music burst upon the scene, the major established record companies thought that the new music was a passing teenage trend, but mobsters were there and pounced on the new business opportunity. They opened small independent record companies, signed ambitious young singers and musicians, and produced truckloads of 45 rpm records. To make sure that their records would be successful, the mob bribed disc jockeys in major cities to play the records and made sure jukeboxes, which were already mob-controlled, were filled to capacity with the new music. Whatever it took to gain airtime and repeated plays of their songs, the mob made sure it happened. Backbeat Gangsters includes the stories of the most sinister people who took control of the record business during the early days of rock and roll, as well as those of the numerous, young performers who were exploited and received threats and beatings instead of the compensation they were promised. The Mafia used intimidation and violence to achieve their ends and made millions from denying royalties, maintaining copyrights and trademarks, bribing DJs, and numerous scams like flooding the market with counterfeit records which didn’t have the burden of paying royalties. In yet another well-researched and thorough account, Jeffrey Sussman, details how the mob was able to infiltrate and control another aspect of American culture with devastating results.

By: Jeffrey Sussman
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781538190265
ISBN 10: 1538190265
Pages: 190
Publication Date: 15 April 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Jeffrey Sussman is the author of 18 non-fiction books. He has written several books about organized crime and has been recognized as one of America’s leading authorities on the subject. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs and podcasts and participated in several documentaries about organized crime. His most recent books about organized crime are Big Apple Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in New York; Sin City Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Las Vegas; Tinseltown Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Hollywood; and Boxing and the Mob: The Notorious History of the Sweet Science.

Reviews for Backbeat Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Rock Music

A fascinating and enthralling dive into the layered history of the rise and decline of organized crime's influence in the music industry. Backbeat Gangsters by Jeffrey Sussman is a must-read for music lovers and history buffs alike. Mr. Sussman's best book yet into the influence of organized crime in American industry and society. --Robert A. Santucci, Esq., former chief of the Rackets Bureau, Office of the District Attorney of Bronx County; and special assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Public Corruption Unit Jeffrey Sussman has brilliantly pulled back the curtain on a largely forgotten chapter of rock history. Backbeat Gangsters shines a spotlight on the untold stories of how the mob's grip on jukeboxes, payola, and the fortunes of artists shaped the rise of rock & roll. As someone working in radio today, I still see the echoes of the changes the mob brought to the music industry and their lasting impact on the business. Sussman's deep dive reveals a complex web where music and organized crime collided, forever altering the landscape of American culture. --Frank Morano, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, host of ""The Racket Report"" podcast and ""The Other Side of Midnight,"" 77 WABC Talk Radio As an avid reader, I am truly fascinated by Jeffrey Sussman's book, Backbeat Gangsters. His research is extensive and pristine, with a thrilling prose that makes this book a tour de force! --Joy Jan Jones, singer, composer, and creator of JJJ & the Fiancés Exhaustively researched, compellingly written, Jeffery Sussman's Backbeat Gangsters is a must-read for anyone in the recording business. It's also an eye-opening account of the dark underbelly of the 'innocent' music we all grew up with. Bravo! --Tommy Sullivan, composer, producer, and musical director of the original Brooklyn Bridge Jeffrey Sussman has done an eye-opening job in exposing the mob influence on rock and roll. He further documents, in an entertaining but lucid style, the corrupting influence that the mob has had on an important part of American culture. Highly recommended. --Ron Chepesiuk, author, screenwriter, and podcast host, Crime Beat Jeffrey Sussman once again proves that he is the modern master of the mob. Backbeat Gangsters makes you question your dream of becoming a rock star and prepares you to turn down offers you can't refuse. --Daniel J. Glenn, host of Fascinating Nouns Jeffrey Sussman continues with his great 'The Rise and Decline of the Mob' books with this most recent account of the mafia and the music business. Mob fans will love Sussman's insightful account of the relationship between the Genovese Family boss, Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante, and Roulette Records owner Morris Levy. --Gary Jenkins, producer/host, Gangland Wire Crime Stories podcast