I was honoured to be a consultant to Jive/Zomba in the early 90's, to Steve Jenkins (how are you Jenks?) and Barry Weiss and I watched Clive pull this one.
It was pure genius because later, as consultant to BMG in the late 90's, I saw it go down.
Calder is incredibly shrewd and did a tremendous - and totally honest - job on the Germans. I was in awe.
Incidentally, Barry is one of the FIVE great record men active in North America today. The others? Clive Davis, Donny Ienner, Doug Morris.
And the fifth?
I have mentioned him above. Calder.
Incidentally I'm hoping to have dinner with his ex partner Ralph Simon when he's next in town.