Without Payola there would be no Elvis, Motown, Aretha or Hendrix.

In racist America, the almighty dollar spoke and as a result we got to hear some great music.

Fast forward to today and DJs have lost their balls, corporate labels rule and Radio One DJs play their own recordings. I tell you which I prefer.

Blatant payola was fairer because it meant that you just had to front up the cash and you were guaranteed airplay. Today you have to spend more on shmoozing the producers and other meejah types.

"Blatant payola was fairer because it meant that you just had to front up the cash and you were guaranteed airplay"

But who has the money to buy payola? Small, "independent" labels or corporate labels?

Payola was one factor for the success of the artists/labels you mentioned, but there were many others. At least since the late 60s payola was a corporate game, dominated by the major labels.

JK, I'd really be interested in your view on this. Did you ever turn down a Concorde ticket because you didn't like what was being promoted? When you take your first incentive how does one differentiate between genuine and bought enthusiasm?

Oh yes I agree but I meant payola where you paid the DJs directly and not the mess we have
since payola was legitimised oops banned. JK you were around then, what was it like ?