Grainge Radio
As you know the "Record Shop" only began in the mid 50's....before then the vast majority of outlets sold Radios and TV's, and of course sheet music besudes 78's and then LP's and 45's.My father opened a shop in Streatham in 1950 (I have a great photo of him outside the shop) and then in 1954 opened a bigger one in Lambeth Walk in 1954 with an all-star celeb opening (Arthur Askey etc!!) and photos in the Evening Standard.This shop, although closed in 1956 became the core of my life as the 'one record a week' I was given from the age of 2 inspired my journey of success through the business.
Nigel Grainge
1970 - 1977 Phonogram London. Started as a clerk in the Accounting Dept., and his vast music knowledge was noticed quickly which led to promotions through the ranks. Signed Thin Lizzy (The boys are back in town), 10cc (I'm not in love), Steve Miller Band (Fly like an eagle), Eddy Grant, etc.1977 - 1995 formed Ensign Records and signed the Boomtown Rats (with Bob Geldof) who had 14 Top 10 hits in the UK (including I don't like Mondays), the Waterboys (The whole of the moon), World Party, and the most successful of all, Grammy award winning Sinead O'Connor (Nothing compares 2 U - 12 million albums sold). During the late 70's the label had countless UK Top 20 hits with British R&B, dance and Reggae 45's before the label shifted into its even more successful 'Contemporary' acts' signing policy. Since 1995 (and his sale of the label to Chrysalis) Nigel ran his successful publishing company, Dizzy Heights (also sold, to Edel in 2000).
In 2002, Nigel relocated to Los Angeles and is now consulting with artists, publishing and record companies by using his enormous tunes database to provide uncovered gems for artists to record. A recent visitor has been Robert Plant who is considering several of the songs for new projects, including a follow-up to his enormously successful LP with Alison Krauss.
Nigel Grainge
1970 - 1977 Phonogram London. Started as a clerk in the Accounting Dept., and his vast music knowledge was noticed quickly which led to promotions through the ranks. Signed Thin Lizzy (The boys are back in town), 10cc (I'm not in love), Steve Miller Band (Fly like an eagle), Eddy Grant, etc.1977 - 1995 formed Ensign Records and signed the Boomtown Rats (with Bob Geldof) who had 14 Top 10 hits in the UK (including I don't like Mondays), the Waterboys (The whole of the moon), World Party, and the most successful of all, Grammy award winning Sinead O'Connor (Nothing compares 2 U - 12 million albums sold). During the late 70's the label had countless UK Top 20 hits with British R&B, dance and Reggae 45's before the label shifted into its even more successful 'Contemporary' acts' signing policy. Since 1995 (and his sale of the label to Chrysalis) Nigel ran his successful publishing company, Dizzy Heights (also sold, to Edel in 2000).
In 2002, Nigel relocated to Los Angeles and is now consulting with artists, publishing and record companies by using his enormous tunes database to provide uncovered gems for artists to record. A recent visitor has been Robert Plant who is considering several of the songs for new projects, including a follow-up to his enormously successful LP with Alison Krauss.
Nigel Grainge
Robert Johnson
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Extract from book oppoisite
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