Marty Salzman is an artist manager based in Chicago. He has managed the careers of numerous blues legends, among them the former manager of Buddy Guy, Magic Slim and the late Junior Wells.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, talks about the duties of a booking agent. A booking agent makes phone calls and is in charge of keeping the band working by finding gigs. Salzman also explains the duties of a manager. A manager must always think about getting the band to the next level. He stresses that a good manager is one that makes the band better each year. Also in this segment, Salzman discusses a key difference between agents and managers. Agents only deal with club and festival dates. However, managers must consider a much broader scope such as commercials, DVD's, and endorsements. Salzman also focuses on blues music. He points out that in order for blues artists to reach a broader market, their goal is to make a crossover statement.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, talks about the background of blues music. Historically, black artists performed blues for black audiences in the Southside of Chicago. Salzman lists some of the famous blues clubs in the Southside, such as the Checkerboard Lounge and the 708 Club. Eventually, blues gained a white audience and soon there were white and black blues players. Salzman explains that more and more clubs opened on the Northside, such as Blues Etcetera. Also in this segment, Salzman discusses the club scene today. He claims that there were more clubs twenty years ago then now. He shares his belief that this is because people don't have to go out anymore to see performances. Easy access from technology like DVDs and Pay-Per-View has quieted the club scene.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, talks about how he came to manage the blues legend, Buddy Guy. Salzman started as a lawyer for Guy. When The Rolling Stones came to play at The Horizon, Salzman had Buddy Guy get him into the concert. However, to get him in, Guy called Salzman his manager. After a further discussion, Salzman became his official manager.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, discusses how he got his start in the business and the challenges and obstacles that he faced as a relatively inexperienced manager trying to do the right thing for his clients.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, talks about today's blues players. Salzman confirms that there are gifted young blues artists. He mentions being impressed by the talented Robert Randolph at the International Blues Awards. Salzman also shares his hopes that there will be a market for the young musicians in the future. On the other hand, he believes that hardcore blues musicians will always remain.
Marty Salzman, an independent artist manager, talks about what it takes to make it in the music business today. Aspiring individuals need passion. He explains that serious blues musicians won't leave music to pursue a higher income. They only want to play blues. Also in this segment, Salzman shares that ever since he was a teenager, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells were his blues heroes. He met them while attending a show and began their relationship. Even though his relationship has ended with both of them, he still is with Magic Slim. Salzman explains that Buddy Guy recommended him to Magic Slim.
