In this useful dictionary, Hatschek and Wells cover composers, performers, organizations, terminology, concepts, and practices important in the music industry and its evolution in the US. The authors attempt to cover the rich diversity of musical styles, but the primary emphasis is on the popular music industry because it is the greatest portion of the US music marketplace, as measured by revenue. Biographical coverage is representative rather than comprehensive because many more individuals have contributed to the development of the music industry than can be included in a single volume. However, many important technological terms are defined, and this contributes substantially to the value of the dictionary. Also of considerable value are a substantial introduction tracing the history of the American music industry from Colonial times to the present day and three appendixes, the first a list of music industry trade associations, the second a list of academic programs, and the third a recording and broadcast chronology. Hatschek and Wells also provide a substantial bibliography. Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals

Choice Reviews

Historical Dictionary of the American Music Industry serves several audiences and is valuable not only to researchers but also to libraries supporting music business studies for collection development purposes, either starting from scratch or looking to identify holes in an existing collection. It is also relevant for budding entertainment lawyers because it defines a wealth of contract terminology. A worthy resource with its dense accumulation of well-organized information.

Music Reference Services Quarterly

Hatschek’s and Wells’ Historical Dictionary of the American Music Industry can significantly enhance music industry students’ academic experiences. It is a resource that will be useful throughout their time in school and beyond.... Students want quick and accurate answers to many questions that often range beyond the scope of a particular class. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to students, as I know their money will be well spent and their education enhanced. I also highly recommend it to my fellow music industry educators.

Journal of the Music & Entertaintment Industry Educators Association

The dictionary will be useful to anyone interested in becoming involved in the field as well as for professionals already in it. High school and college students, and their teachers, will find it a valuable supplement to the standard textbooks, many of which students may not read carefully in an increasingly "just in time" world, where they are overwhelmed with information and find it more efficient to learn something at the time it is needed. Coverage of the people involved in the music industry fills gaps found in well-known texts…. The authors are to be commended for undertaking such a big project and bringing it forward to help those who are interested in easily gaining an understanding of the many elements of the music industry and how the pieces work together.

Music Library Association