When pop exploded in the 50s and 60s, the standard record industry model tended to be dominated by stuffy old men, not quite sure of the products in their hands.
A true maverick, Kim Fowley was able to exploit this to his advantage. Starting his career as a promoter and plugger, the California born artist was able to scheme his way to numerous one off hits.
Working with the likes of Paul Revere & The Raiders, his outspoken streak was evident throughout. Spells alongside Frank Zappa followed, before a trip to England resulted in his own studio album ‘The Trip’ – at 1965, one of the earliest true psychedelic experiences.
Entering The Byrds’ orbit, Fowley wrote for the legendary group before helping produce Jonathan Richman’s early demos with The Modern Lovers. In 1974, the producer placed an ad in ‘Who Put The Bomp?’ magazine, and recruited the young female musicians who would become The Runaways.
A proto-punk sensation, the band’s story – a mixture of hubris, youthful promise and sheer exploitation – would become the basis for a much lauded 2010 feature film.
Remaining musically active throughout his life, Kim Fowley recently worked with Ariel Pink and appeared in a Beyonce video. Rolling Stone broke the news of his death, although no cause of death has been announced.
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