Podcast
Questions and Answers
The practice of ______ in the music, radio and television industry was investigated by Congress in 1959.
The practice of ______ in the music, radio and television industry was investigated by Congress in 1959.
payola
The payola hearings were partly motivated by a battle between ASCAP and ______.
The payola hearings were partly motivated by a battle between ASCAP and ______.
BMI
Alan Freed and Dick Clark were central figures in the payola ______.
Alan Freed and Dick Clark were central figures in the payola ______.
investigation
Clark managed to escape the scandal relatively unscathed due to his ______ during the investigations.
Clark managed to escape the scandal relatively unscathed due to his ______ during the investigations.
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Freed served a six-month suspended sentence and was fined ______ dollars.
Freed served a six-month suspended sentence and was fined ______ dollars.
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The payola scandal led to a period where popular music aimed at teens became safer and less ______.
The payola scandal led to a period where popular music aimed at teens became safer and less ______.
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In 1971, journalist Jack Anderson wrote an exposé in the ______ Telegraph regarding new payola allegations.
In 1971, journalist Jack Anderson wrote an exposé in the ______ Telegraph regarding new payola allegations.
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Payola refers to an offer of money or gifts in exchange for ______.
Payola refers to an offer of money or gifts in exchange for ______.
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The term payola is a portmanteau of 'pay' and ______.
The term payola is a portmanteau of 'pay' and ______.
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The practice of payola became prominent in the ______ during the rise of rock and roll.
The practice of payola became prominent in the ______ during the rise of rock and roll.
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Song pluggers worked as professional advertisers during the golden age of ______.
Song pluggers worked as professional advertisers during the golden age of ______.
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Alan Freed's The Moondog Show premiered on Cleveland station ______ in July of 1951.
Alan Freed's The Moondog Show premiered on Cleveland station ______ in July of 1951.
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Dewey Phillips hosted the show called ______ on WHBQ in Memphis.
Dewey Phillips hosted the show called ______ on WHBQ in Memphis.
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In 1954, Freed debuted his new national radio show called ______.
In 1954, Freed debuted his new national radio show called ______.
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The rise of rock and roll coincided with the post-war economic ______ in the United States.
The rise of rock and roll coincided with the post-war economic ______ in the United States.
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Teenagers during the 1950s had their own ______, reflecting their tastes in music and culture.
Teenagers during the 1950s had their own ______, reflecting their tastes in music and culture.
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Rock and roll music was first primarily recorded by independent record ______.
Rock and roll music was first primarily recorded by independent record ______.
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To promote their records, independent labels often built relationships with local ______.
To promote their records, independent labels often built relationships with local ______.
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In the 1950s, teenagers were seen as a legitimate target for ______ in the music industry.
In the 1950s, teenagers were seen as a legitimate target for ______ in the music industry.
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Offers of gifts and cash to DJs by independent labels were part of a practice known as ______.
Offers of gifts and cash to DJs by independent labels were part of a practice known as ______.
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Study Notes
Payola
- Payola is the practice of offering money or gifts to promote a product, in this case music.
- It involves an exchange of money or gifts for promotion, often within the music industry.
- The term stems from a portmanteau of "pay" and "-ola", a common suffix in music-related company names.
Payola in the Music Industry
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The term "payola" is most commonly used in relation to the music business practices of the 1950s to promote rock and roll music on radio and television.
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Payola practices existed in the Tin Pan Alley era, where "song pluggers" were employed to promote songs.
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Song pluggers' tasks included surreptitiously encouraging musicians to play certain songs, and even inserting themselves into live performances to encourage the playing of their assigned songs.
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The practice of payola emerged alongside the rise of radio and television, increasing the influence of radio stations in creating national hits.
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The rise of a teen demographic interested in R&B and rock 'n' roll, alongside independent record labels specializing in this genre contributed to 1950s payola practices.
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Alan Freed's The Moondog Show was a significant factor in the popularization of rock and roll music, and subsequently, payola practices.
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The post-war economic boom and availability of consumer goods contributed to the rise of rock 'n' roll and the use of payola.
Payola Scandal
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The 1950s saw an increase in the popularity of rock and roll music, leading to increased scrutiny of payola scandals during the 1959 investigation of Alan Freed.
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A federal investigation into payola practices led to the exposure of payola activities.
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This led to new legislation prohibiting these behaviours.
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Notable figures in the investigation included Alan Freed and Dick Clark.
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The payola scandal had an impact in limiting the practice but also led to the exploration of the issue.
Payola in the 1970s
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Despite previous scandals, payola continued in the 1970s in various forms.
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One of the most notable incidents involved allegations against Columbia Records which led to accusations of improper handling of funds intended for promotional purposes and of the distribution of illegal drugs to radio DJs.
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New legislation and investigations during this time attempted to curtail ongoing payola practices.
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Description
Explore the controversial practice of payola, where money or gifts are exchanged for music promotion. This quiz delves into its origins from the Tin Pan Alley era to its rise in the 1950s rock and roll scene. Understand the implications of payola on the music business and its historical context.
