Norwell "Bud" Therien

One of the great music editors, Norwell "Bud" Therien, passed away on Wednesday August 17th. Bud was a long-time employee at Prentice Hall, where he helped build the music and art lists over a long 40+ year career. I first met Bud when I was hired to be Music editor at Schirmer Books. He helped me get established as a music editor, and we were able to collaborate on a number of projects. Eventually, in 2005, I was hired at PH to be the Music Editor and I was fortunate to work with Bud on a daily basis during the last 5 years of his career. Although by then Bud was no longer managing the Music list, he was always available to answer questions, with his deep knowledge of the authors and the stories behind the many successful titles he had signed and developed. Whenever I was on the road, music professors would ask about Bud and share their memories of working with him as a high point in their lifes and professional careers. The impact he had on the field was immeasurable, yet he achieved this status in the most low-key, modest way. I will miss his good humor, guidance, and advice.

Special Talk on WORLDS OF SOUND at Artichoke Music in Portland, Oregon, Wednesday October 21st

For those in the greater Portland, Oregon, please come hear my lecture/presentation on my recent book, WORLDS OF SOUND: THE STORY OF SMITHSONIAN/FOLKWAYS. I’ll be talking about the eccentric founder of Folkways Records, Moses Asch, and the many artists he championed, as well as showing some cool photos and playing some recordings.

The talk is being jointly sponsored by the Portland Songwriters Association and Artichoke Music. Admission is free. The location and time: Artichoke Community Music, 3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7PM-8PM. Phone, 503-232-8845.

I hope you are able to attend. Bring your friends and family! Books will be available for purchase on site.

Worlds of Sound Documentary to Premiere Sunday October 25th on the Smithsonian Channel

The documentary based on my book WORLDS OF SOUND: THE STORY OF SMITHSONIAN/FOLKWAYS RECORDS will be premiering on Sunday October 25th. For a preview or to order my book please follow this link: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/video/pop-culture/worlds-of-sound/40053413001

Catch Richard at THE FOLK ALLIANCE -- Friday, Feb. 20th at 2 PM

I will be discussing my book, WORLDS OF SOUND, at this year's FOLK ALLIANCE meeting, in Memphis, Tennessee. Come by and hear about Folkways and Moe Asch! I will be presenting on Friday, February 20th, at 2 PM. I will also be showing a short excerpt from a forthcoming documentary on the label.

New Review of Worlds of Sound in the February Issue of DOWNBEAT

Check out the positive review of my book, WORLDS OF SOUND, in the Feb. 2009 issue of DOWNBEAT magazine on p. 81. "A big, colorful hardback, [the book feautres] an abundance of profiles, history, discographies, and photographs." http://www.downbeat.com/default.asp

Hear Richard on Dave Marsh's KICK OUT THE JAMS radio show on XM 50 The Loft this Sunday, December 7th

I'll be discussing my new book, WORLDS OF SOUND, with rock critic/radio personality Dave Marsh this Sunday, December 7th, from about 10:30 to 11 AM on his satellite radio show, KICK OUT THE JAMS, broadcast on XM 50 "The Loft" and Sirius Satelitte Radio. Hope you'll listen in!

Another Washington, DC, signing!

Hello WORLDS OF SOUND fans:

I'll be signing copies of my new book, WORLDS OF SOUND: THE STORY OF SMITHSONIAN/FOLKWAYS, at the grand reopening of the National Museum of American History, on Friday, November 21st, between 2 and 4 PM.

Hope to see you there!