Pepe Willie’s “If You See Me” is an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication in music. Willie started his career in the industry at a young age, running errands for stars like Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, and the Supremes. He learned about the music business early on, and when he met his wife in New York, she introduced him to her cousin, Prince, who was just 12 at the time. Years later, when Willie moved to Minneapolis, he started working with Prince, then 16 years old, and his band, 94 East. Willie taught them about the music business, including publishing, copyrights, performance rights organizations, studio recording production, and how musicians were getting paid working in studios.
As Willie rehearsed with Prince and his band, he found out they were outstanding, but their songs needed to be shorter for radio. So he taught them the formula to create pieces within the desired timeframe of two minutes and 30 seconds to three minutes. When Willie took them to a recording studio, Prince played like a studio musician who had been around for years, and Willie was in shock. He knew Prince had a gift and worked with him and his band to help them develop it.
In the book, Willie talks about his journey in the music industry, including his challenges as a black man in a predominantly white industry. He also talks about the importance of perseverance and dedication. Even when things got tough, he never gave up on his dream of making it in the industry.
Willie’s story inspires anyone wanting to pursue a music industry career. He started running errands for stars from the bottom and worked up to become a respected figure in the industry.
He saw the potential in Prince and his band and worked with them to help them develop their talent. His dedication and perseverance paid off, and he became a successful producer and musician.
Throughout the book, Willie shares his insights into the music industry, including the importance of networking and building relationships. He also talks about his challenges as a black man in the industry, including racism and discrimination. Yet, despite these challenges, he never gave up on his dreams and continued working hard to achieve his goals.
Pepe Willie’s “If You See Me” is an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication in music. Willie’s journey in the industry is a testament to the importance of hard work, dedication, and endurance. His story inspires anyone who wants to pursue a career in the music industry, and his insights into the industry are invaluable. Willie’s legacy lives on, and his fans will never forget his contributions to the music industry.
Interested in learning more about Pepe Willie’s incredible six-decade journey in the music industry? Head to his website to grab a copy of his book “If You See Me” and discover his inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to delve into the world of rock ‘n’ roll through the eyes of a true industry legend. Visit his website today!
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