When Radio Was King

By TC Thompkins

The new memoir by Music Mogul, TC Thompkins, dives
into the accounts of his decades in the music industry
that predated Streaming, Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter. Radio was the only ticket to success for an artist
and Thompkins used his drive and skill as a promotional
and marketing guru to develop many of the world's top
artists.
While serving as Vice President of Epic's black music division it was his brilliant promotional and
marketing that introduced America to the UK artist Sade on her multi-platinum release "Diamond Life",
legendary artist Michael Jacosn on his multi-platinum album "Off The Wall" and his biggest selling LP in
music history, "Thriller". Patti LaBelle on her only number one release, "If Only You Knew". Tenna Marie
platinum release "Lover Girl". Mtume Gold release "Juicy Fruit". SOS Band's platinum release "Just Be Good
To Me". Luther Vandross's multi-platinum releases "Never Too Much", "Forever for Always for Love" and
"Busy Body" and 2 platinum releases on Teddy Pendergrass including the R&B classics "Turn Off The Lights
and "Close The Door", just to name a few who benefited from the groundwork laid by Thompkins. It was
this groundwork that turned these icons' music into gold and platinum-selling albums. With sales
through the roof, Thompkins orchestrated and pushed EPIC Records Urban Division to the #1 ranking in
the world for three consecutive years and the largest revenue in the label's history.
"Thompkins says he wrote, "When Radio Was King" for several reasons but mainly because he wants his
legacy in the music business to be on the record. "As a black man, I desire to leave an impeccable legacy
of integrity with my family and friends. I do not want the truth of my contributions to the music industry to
be dismissed or ignored. "
"When Radio Was King" pulls back the curtain on how the radio industry and record labels did business
back in the day. But it's the music hitmaker's accounts of battles with record labels, promoters, and often
the artists themselves that will have you laughing and crying as you get a first-hand look at how the
record industry built up and on occasion destroyed lives. His behind-the-scenes recollections create
memorable and laugh-out-loud moments.
P R E S S R E L E A S E
P R O T E G E
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thompkins Publishing LLC
• Release date: Mar 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215710524

Book preview

PRAISING

‘When Radio was King’s’, TC Thompkins...

Even when the world wasn’t ready, TC Thompkins knew great talent when he saw it and used his knowledge of radio promotions, tenacity, self-confidence, and decisive action to orchestrate the campaigns of Sade,’ Michael Jackson, and countless other icons. As a matter of fact, he was the first at Epic Records to get behind Sade’ and was the sole mastermind of her entire marketing campaign. TC Thompkins is tall, dark, and handsome; his southern drawl can convince anyone to do what he wants. His charm, drive, guts, and a commitment to break unknown but very talented artists was and remains incredible.

Susan Blond, VP of Publicity, Epic and Associated Labels

One thing I can say about TC...there would be no Sade’ in America if it wasn’t for TC.

Clarence Avant, Owner Tabu Records, The Black Godfather of the music industry.

I am excited to tell your readers how Great our time at Epic Records was and how Amazing you were as a Boss! Not only did you make breaking artists fun, like Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Sade, Alexander O’Neal, and many others, you believed in their talent and made us all believers. Epic where ‘The Best Never Settle for Less!’

Love You Bro, Maurice Warfield, Director of West Coast Promotions, Epic and Associated Labels

"Artist development is a term often used by music executives to describe the process through which a new artist is introduced to the public. The basic idea is to launch the career of an unknown artist in creative ways that will get the attention of music fans, and to continue to follow a long-term strategic plan that will establish the artist as a major superstar. In order to gain public exposure for the artist, you must first introduce the artist and music to the appropriate media outlets, specifically the radio community; and to the retailers whose stores will be the sales connection with the music buying public.

One of the most skilled people at doing this is TC Tompkins. I first met TC in the early 1980’s when we worked together at CBS Records, at the label group known as Epic, Portrait and CBS Associated Labels. E/P/A for short. I was VP of Marketing for E/P/A at the time. TC had been a very effective Regional Promotion Manager in Chicago, Illinois for a couple of years when we brought him to the mothership," CBS headquarters in New York City, to take the position of VP Urban Radio Promotion and Marketing.

"In his new position, TC was the leader of a team that included about a dozen local and regional promotion managers deployed in various cities around the country. The launching of Sade’ is a good example of TC’s skills at artist development.

Sade’ is a British artist who had been signed to our affiliate CBS UK, and it was our job to break her in the U.S. market. However, everyone did not agree that her music and image was unique, and that she had the potential to be a big seller who could cross over in both the urban and pop markets.

Her debut album was Diamond Life." TC knew he had a winner but had to carefully plan the correct strategic approach to radio. So, a decision was made to introduce Sade’ as an Urban artist, and once the base was established (the decision was then made) to cross over to pop radio as the second step.

"So, it was up to TC and his team to take the lead. TC made the case that Sade’ should be first introduced via Urban Radio, which would provide a base of airplay and sales necessary to cross over to the pop audience. TC’s reasoning was that introducing Sade’ via Urban radio would give the programmers and audience the sense of being first to discover her. He was absolutely right!

The first single was called Hang on To Your Love," which was chosen by TC with the objections of Sade’; however, the initial response at Urban radio was strong. Within a few short weeks the airplay was huge, and the single was Top 10 in the Urban charts, providing a strong base of sales and airplay to cross over to the Pop audience. The single was then seamlessly crossed

into the Pop world, with the strong Urban base providing perfect launch pad.

Sade’ went on to become a huge superstar with a great career. There are many other examples of TC’s expertise and success in the world of Urban radio and artist development. At E/P/A we had big hit singles, albums, and careers with artists such as Luther Vandross, Mtume, Teddy Pendergrass, Michael Jackson, and countless others, all guided by TC and his team. This was the most successful period in the history of the company, due in large part to the skill, and hard work of the E/P/A Urban Promotion group headed up by TC Thompkins.

Ron McCarroll, former VP of Marketing-Epic Records & Associated Labels

"I have known TC Thompkins for over 45 years and have always been impressed with his passion for the artists and the

integrity in which he approached his work. Some of the world’s biggest superstars owe their success, in large part, to TC’s relentless approach to detail in promoting and marketing their music to both radio and the fans. I couldn’t imagine not having TC on the team that helped launch such artists as Sade’, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, and of course, Michael Jackson’s, Thriller to the top of the charts in the United States and around the world."

Larry Stessel, former Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment

It gives me complete pleasure to speak about TC Thompkins, our industry’s greatest. TC Thompkins has worked with and influenced the careers of all the greats but what makes TC Thompkins so special is his heart. He was willing to work with me and give me guidance although his resume includes Grammy winners and Billboard charters. He knows a hit record when he hears it and my record Trying to be Perfect" has proven

that. It’s because of his hard work and his ‘Nothing but the Truth’ stance is why, ‘When Radio Was King’ is a must read. Congrats TC, thank you for sharing your amazing journey with the world."

Candace Woodson-International Recording Artist

Acknowledgements

––––––––

Gratitude to My Daughters - Michele and Rochele...Nothing gives me more joy than being a father. The birth of these two girls have given me more joy than anything I’ve ever experienced.

They have been a joy to me throughout my life and continue to give me countless hours of laughter and tears. Watching them grow and develop into young women would be unexplainable unless you are a father. After my marriage and their birth, the music industry was gravy. I am so thankful that God allowed me to live long enough to put in writing just how daddy feels about his girls. With the recent absence of my wife, they have become more than daughters, they have become endearing friends who have

comforted and guided me when I’ve needed empathy and understanding from close loved ones.

––––––––

Gratitude to Kevin Tatum...My big head grandson looks just like me; it couldn't get any better. I want to thank God for the grace that he has shown me throughout my life and the joy that he has given me with the marriage of my wife, Ernize, and the birth of my babies Michele and Rochele Thompkins, The Gossiping Heifer’s as they are known on Instagram. After saying all of these great things about my two babies I would like to also say in jest that living with them is no day at the beach! Just like Maze says, Joy & Pain thank God there is much more joy than pain with them in my life. To my darling daughters and grandson, I proudly say, more than anything I’ve ever accomplished, you are my legacy!

Gratitude to Clarence Avant...Who was a trusted adviser in the music industry and became a life-long friend...thank you for always looking out for me.

Gratitude to Dr. Pazanta Byars, EdD...I call her, Dr. Pat, – who I really enjoyed working with and was the key element in the development and editing of this book. Please visit her services at www.mikaba-publishing.com or [e-mail].

DEDICATION

––––––––

This book is dedicated to my beautiful wife, Ernize, who is forever in my heart, and my daughters Rochele and Michele. I love you more than words could ever express.

CREATIVITY IS PIERCING THE MUNDANE TO FIND THE MARVELLOUS

Bill Moyers

CONTENTS

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MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE

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I had the honor of working with thousands of artists over my 50+ years in the music business. The following artists stand out of the many due to my

leading impact on their successful careers...

***

1971... RICHARD PRYOR - THAT NIGGA’S CRAZY - MY FIRST JOB IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WAS WITH STAX RECORDS WHERE I WORKED WITH - PROMOTIONS REPRESENTATIVE

1971-1972...ISAAC HAYES, EDDIE FLOYD, ALBERT KING, DAVID PORTER - STAX RECORDS-PROMOTIONS REPRESENTATIVE

1972...TAVARES - SHE’S GONE. - CAPITOL RECORDS -

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1975...NATALIE COLE - INSEPERABLE - CAPITOL RECORDS - REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1975...WAR (COLLEGE TOUR) JIMMY WITHERSPOON, CAPITOL RECORDS, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

1976...RUFUS & CHAKA KHAN’s - SWEET THING, POINTER SISTERS, MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY, BB KING, DRAMATICS, ME & MRS. JONES, JOHN HANDY - HARD WORK" - ABC RECORDS-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1976...ISAAC HAYES - CHOCOLATE CHIP - ABC RECORDS, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1976...LOU RAWLS - YOU’LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER LOVE LIKE MINE - PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL ABC RECORDS - REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1977...MAZE - HAPPY FEELINGS - CAPITOL RECORDS

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

1977...HEATWAVE - ALWAYS AND FOREVER, - CBS RECORDS - LOCAL PROMOTIONS REPRESENTATIVE

1977...TEDDY PENDERGRASS - I WORKED WITH TEDDY ON ALL OF HIS SOLO PROJECTS UNTIL HIS AUTO ACCIDENT - CBS RECORDS - LOCAL PROMOTIONS REPRESENTATIVE

1977...BILL WITHERS, HERBIE HANCOCK, MINNIE RIPPERTON, MARILYN MCCOO & BILLY DAVIS, DENISE WILLIAMS, MOTHERS FINEST, TYRONE DAVIS, RAMSEY LEWIS, & JERRY BUTLER - CBS RECORDS - LOCAL PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR, CHICAGO

1978...GEORGE DUKE - DUKEY STICK, - OTHER ARTISTS: MARLENA SHAW - CBS RECORDS - LOCAL PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR, CHICAGO

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

1978...THE JACKSONS - DESTINY, VICTORY, & THE JACKSONS - NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS, CBS-EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1979...BARRY WHITE, GEORGE CLINTON - NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS, CBS - EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1979...MICHAEL JACKSON - OFF THE WALL - I WENT TO NEW YORK AND WAS INVOLVED IN 2 PROJECTS WHICH WERE RELEASED THIS YEAR - NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS, CBS-EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1979...MCFADDEN AND WHITEHEAD - AINT NO STOPPIN US NOW - NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS, CBS - EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1981...LUTHER VANDROSS, - NEVER TOO MUCH, (THIS WAS HIS DEBUT PROJECT) - VICE-PRESIDENT OF PROMOTIONS, CBS-EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1981...BOY GEORGE & THE CULTURE CLUB - VICE PRESIDENT OF PROMOTIONS, CBS-EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1982...MICHAEL JACKSON - THRILLER - VICE- PRESIDENT OF PROMOTIONS, CBS - EPC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

1983...THE SOS BAND - JUST BE GOOD TO ME, THIS IS THE NEXT PROJECT WHERE MY INFLUENCE WAS MAJOR

- VICE-PRESIDENT OF PROMOTIONS & NATIONAL DIRECTOR, CBS- EPIC RECORDS & ASSOCIATED LABELS

1983...PATTI LABELLE - IF ONLY YOU KNEW - VICE- PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS - EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1983...THE ISLEY BROTHERS - IN BETWEEN THE SHEETS - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS - EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1983...MTUME - JUICY FRUIT - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS – EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1984...TEDDY RILEY & KID’S AT WORK (HIS FIRST RECORD DEAL) - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS - EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1984...SADE’ - DIAMOND LIFE - INTRODUCED HER TO AMERICAN AUDIENCES AND DEVELOPED HER NORTH AMERICAN CAMPAIGN, I CONTROLLED ALL FACETS OF HER DOMESTIC RELEASES - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS-EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1984...TEENA MARIE - LOVER GIRL - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS - EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

1984...ALEXANDER O’NEAL & CHERRELL -SATURDAY LOVE, - VICE-PRESIDENT OF CBS RECORDS EPIC & NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS

1988...THE GETO BOYS - WITH DON CARTER - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, GR PRODUCTIONS

1989...WRECKS & EFFECT - NEW JACK SWING, GUY & TODAY - GIRL I GOT MY EYE ON YOU, REDHEAD KINGPIN - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, GR PRODUCTIONS

1990...BASIC BLACK - NOTHING BUT A PARTY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GT RECORDS

1990...MAXI PRIEST - CLOSE TO YOU - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GT RECORDS

1991...LEON HAYWOOD - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GT RECORDS

1993...THREE FROM THE SOUL & FIGURE OF SPEECH -

BROWN RECORDS

1993...ART MADISON - JAY RECORDS - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

1993...DOMINO - GHETTO JAM (PLATINUM) - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

1995...ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

1996...OTR CLIQUE - THE STREETS ARE DEEPER THAN THE GRAVE - ALL NET RECORDS - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

1990’s...TONE LOC - WILD THING - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

1990’s...MILES JAY- CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS,LLC

1998...TRICK DADDY FT. TRINA - NANN NIGGA CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS,LLC

2001...NAPPY ROOTS, WORKED WITH RUBEN RODRIGUEZ - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2001...ALICIA KEYS - SONG IN A MINOR - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2002...HEATHER HEADLEY - HE IS - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2003...ABUNDANT LIFE CATHEDRAL & MARK TAYLOR

- ALC RECORDS, ABUNDANDTLY BLESSED - DR. ED MONTGOMERY - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2004...ENDURANCE GOSPEL GROUP – CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2006...J ANTHONY BROWN, HEATHER HEADLEY’S, IN MY MIND - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2012...J. DASH FT. FLO RIDA - WOP (TRIPLE PLATINUM) - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

MY MUSIC INDUSTRY TIMELINE CONTINUED

2013...GEORGE TANDY JR. - MARCH - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LL

2020...COLINE CREUZOT - YOU TRIED IT - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

2021...ANNALEA X - WAVY - CEO & OWNER OF TC THOMPKINS, LLC

Introduction

I chose the title, WHEN RADIO WAS KING, because of the impact that radio had on my career in the music industry. But not only that, the importance of radio in my life from my childhood to adulthood has been a constant that has given me joy, security, information, and entertainment. As a child music played all night in my room; I remember it as if it was yesterday. Ernie’s One Stop out of Chicago used to have a midnight radio show or overnight show. They played all of the latest 45 releases. You could order your 45’s through the mail which I did as a kid.

In later years, when I was a teenager, we had KYOK and Shreveport for entertainment where Gay Papa was the DJ. I remember when I first got in the music industry, I had a chance to meet Gay Papa and BB Davis which was like meeting a movie star to me back in those days. I even visited Gay Papa when he had his motorcycle accident which almost killed him. Vietnam radio was everything. We had Stars & Stripes Radio and we used to jam! I don’t know who the program director was, but he was on top of his shit.

I don't think we had a movie ‘theater’ and if we did, I don't remember it. He played all of the R&B hits of those days because it was mostly Black guys in Vietnam. When I got back to the ‘’World" I was greatly blessed to get into the music industry. Radio was like a god... there was no other outlet in the world that you could use to get your material heard on other than radio. I know it's difficult for the youth of today to

think about radio in that way especially because most of them nowadays don't even listen to radio which I find unthinkable. The competition for your attention nowadays is also unbelievable! It is mind blowing how anyone can try to contain the amount of information and entertainment that is thrown at an individual.

I still love the days where radio program directors would get excited about a new artist and then the competition would ensue with who would be the first in the nation to play it and break it into mainstream.

Sadly, those days are mostly gone. It's much more difficult nowadays to develop a project than it was when I was in my prime. Back then if you had a great relationship and great music you could write your ticket but now, it takes a lot more.

Thank God, I educated myself on the changes that the industry has been going through; I still miss the days of a physical product, retail stores and radio stations playing a hit back-to-back. Radio DJ’s would say, Sounds so nice, I'm gonna do it twice, you don't hear that anymore! All and all music and radio have given me a life I could only dream of. It has taken me around the world, afforded me and my family a great life, and kept me in the throes of creativity which is the secret to me staying young.

I've met and worked with some of the biggest entertainers in the world and gained some of the closest friendships anyone could develop. God has truly showed me Grace. I want to thank anyone that has purchased this book. I hope