Author Howard Bloom on SOUNDS with Tom Needham

SOUNDS

The SOUNDS podcast welcomes Howard Bloom, an American author and legendary music publicist, whose work shaped the careers of some of the biggest names in rock and pop during the 1970s and 80s. Bloom worked closely with artists such as Prince, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. Known for his sharp insights into mass psychology, Bloom used his understanding of human behavior to guide artists through media scrutiny and public perception, ensuring their success in both niche and mainstream audiences. He founded The Howard Bloom Organization in 1976 and has been credited with orchestrating major media campaigns for bands like Styx, KISS, and AC/DC. His work went beyond simple publicity, approaching rock and roll as a powerful social phenomenon.

In addition to his music industry achievements, Bloom is also an accomplished author. He has written extensively about human nature, evolution, and group behavior in books such as "The Genius of the Beast" and "The Lucifer Principle." His memoir, "How I Accidentally Started The Sixties," reflects on his unique life experiences, while his other works delve into the psychological forces driving mass movements, whether in music or society at large. Throughout his career, Bloom has been praised as one of the greatest publicists in rock history, recognized not just for his promotional acumen, but for his ability to merge science and art in a way that profoundly influenced the music industry.