Overview

Experience the riveting celebrity memoir of a severely abused child who grows up to become an unstoppable force in the music industry. As a child, his father convinced Ira that he was evil to the point where, upon looking in mirrors and seeing his extra-long incisors, Ira would think that he looked like a devil. Grasping at what small tools he had in order to survive, Ira decided that at least he was ""the king of devils."" From experiences in school, to the draft and his efforts to avoid it, and his music ventures up until his graduation from Hofstra University, Ira's childhood is a verse full of abuse and tension. Then, upon graduation, Ira was made ""an offer he couldn't refuse."" Joe Glazer, ex-Al Capone lieutenant and head of the powerhouse company Associated Booking Corp, wanted Ira Blacker on board. With no real alternative, Ira dives headfirst into a world of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll. His first two bookings were Rod Stewart and Savoy Brown-setting a brilliant base for his continued success and growth. Discover what it's like to step into the legendary ""Elaine's"" with Rod Stewart, or go to an industry event and hear your name whispered in the crowd. Raw, unfiltered, and utterly captivating, ""Once A King, Now A Prince"" doesn't shy away from the warts and lows of growing up abused or the weight of the losses that shook the music industry during his career. A must-read for music lovers!

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Reviews

From a childhood that might make Stephen King, whose writing style is similar, shudder just a bit, comes a writer with a story of his career in the music industry. Most baby boomers have loved the sounds of at least one, of Ira's clients. ""Once A King, Now A Prince"", walks you through history to relive the great personalities whose music made all of us who we are."" Doug Dahlgren, Author and Radio Host ""Rory's hunger for touring and performing live required a powerhouse agent to match my brother's appetite. Ira delivered that. Most importantly, in him, we also had a trusted friend."" Dónal Gallagher, manager Rory Gallagher ""I first met Ira in 1969, touring with Savoy Brown. I was really impressed with Ira's knowledge of all things music, as was Lonesome Dave. It took a lot to impress Dave! We were invited to Ira's home for dinner and music. We had the best time! Ira looked out for us, a rare commodity in this world of music. Thank you Ira!"" Roger Earl, Foghat ""Ira was Nazareth's first American booking agent and although at that time he was already handling some of the biggest names in Rock, when he came to see us he always made us feel as if we were the only band on his books.You could say he treated us like Kings when we weren't even Princes and I'll never orget that."" Pete Agnew, Nazareth ""I've known Ira since 1974, when he boosted Rush's career as co-manager. I remember Ira as one of the most influential booking agents out there, and few people knew more celebrities than he did. Ira's long and fascinating career deserves a book about it--and I'm so glad he decided to write one!"" Donna L. Halper, PhD ""We had a good run Ira. We all tore up the country quick and laid much of the groundwork for the industry of today. Pacific led to Avalon..a cornerstone acquisition to..Live Nation."" Sepp Donahower, Rock Concert Impressario

Author Information

Ira Blacker graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, whereupon he was ""made an offer [he] couldn't refuse"" and went to work for Joe Glazer, ex-Capone lieutenant who had founded Associated Booking Corp. Once there, his first two musician signings were Rod Stewart and Savoy Brown. Upon Joe's death, Ira established his own agency, American Talent International (ATI), which went on to become a major force in the music industry. ATI represented notable artists such as Rod Stewart, ZZ Top, The Eagles, and many more before it eventually transferred hands to CAA and was renamed. Following his departure from ATI, Ira became a music manager, working with artists such as Kraftwerk, Ronny Laws, and The Jazz Crusaders, among others. He also branched out from the music industry to found two additional successful businesses: a commercial printing company and an antique clock business, which he still owns and operates. Ira honed his writing skills as a blogger for two decades, with one of his blogs getting picked up by The Times of Israel. His work and life is also referenced in books by other authors about Kiss, Rush, Kraftwerk, and others.

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