The November 17, 2008, issue of Publishers Weekly includes an enthusiastic review of John Broven’s forthcoming book Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneers (February 2009).

“Covering the convoluted history of the recording industry from the 1940s to the 1960s, [Broven] combines in-depth archival research with fascinating anecdotes about chart-toppers, shady characters and label owners. . . . The impact of conniving entrepreneurs on the musicians and the layering of rich details and digressive detours as Broven traces the transition from R&B to rock make this equal to Roger D. Kinkle’s massive, four-volume Complete Encyclopedia of Popular Music and Jazz.