Vivendi & Tommy Mottola Resurrects Casablanca Records

**Bernie** · July 8th, 2003, 04:40 PM

Casablanca Records was launched in 1973 by Neil Bogart, a purveyor of bubblegum pop in the Sixties. Bogart's label became a Seventies mainstay, giving a home to artists of various genre stripes, each with a flamboyant hook, be it hard rock (Kiss, the first band to sign to the label), funk (Parliament), disco diva (Donna Summer) or miscellaneous (the Village People). The label ran until 1985, releasing singles and albums by Cameo, Barry White, Lipps Inc., and Captain and Tennille.

Read the whole story at...

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/new....asp?nid=18340

**paul** · July 8th, 2003, 05:45 PM

Thanks for sharing that Bernie. I'm going to follow this story to see what direction Tommy takes this new venture. Like Marky and many others here, today's pop/r&b bores me to tears. Despite the Universal connection, my hope is Tommy can put music back in a more positive light.

**BrunoRepublic** · July 8th, 2003, 06:12 PM

As much the Casablanca name brings the thought of glorious music to my mind, I can't say that I'm expecting all that much from the man who is most well-known for "discovering" Celine Dion and marrying Mariah Carey -- two of the shriekiest divas that ever screeched.

**Bernie** · July 8th, 2003, 06:50 PM

If Motola's name was not associated with the relaunch of Casablanca I'd be inclined to have more faith. As Graham notes, his track record leaves a lot to be desired. Then again, he can bring in the money, which is what cash starved Vivendi wants.

Wonder if they will keep the original logo?

**Forrrce** · July 8th, 2003, 07:15 PM

A few years ago I read quite a good book about the US record industry called 'The Hit Men'. Loads of stories about egos at work and some pretty colourful characters - the piece on Calla/Roulette boss, Morris Levy was an eye opener. There's a section on Bogart and Casablanca which is pretty revealing also.

**paul** · July 8th, 2003, 07:17 PM

Well I guess I'm not so down on Tommy. I actually think Celine is a very good singer. As for Mariah well, perhaps she tries too hard. When she backs off a little she's tolerable to my ears.

**Outsider** · July 9th, 2003, 11:41 AM

I read an article in the Los Angeles Times about this. It will be interesting to see what happens. For starters, they should consider resigning Donna Summer. With a proper record deal, she could possibly be a hitmaker again.

:evil:

**zeca azevedo** · July 9th, 2003, 11:41 PM

Hey,

here's what they say on RS:
"Mottola plans to the use the new Casablanca, resurrected in name only, to foster new artists, a talent he has exhibited throughout his career."

I'm sure they won't use the old logo and I'm positively sure that this venture won't be entertaining and exciting like the old CASABLANCA RECORDS we knew. BTW, I have an old edition of Q magazine which contains a good article about BOGART and CASABLANCA RECORDS.

NEIL BOGART was a crazy/junkie executive, but he was the soul of the label. I wish mr. MOTOLLA have picked another name for his label...

zeca azevedo