📖 Overview
Donald S. Passman is an entertainment lawyer and author best known for writing "All You Need to Know About the Music Business," considered an essential industry guide since its first publication in 1991.
Passman has represented major artists including Pink, Green Day, and REM throughout his legal career at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. His expertise spans music publishing, recording agreements, merchandising, and film music rights.
As an authority on music law and business practices, Passman has served as a lecturer at Harvard Law School, USC Law School, and UCLA Law School. His book has gone through multiple editions to stay current with music industry changes, particularly addressing the impact of streaming and digital distribution.
Beyond his music industry work, Passman has authored fiction novels including "The Visionary" and "Mirage." He holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and maintains an active entertainment law practice in Los Angeles.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently cite Passman's clear explanations of complex music industry concepts. His straightforward writing style and use of examples help make legal and business topics accessible to industry newcomers.
What readers liked:
- Detailed breakdowns of contract terms and royalty calculations
- Regular updates addressing streaming and digital changes
- Practical advice for artists negotiating deals
- Comprehensive coverage of different industry roles
What readers disliked:
- Some sections become outdated between editions
- Heavy focus on major label deals vs indie paths
- Complex mathematical examples can be overwhelming
- Price point considered high by some students
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 from 2,800+ reviews
Goodreads: 4.3/5 from 3,900+ reviews
Reader quote: "Passman explains everything from basic copyright to complex profit-sharing in a way anyone can understand." - Amazon reviewer
Many readers note they keep returning to the book as a reference throughout their music careers. Entertainment law professors frequently assign it as required reading.
📚 Books by Donald S. Passman
All You Need to Know About the Music Business - A comprehensive guide covering legal, financial, and practical aspects of the music industry, including contracts, royalties, and career management.
The Visionary's Handbook: Nine Paradoxes That Will Shape the Future of Your Business - An examination of business paradoxes and their impact on future organizational strategies and management.
The Daily Adventures of Mixerman - A satirical account of the recording industry told through the perspective of a recording engineer working on a major label project.
Been There, Still Doing That - A collection of stories and observations about working in the entertainment industry from a veteran music lawyer's perspective.
The Simple Man's Burden - A novel following multiple generations of a Jewish family as they navigate life, relationships, and identity in America.
The Visionary's Handbook: Nine Paradoxes That Will Shape the Future of Your Business - An examination of business paradoxes and their impact on future organizational strategies and management.
The Daily Adventures of Mixerman - A satirical account of the recording industry told through the perspective of a recording engineer working on a major label project.
Been There, Still Doing That - A collection of stories and observations about working in the entertainment industry from a veteran music lawyer's perspective.
The Simple Man's Burden - A novel following multiple generations of a Jewish family as they navigate life, relationships, and identity in America.
👥 Similar authors
Steve Gordon writes detailed books about music law and the entertainment business from a legal perspective. His work "The Future of the Music Business" covers similar territory to Passman but with more focus on digital rights and emerging technologies.
Daylle Deanna Schwartz produced music industry guides focused on independent artists and self-management strategies. Her books provide practical contract and negotiation advice for musicians operating without major label support.
Todd Brabec and his co-author Jeff Brabec write about music publishing, licensing, and royalty structures in the entertainment industry. Their book "Music, Money and Success" examines the same financial and contractual concepts as Passman's work but with greater emphasis on publishing.
Moses Avalon writes about the music industry's business practices and potential pitfalls based on his experience as a record producer and consultant. His work focuses on exposing industry practices and teaching artists how to protect their interests in negotiations.
David Stopps authored guides about music management and live entertainment business models. His book "How to Make a Living from Music" was published by WIPO and covers international music business practices with a focus on artist management.
Daylle Deanna Schwartz produced music industry guides focused on independent artists and self-management strategies. Her books provide practical contract and negotiation advice for musicians operating without major label support.
Todd Brabec and his co-author Jeff Brabec write about music publishing, licensing, and royalty structures in the entertainment industry. Their book "Music, Money and Success" examines the same financial and contractual concepts as Passman's work but with greater emphasis on publishing.
Moses Avalon writes about the music industry's business practices and potential pitfalls based on his experience as a record producer and consultant. His work focuses on exposing industry practices and teaching artists how to protect their interests in negotiations.
David Stopps authored guides about music management and live entertainment business models. His book "How to Make a Living from Music" was published by WIPO and covers international music business practices with a focus on artist management.