Don Was, Pt. 2 (Blue Note President)

Don Was may be an accomplished performer and producer, as covered in Pt. l, but he’s also got quite the day job: president of Blue Note Records. How did this rock-funk musician become the top executive at one of the most prestigious, influential jazz labels? What was the Blue Note album that turned him on to jazz when he was 14 years old? What early mistakes did he make at the label, and how did the Tone Poet reissue series factor into the solution? How much does Was prioritize new artists? What have been the most significant releases of his tenure? How much of Blue Note’s business is catalog vs. new releases? Which legendary performer is he producing right now? And what is Bob Dylan like to produce? (Photo by Myriam Santos)