MINNEAPOLIS/LOS ANGELES:
Recently, I had the privilege of delving into the world of music with the iconic Peter Jesperson—a multifaceted figure known for his roles as a music enthusiast, producer, DJ, record executive, and now, an author. Our conversation was nothing short of captivating. If you love music you’ll want to watch the above video.
Peter Jesperson’s journey into the Minneapolis music scene in the vibrant 1970s and ’80s was serendipitous. Alongside managing the influential Oar Folkjokeopus record store and spinning tracks at Jay’s Longhorn bar, Jesperson co-founded Twin/Tone Records. This pivotal label propelled groundbreaking artists like the Replacements, Soul Asylum, The Suburbs, Babes In Toyland, and the Jayhawks into the spotlight, among many others.
In his book, Euphoric Recal, Jesperson recalls the moment his life took a transformative turn in the early ’80s with the discovery of the Replacements. As an A&R visionary and later their manager, Jesperson navigated the chaotic yet immensely talented band’s journey. Amidst this whirlwind, he also found himself managing the rising stars from Athens, Georgia—R.E.M. Yet, amidst professional success, Jesperson grappled with personal challenges, battling substance abuse.
Fueled by his unwavering passion for music, Jesperson staged a triumphant comeback, eventually transitioning to Los Angeles for the next chapter of his career. Collaborating with luminaries such as Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Chesnutt, and Steve Earle, he witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in the 1990s music industry landscape.
With over five decades of invaluable experience in the music business, Jesperson’s memoir, “Euphoric Recall,” promises a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and lessons gleaned from his extraordinary journey. The book features a foreword by esteemed music journalist David Fricke, adding another layer of depth to this compelling narrative.
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