10 Questions with ... TC Thompkins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Over 50 years in the music business from Stax records in 1971 to VP Epic records 1978.

1) What are you up to these days?

Looking for a hit artist that writes and produces their own music. And I wrote and released a book about my 50 plus years of working in the music business. It's called "When Radio Was King" The Hottest Music Era in History.

2) Why did you write the book?

To tell my story and to claim my accomplishments and try to secure my legacy. My life has been like a movie. If I told you that I first thought about being in the music business while servicing in Vietnam with no idea on how I was going to make it happen, it would have sounded like a dream. As it worked out, I ended up working with Michael Jackson on the biggest LP in music history, Luther Vandross, Teena Marie, Teddy Pendergrass, the O Jay's, Sade, Mtume and many more. But that's my story.

3) How did you approach organizing and structuring everything?

With the help of my editor Dr. Byars.

4) What's the funniest thing that has happened to you during your career?

My times with Teddy Pendergrass (get the book to find out)

5) Why did you get into the music business?

Desire

6) Who were some of your mentors and influencers?

Clarence Avant

7) Was there anything that surprised you when you started writing the book?

How much dumb stuff I did when I was young.

8) What direction do you see the music industry headed?

Hopefully for a better way for artist to make money other than streaming.

9) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?

Music

10) And the best advice you've ever been given?

"Don't let them see you coming" Clarence Avant

What thing or things you are most proud of?

My family and the work I did on Sade when I was at Epic Records.