Twin/Tone co-founder Peter Jesperson reflects on 50 years in the music biz

Check out a recent zoom interview with Peter Jesperson conducted by Tom Barnas for "Stories From The 78"

Here's the scoop from Tom Barnas...

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.

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.

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.

For more Stories From The 78, follow @tombarnas78 on Instagram or visit the site right here. Check out the Peter Jesperson interview below.