“Music is a man-made phenomenon that carries sound, meaning, and communication. It sends messages that affect both humans and animals alike. In many ways, music is like a poem, a book, a journal, or a story—its meaning sealed within the song and brought to life through a wide range of musical talent. Music can even feel like a religion, offering joy, comfort, and a deep sense of connection to others. It has the power to unite people across cultures, emotions, and generations, reminding us of our shared humanity.”

Phillip Rauls: The Rock Trenches 

Phillip Rauls has experienced a colorful past while wearing many different hats within the ranks of the ever-changing media business. His background includes being the road manager of the noted garage band The Gentry's who scored the million selling record "Keep On Dancing" in 1965. He then served representation of several major record companies as a regional promotion & marketing executive during a time of essential foundation and enormous growth for the music industry. He is also an accomplished photographer with his photos published in numerous publications, prestigious books & websites and video documentaries. His background is linked with the success of many up-and-coming recording artist & rock bands that later became members of The Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame. In 1978 leading music industry publication Billboard Magazine recognized him at their annual convention held in Toronto, Canada as a finalist in the magazine's "Regional Record Promotion Executive of the Year." In 1988 Phillip was awarded the prestigious award as the "EMI Records Promotion Executive of The Year." Yet in the mid-1990's and after 30+ years and over 4+ decades of working in the business while receiving over 63 gold & platinum record awards, Phillip actively retired from the music industry and shifted his interest to music archives and photo documentation.

(Photos: left: Phillip Rauls first book, "The Rock Trenches ~ Journal of a Music Industry Executive" / right: Phillip Rauls at Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis TN)

Upon reinventing himself as a music & photo historian he launched a globally recognized blog titled "Phillip Rauls Photolog" which attracted additional recognition. While searching for new artistic horizons, he then expanded his audience with a new YouTube Channel titled "The Phillip Rauls YouTube Channel" while using his photo images to tell the stories. Soon afterwards he opened an online photo gallery called The Phillip Rauls Gallery" on Etsy.com. In 2016 and with substantial progress within these media platforms, Phillip penned his long-awaited first book titled, "The Rock Trenches ~ Journal of a Music Industry Executive" (2016) while available at Amazon books. Currently, Phillip Rauls is still active with his writings and archive photography while he and his wife reside on an island getaway located in the Great Pacific Northwest.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Archive: Phillip Rauls, 2012 interview

How has music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Growing up in the music-rich community of Memphis, Tennessee, deeply shaped how I see the world. The city’s soundscape—rooted in soul, blues, and R&B—was broadcast daily through local radio stations, exposing listeners to a level of musical sophistication that many other communities may not have experienced. That constant presence of music educated us, offering a wide variety of “ear candy” that became part of everyday life. In my neighborhood, most of the white teenagers loved R&B music. It crossed cultural lines and brought people together, making dancing an essential part of social life and the dating scene. Through music, I learned how powerful art can be in breaking barriers, shaping identity, and creating shared experiences. Those early years in Memphis were the most influential period of my musical life, laying the foundation for how I connect music to culture, community, and human connection.

What was the most difficult part of your book “The Rock Trenches” that you thought you would have to tell? What was the funniest incident that you will forget?

Wow! That’s a great question. Jokingly, I knew I’d have to write the book in a PG version rather than reveal those crazy little secrets I’ve chosen to keep private. I’ve always tried to practice integrity in my standards, so I carefully worded the text to maintain its educational value.

As for the funniest incident I’ll never forget, it happened in a large airport. I accidentally—and very inappropriately—walked into the ladies’ restroom just as women were coming out of the stalls. They were startled to see me standing there and immediately screamed at me for invading their privacy. I was mortified. My face turned scarlet red, and I literally ran out the door as fast as I could.

“Growing up in the music-rich community of Memphis, Tennessee, deeply shaped how I see the world. The city’s soundscape—rooted in soul, blues, and R&B—was broadcast daily through local radio stations, exposing listeners to a level of musical sophistication that many other communities may not have experienced.” (left: WC Handy’s statue, Memphis TN / Photo by © Phillip Rauls — Photo: Phillip Rauls)

Why do you think that Memphis Music scene continues to generate such a devoted follow?         

I would say years and years of continued success have contributed to its legacy. In the early 1900’s and with Memphis located on the Mississippi River while being halfway between St. Louis and New Orleans, the location offered constant steamboat travelers many of which would visit Beale Street while seeking entertainment such a music and dancing. The success of Beale Street, and it’s roots with W.C. Handy’s historic song “Memphis Blues” dates back all the way to the start of the 20th Century. Of course, years later in the 1950’s and with SUN Records located there and introducing the dawn of Rock N Roll, it was only natural for musicians gathering there and living in Memphis.

Later came STAX Records with monster hit records and then producer Chips Moman opened a legendary recording studio named American Studio.

Following that, Willie Mitchelll started Hi Records with a string of huge global hits and the community became known as a Major music hub. 

In fact, to further highlight the impact of Memphis music, I was recently interviewed and contributed to the legendary documentary film “Becoming Led Zeppelin”, released early last year. At the very beginning of the film, Jimmy Page is interviewed and quoted as saying that when he first heard music from Memphis, “It sounded like music coming from outer space.” By that, he meant that Memphis music had a profound influence on him—an influence that continues to echo throughout modern music history.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

When I first retired after more than four decades in the music business, I went out and replaced my entire collection of albums and cassettes with newer CD versions of the same recordings. That technological upgrade allowed me to continue enjoying my music collection while reliving so many great musical memories.

I’m especially grateful that the era of Napster and widespread music piracy has largely subsided, helping restore respect for the value of music and the artists who create it.

“Good friends can last a lifetime, and they enrich our lives in countless ways. They remind us of who we are, encourage us when the path feels uncertain, and help us grow. Always reach out and make a connection—those moments often become the most meaningful. My friends have been a guiding light, one that continues to brighten my path.” (Johnny Winter, Atlanta Pop Festival / Photo by © Phillip Rauls)

What do you love most and what touched you about photography art? What keeps a music photographer passionate over the years?

As an art major in school, I always had a keen eye for visual beauty—whether in a painting or a photograph. Appreciating strong visuals was not only a personal passion but also an important part of my academic interests.

In 1968, I was hired as a valet driver for a photojournalist who was in Memphis covering a Life Magazine story on the tragic assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After three days, once my services were complete, I was paid in cash. I immediately went to a camera shop and purchased my first camera—a Yashica TL Electro 35–55mm SLR. From that moment on, I became self-taught, learning photography on the fly.

The following year, in 1969, I received a coveted stage pass from my employer at the time, Atlantic Records, and attended the historic Atlanta International Pop Music Festival. It was there that my photography first gained wider recognition, with numerous images published in various publications and later featured in video documentaries. There’s something deeply meaningful about leaving footprints through your life’s passionate work.

Today, I mostly photograph travel scenes, nature, and family moments—subjects that continue to bring me great joy and fulfillment.

What is the impact of music on racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want music to affect people?

Music is a man-made phenomenon that carries sound, meaning, and communication. It sends messages that affect both humans and animals alike. In many ways, music is like a poem, a book, a journal, or a story—its meaning sealed within the song and brought to life through a wide range of musical talent.

Music can even feel like a religion, offering joy, comfort, and a deep sense of connection to others. It has the power to unite people across cultures, emotions, and generations, reminding us of our shared humanity.

“The following year, in 1969, I received a coveted stage pass from my employer at the time, Atlantic Records, and attended the historic Atlanta International Pop Music Festival. It was there that my photography first gained wider recognition, with numerous images published in various publications and later featured in video documentaries. There’s something deeply meaningful about leaving footprints through your life’s passionate work.” (Photos: Phillip Rauls with his camera c.1970, Phillip Rauls’ award, and Paul Butterfield on stage, The Atlanta Pop Festival, 1969 / Photo by © Phillip Rauls)

You’ve worked in many different environments, with many artists/musicians, producers, record labels and media people. How did you navigate between those different worlds?

It’s important to remember that when I entered the music world, there were no cell phones, no internet, no text messaging, and no social media. The only ways to share information were through face-to-face appointments or telephone calls—on landlines with power cords attached. Print media, radio, and television journalism were the primary tools for spreading the word and promoting records.

Success in that era required strong people skills. It was about convincingly presenting accurate information with a balanced personality—never hyping or exaggerating the product. The ability to genuinely connect with others was essential, and it’s a gift I deeply appreciated, one that I believe came from having good parents who instilled those values in me.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Good friends can last a lifetime, and they enrich our lives in countless ways. They remind us of who we are, encourage us when the path feels uncertain, and help us grow. Always reach out and make a connection—those moments often become the most meaningful.

My friends have been a guiding light, one that continues to brighten my path.

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(Photo: Phillip Rauls)