THE EMI YEARS - THE BEST RIDE OF THEM ALL

Photo 12 Page moves into the modern era of the record business as music shifts from vinyl recordings to CD technology. In 1986 after a critical period affecting all independent record promoters (see page # 11 at bottom), Phillip lands on his feet when hired by EMI Records as their Midwest Promotion & Marketing Director.

Richard Marx self-titled debut album was released in June 1987 and yielded four hit singles and sold over 4 million copies. Strangley, the album was originally rejected by numerous major record labels prior to signing a long term contract with EMI Records. Marx became the first male artists to reach the Top 3 with four singles for a debut album.

One of the first major markets to program Richard Marx's album was the St. Louis market. Here EMI's Phillip Rauls poses with KWK-FM Radio's Kim Poole and Richard Marx as they gather for a special occasion to honor the event.

EMI'S GLASS TIGER VISITS KSHE RADIO

Richard Marx's self-titled debut album produced the up-tempo rocker "Don't Mean Nothing" that featured guitar legend Joe Walsh. Marx's song topped the Billboard Chart at #1 on the Album Rock Chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

KSHE ruled the mid-west radio world in the 80's. Here Phillip celebrates with KSHE programming staff and members of the Canadian Pop-Rock super group, Glass Tiger. (L-R) Phillip Rauls-EMI, Rick Balis-KSHE, Alan Frey-Glass Tiger, AL Hofer-KSHE, and Sam Reid of Glass Tiger.

The doors of St. Louis radio opened as Phillip used receptive radio personnel to establish the building of strong professional relationships.

RICHARD MARX PERFORMS IN ST. LOUIS

The influence of midwest radio was apparent as Richard Marx performed there often. Here Richard Marx and Phillip Rauls share smiles.

GLASS TIGER'S "THIN RED LINE" GOES GOLD

Richard Marx's debut album received the rare distinction of selling 4 million albums and reaching Platinum sales status while producing multiple hits such as, "Don't Mean Nothing," "Hold On To The Nights," "Should Have Known Better" and "Endless Summer Nights."

Glass Tiger's gold album "Thin Red Line" produced several hits such as, "Somedays" and "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone."

Epic Records executive Larry Wall (L) shares a laugh with KSHE's Rick Balis. Larry Wall who lived in St Louis at the time is a long time friend and associate of Phillip's. Both went to grade school togther and later broke into the business during the same period. Wall was the original drummer of legendary garage band The Gentrys who had the million seller, "Keep On Dancing."

Well respected Program Director Mark Todd of St. Louis's KHTR Radio and Phillip became friends as pictured here on an cycling event.

EMI's resident bad boy George Thorogood's new album "Born To Be Bad" was flying out the doors and selling like hot cakes as he toured often through St Louis, Kansas City and the midwest.

St. Louis at dusk is a beautiful setting as displayed here in an original photo (c) by Phillip.

EMI Records 1987 release of David Bowie's "Never Let Me Down" album & single was an all-time favorite of Phillip's. The album featured "Time Will Crawl" and also the controversial music video of "Day-In Day-Out."

Here is another original photo (c) by Phillip and taken from atop the St. Louis Arch. In this photo are several large boats floating on the mighty Mississippi River that contain restaurants, botiques and shops for the city's many tourist. Notice the shadow of the Arch conveniently glaring down on the scenery providing an interesting backdrop (double-click to enlarge).

In 1987 EMI Records releases the album "Come As You Are" by Peter Wolf who was the well-recognized frontman from The J. Geils Band.

George Thorgood as seen in center with his traditional after-concert victory cigar, cuts-up with his band members and air personaities from the Little Rock, Arkansas radio market.

Dick Williams a Detroit native was V.P. EMI Records and the architect in building the promotion staff for the label. His relationship with Phillip goes all the way back to the early 70's when he was local promotion manager in Memphis TN with United Artists Records.

David Bowie's official EMI press photo revealed his darn good looks and versatile appearance.

Canadian singing duo The Partland Brothers headlined the WMC FM-100 Music Fest Show at River Front Park in Memphis for a huge audience.

WMRY Radio was a dominant force within St Louis market as an adult-alternative station.

Radio and media veteran Clarence Johnson (L) was a former Memphian who lived in St. Louis. "C.J." and Phillip's long-time friendship dates all the way back to the early 70's when he was a DJ at WMC-FM 100.

A significant sign of the times was when CD sales took over the long-standing lead from LP's.

Epic Records Larry Wall sets the story straight on his recent purchase of an authentic Erte sculpture while Clarence Johnson acknowledges the story by taking a snooze.

The EMI release of "Electric Honey" by The Partland Brothers drew considerable airplay.

The Partland Brothers pose backstage in Memphis with WMC FM-100 staff. (L-R) Phillip Rauls-EMI, Steve Conley-WMC-FM, G.P. Partland, Chris Partland, Robert John-WMC-FM.

Jason & The Scorchers EMI album "Still Standing" scored heavy FM Radio airplay while the band stormed the Mid-West appearing with the Georgia Satellites in St. Louis, Springfield and Kansas City.

EMI-Manhattan Records Al Di Meola latest release "Tirami Su" is praised by Jazz critics.

Guitarist Magazine features Al Di Meola as their cover story and spotlighted artist of the month.

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