Rebel with a Cause cover art

Rebel with a Cause

Roots, Records and Revolutions

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Rebel with a Cause

By: Darcus Beese
Narrated by: Darcus Beese
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About this listen

 'Essential reading' RECORD COLLECTOR

'Darcus Beese is a formidable cat' CHUCK D

'An inspiration' ANNIE LENNOX

The must-read memoir from Darcus Beese - the first black president of Island Records and one of the greatest A&Rs of his generation. From growing up as a teenager on the streets of West London to running one of the biggest record labels in the world in New York - this is a truly remarkable rags to riches tale.

Rebel With a Cause is the story of how a teenage apprentice hairdresser from Fulham worked his way up from teaboy to head one of the UK's biggest and most successful record labels, Island Records, signing and nurturing some of the greatest artists of the twenty-first century - from Amy Winehouse and Jessie J to U2 and Florence and the Machine.

But this is also the story of a young man raised in musically fertile and politically febrile times. His activist parents Darcus Howe and Barbara Beese were tireless campaigners for racial equality at a time when racism was rife, not only on the streets, in schools and on the terraces, but also in the highest institutions of power. Fighting for equality - for himself and for his artists - has therefore been a key part of Darcus's life.

This is the incredible tale of an indomitable leader, an industry pioneer and rebel with a true cause.©2024 Darcus Beese (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Entertainment & Celebrities Music

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Most relevant  
One of the great music industry autobiographies. Insightful, vulnerable, hilarious and full of historical detail and personal perspectives. Required reading for anyone looking to get into the industry.

One of the best

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Great story about a kid from the other side of the tracks that scaled the heights of the corporate music industry. Well read too by the author.

Fascinating story

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Great look at the UK music industry from both an insider and rebel. Loved the story start to finish

Brilliant and honest

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I didn’t know so much of Darcus’s family history before this book but now it all makes sense.
I’m massively inspired by his story and ultimately glad that he chose to share it. I thought this was gonna be about the hits, signings and a how to navigate the music industry but instead it was about the music industry, hits, signings and how to navigate LIFE. Take a bow Mr Beese this book is a winner!

Super inspirational!

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Beautifully written, evocative and compelling – a brilliant account of a journey and a life of consequence

Absolutely fantastic

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I throughly enjoyed listening to Rebel With A Cause—this story challenges, inspires, and holds a mirror up to society. It’s a powerful exploration of navigating a career as a Black executive, balancing courage, results, and the complexities of intersectionality.

What stands out most is that Darcus reframes the Black British narrative—moving beyond single-story dynamics to showcase the depth, complexity, and resilience of our experiences.

It’s also a must-read for anyone in business and/or leadership, offering thoughtful anecdotes and insights on producing results while navigating identity and purpose.

Rewriting the Narrative: A Black Executive’s Journey of Courage, Intersectionality, and Purpose

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