master of his destiny

Max Roach lived to make music. There were no industry constructs like record labels, performance venues, agents, promoters that ever stood in his way of making music. He was a consummate businessman about his business and sought out control creative and financial control of his music. Debut Records and Milma Publishing, were two examples of entrepreneurial ventures to facilitate what Max was born to do.

Debut Records was founded in 1952 by bassist Charles Mingus, his wife Celia and Max Roach. It recorded and released over two dozen albums in five years, including the seminal, Jazz at Massey Hall, considered one of the greatest jazz collaborations of all time. Debut featured recordings by Mingus and Max, but also Miles Davis, Thad Jones, Kenny Dorham and more up and coming musicians.

Max roach music companies:

Debut Records (1952) approximately a dozen albums featuring Miles Davis, Charlie Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Oscar Pettiford and Max Roach

Milma Publishing (1950's, '60's, 70's to present)  Artist-owned publishing vs. label-owned publishing - a rarity back then.

Max Roach Productions (1980's, 1990's, 2000) Management, Booking, Production Company which optimizes his value.

the company man

Branding: "The process involved in creating a unique name and image for a product in the consumers' mind."

Max Roach was a consumer businessman, as well. Creating and endorsing products that elevated the image of this music and empowered his people. Check out a promo Max wrote for Afro Kola - “the taste of freedom”.