House Of Hits: The Great Untold Story Of Australia's First Family Of Music

by Jane Albert

The journey of a small family business that went from running an unassuming clock repair shop, to becoming the group responsible for bringing mega-stars AC/DC into the public spotlight   Few, if any, of AC/DC's fans would have any idea that the band's unmistakable brand of raucous, hardcore rock was delivered to the world via a small Australian family music publishing business, J. Albert & Son. In fact, the lives of most music buffs have been touched in some way by the Alberts, through sheet music, any number of their radio stations, or bands and artists like the Easybeats, John Paul Young, Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, the Angels, Rose Tattoo, and, of course, AC/DC. So who is behind this business that has been quietly shaping and influencing musical landscape, culture, entertainment, and media for most of its existence? Here, Jane Albert—a journalist and fifth generation family member—has agreed to tell the family's story for the first time. She has had unprecedented access to company documents, family diaries, family members, letters, and of course the vibrant gallery of artists who have made Albert's the success it is today. It's a story of constant innovations, extreme loyalty, and the struggle—and triumph—of family businesses.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jeff Smith]

Wonderful read and insight into music that has shaped the Australian rock and pop music scene over the past 60 years. Ted Albert was a thoughtful guiding light that fostered and encouraged some of Australia's best creative talents. Loved it

[Elise]

Loved it! What a great insight to the history of Alberts. Definitely worth reading if you're into the music history of Australia.

[Martin Ramsay]

Having read some Dave Graney, James Freud, Peter Garrett and Billy Thorpe this book is an eye opener. Jane Albert gets to AC DC in chapter 11 and they only get one chapter. This multi-generation story of the Alberts family covers music publishing, harmonica sales, the birth of radio and television and the growth and development of the Alberta sound; Ted Mulry, JPY, AC DC, The Angels and Rose Tattoo. Fascinating.... And that's before we get to Strictly Ballroom!

[Jess]

I found this book a great read on the history of a music production company. Yet I did find it quite boring at times. I had no idea about Alberts so I have learnt a lot, but I thought it would be more about rock bands in Australia. It really just touched on them. Especially when you have a photo of a band member from AC/DC.