Harold Bronson is one of the most influential figures in music history, best known as the co-founder of Rhino Records, the label that redefined how reissues, box sets and archival releases were presented to fans.
In this Noise11 interview, Bronson speaks with Paul Cashmere about his unlikely journey from cult Los Angeles band Mogan David & The Winos to building one of the most respected reissue labels of all time. Long before Rhino worked with artists like The Monkees, The Rutles, Love, The Easybeats and The Everly Brothers, Bronson was performing 60s-inspired garage rock in early-70s LA – completely out of step with the era but deeply committed to the music he loved.
Bronson discusses the newly expanded reissue of Savage Young Winos, a long-lost album that has gained cult status over decades, and how a chance conversation with Melbourne music identity Dave Laing helped bring the record back into print. He also reflects on Rhino’s early obsession with novelty records, the famous Louie Louie compilation that sold over 100,000 copies, and why music preservation was always more important than chasing hits.
The interview also explores Rhino’s strong Australian connections, including Bronson’s admiration for The Easybeats, Daddy Cool, and his encounters with George Young, as well as the one major catalogue Rhino never secured – The Dave Clark Five.
This is a deep dive into music history, cultural preservation, and the belief that great records matter whether they charted or not.
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