His Master's Voice

Joseph Lockwood was born in poverty next to his grandfather's mill in Southwell Nottinghamshire; from there he went on to become a world expert and author of the standard textbook on flour milling. In mid-life he turned from managing and designing flour mills to becoming Chairman of EMI, ' The Greatest Recording Organisation in the World'. A much sought after public figure, businessman and government advisor, he played a major role in building the National Theatre, restoring the Royal Opera House, as well as sitting on the Arts Council and becoming Chairman of the Royal Ballet. For twenty years his good friend William Cavendish worked alongside Sir Joe, as he was always known, when Sir Joe was the Chairman of EMI, and the last record company to remain in British ownership. This book is the story of how this relationship developed, as Sir Joe's prestige brought him ever increasing influence in industry and the arts, while William remained by his side, quietly observing in the background.

After Eton and Trinity College Cambridge where William Cavendish obtained an MA in English Literature in 1963, his intention was to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in London. Instead by chance, he was introduced to the Chairman of EMI at a party in 1964 and to his surprise, was asked me to become his Personal Assistant the next day. The next week, EMI's artists, The Beatles, topped the charts in America for the first time. William stayed with Sir Joe for the rest of his friend's life, working together for over twenty years.