His Master's Voice

Joseph Lockwood was born in poverty next to his grandfather's mill in SouthwellNottinghamshire; from there he went on to become a world expert and author ofthe standard textbook on flour milling. In mid-life he turned from managing anddesigning flour mills to becoming Chairman of EMI, ' The Greatest RecordingOrganisation in the World'. A much sought after public figure, businessman andgovernment 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 becomingChairman 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 lastrecord company to remain in British ownership. This book is the story of how thisrelationship developed, as Sir Joe's prestige brought him ever increasing influence inindustry and the arts, while William remained by his side, quietly observing in thebackground.