Billboard has announced its first list of the top 100 most powerful people in the music industry. Number 1 most powerful is Irving Azoff. Azoff is the chairperson for "Live Nation" the worlds biggest artist management group, ticketing agency and promoter.
The list aims to identify the most powerful people in the music industry by taking into account business acumen and the ability to create power in their own right.
Perhaps the most interesting example is Jon Bonjovi who is ranked number 50. Bonjovi are the most successful self managed band in the world with frontman Bonjovi taking the helm in the business and management of the band. Apparently he is touted as much for his keen sense of business as much as his ability as a frontman. Who knew?
In a surprise ranking of 78 Taylor Swift, outruns Lady Gaga (ranked at 84) with her own management company, partnerships with Target, Covergirl, Elizabeth Arden and Sony Electronics.
Other well knowns in the Top 100 include; Beyonce, Jay-Z, U2 and their manager Paul McGuinness, Ryan Seacrest at number 64, (who is far more powerful than Simon Cowell who was placed at 100).
