On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, first broadcast in February 2021, we hear from a man who played a pivotal role in The Jam’s career – Record Industry Executive, Dennis Munday.
Dennis served as the A&R man at Polydor from the 1970s to the mid-1980s, and personally guided The Jam through that exciting period.
To achieve their aspirations, The Jam required a champion at Polydor who truly understood and resonated with their vision, setting them apart from the multitude of mediocre new wave bands.
Working for Polydor, Dennis effectively became an honorary member of both The Jam and The Style Council – often being the vital link between Paul Weller and record company, Polydor.
Dennis takes us on a journey from a love of Jazz to working with the best band in the f**king world – The Jam.
We hear incredible tales of recording those hit songs and albums, a link to The Beatles that you may not know about, to the band on tour plus how Paul split the band and created The Style Council with Mick Talbot, how Dennis discovered drummer Steve White, the success of Cafe Bleu & Our Favourite Shop through to that rejected final album.
We even touch on the Weller comeback in the early 90s and what is left in the magical archive!
It’s an incredible story so strap in for an amazing ride.
NB: Dennis now lives in Italy – where the internet is less than fabulous so the audio quality on this one isn’t outstanding – I hope you enjoy!
Click your preferred podcast platform to listen…
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Acast
EP16 – Dennis Munday – on The Jam, The Style Council & Life at Polydor – "Oh baby I'm dreaming of Monday…" – Paul Weller Fan Podcast
Shout to the Top : an Inside Story – Dennis Munday
This book, first published in 2008, reveals the trials and triumphs of Paul Weller’s career as working for Polydor, Dennis became a regular presence at the two groups’ many recording sessions, effectively becoming an honorary member of the bands.
Despite a sometimes stormy relationship with the band members – and eventually leaving Polydor – Munday was the vital link between Paul Weller and his record company for years.
Check out Big Boss Groove with Dennis Munday’s breakdancing…
More on Dennis…
Dennis Munday, born on August 15, 1948, in New Eltham, South East London, had a unique journey into the music industry. His early exposure to reading, courtesy of his mother, sparked a lifelong interest. Despite battling chronic asthma, Dennis pursued education, completing it in 1964.
Venturing into various jobs, from clerical roles to tree-pruning, Dennis found himself at HMV in the West End, where his music expertise landed him a Christmas job. This marked the beginning of his music career, eventually leading him to Polydor and collaborations with jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson.
Transitioning to work with rock bands, Dennis discovered his passion for ‘Punk’ music, working with iconic acts like The Jam and Siouxsie & The Banshees. Despite the changing landscape of the record business, Dennis continued to contribute, even pursuing a solo career.
In 2002, he moved to Italy to embark on a writing career. While his first book faced rejection, his perseverance led to the publication of “Shout To The Top” in 2006, a biography on Paul Weller.
Subsequent works, including “What A Way To Earn A Shilling” and “Che Razza Di Maniera Di Guadagnarsi Da Vivere,” followed, showcasing Dennis’s diverse talents.
Currently, Dennis is gearing up for the release of “Riding On The Granzwagon,” a music biography detailing his experiences with Norman Granz and renowned jazz musicians.