The forgotten singer Joe Perry needed to work with: “I want those guys”
Joe Perry says recruiting bassist David Hull and singer Ralph Morman for his 1980 solo debut, *Let the Music Do the Talking*, was central to a record that changed his career. He chose the two musicians for their playing and singing, despite their limited public profiles, as he left Aerosmith amid growing tensions.
Columbia Records funded the album, but Perry recalled that executives wanted it left unpromoted so he would return to Aerosmith. Working with producer Jack Douglas, he channelled his frustration into the record, which had modest commercial results but became a marker of artistic independence. Perry still draws on its songs when assembling his solo touring band.
In short
- Perry recruited David Hull and Ralph Morman for his solo debut.
- Columbia executives reportedly sought to limit the album’s promotion.
- Perry calls the record a life changer.
Explained simply
Joe Perry is the guitarist in Aerosmith, the American rock band he helped form. In 1979, tensions within the group led him to make a record on his own, with Columbia Records funding the project.
For the album, Perry worked with bassist David Hull and singer Ralph Morman, alongside producer Jack Douglas. Hull and Morman were chosen for their musical abilities, though they were less well known than Perry.
The record had limited commercial success, but it marked a period when Perry pursued music outside Aerosmith. Its songs have remained part of his solo work, offering context for his later touring band.