Prompt Cast
The untold story of singer Ernest Jackson and his lost song "Inflation"
TLDR Planet Money investigates the lost opportunity for stardom of singer Ernest Jackson, whose song "Inflation" from 47 years ago is being resurrected to understand the music industry's profitability. Ernest Jackson, a retired waiter and singer, still performs at 74 years old, hoping for a record deal after never receiving royalties for his hit cover song.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
A cassette tape with a song about inflation recorded 47 years ago leads to an investigation into the untold story of singer Ernest Jackson and his lost opportunity for stardom in the music industry.
04:03
Ernest Jackson's lost song "Inflation" from 47 years ago is being resurrected by Planet Money in an attempt to understand the profitability of music in the industry.
07:32
Ernest Jackson's early experiences in music and his talent for songwriting set him apart in the competitive music industry of the 70s.
11:24
Ernest Jackson writes the song "Inflation" inspired by the economic struggles of the 70s and records it with his band at a famous studio in New Orleans.
14:43
Ernest Jackson, cautious due to being exploited in the music industry, never publicly performs his hit cover song that made it to the Billboard charts, as he never received royalties for it.
18:08
Ernest Jackson, a retired waiter and singer, still performs at nursing homes and occasional shows, hoping for a record deal at 74 years old.
21:29
Planet Money Records becomes a label and premieres Ernest Jackson's song "Inflation" on Q106.5 radio station in Baton Rouge, fulfilling his dream of hearing himself on the radio again.
25:55
The Planet Money podcast credits the team behind the production of the episode and acknowledges various individuals for their contributions.
