As of this writing, Paris Records is almost 21 yrs old. With 5 new releases for 2006-2007, the impossible history of Paris records is about to begin a new chapter --and so a new "about us " should be added. The label as it is today really owes it's existence to my dear friend Joseph Tornabene. Joel made the connection between my early multi-artist/ spoken word albums and Hal Willner's wide-open "tribute" style, and arranged a meeting between us on Labor day weekend 1986. I vividly remember being so scared I could barely speak. Anyway, that meeting with Hal, like my chance meeting with Joel in 1980, changed my life, and believe it or not, made many of my wildest dreams come true.

The photo on the welcome page shows Joel, myself, Shivo and friend in " THE BIG ROOM " at Caesar's Vegas, Labor Day 1992. Joel's friend Todd Rundgren was appearing that night as part of Ringo's All-STARR band. Joel died 14 months later.

Thank you, Joey, for this label, and for always being brave enough to open any door.

Michael Minzer 3-25-06