My Incredible True Story of Gangsters, Oligarchs, and Pop Stars in Putin's Russia
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia opened its borders, and Russian audiences were hungry for Western popular music and the values it espoused. David Junk was one of the first idealistic, young Americans to seize this opportunity.
Rockin’ the Kremlin is the thrilling true story of how David became the first CEO of Universal Music Russia and built impactful cultural bridges with music—but also how that would all shatter with the rise of Vladimir Putin and invasions of Ukraine. There was no proper music industry in the USSR, and creating a modern music industry in Russia would be far more challenging than anyone had anticipated. David assembled a team of young and talented Russians, and they navigated a terrain filled with political chaos, organized crime, powerful oligarchs, bombings, and violence—with cultural clashes tinting many aspects. They captivated millions by bringing superstar acts and their music to Russia for the first time ever, including Metallica, Mariah Carey, Sting, Eminem, and Enrique Iglesias, while developing local talent such as Alsou and t.A.T.u.—Russia’s greatest selling pop act of all time. Eventually, David would even build a music industry in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe.
While Russia’s descent into authoritarianism and two invasions of Ukraine have tarnished this, the industry that David shepherded has birthed a newer generation of Russian musicians who are speaking out against the war and Putin. Filled with unique insights as well as gripping—and sometimes humorous—stories, this book reveals how it all happened. Read sample
The companion soundtrack. All of these artists are referenced in the book.
"It's Said 'Hip Hop Can Save the World.' Can it Save Russia?" is the title of David's' opinion piece in The Moscow Times. "While most Russian musicians are silent, scared of the repercussions to their careers, some of the most courageous voices of protest come from Russia’s hip-hop community."
Read David's Moscow Times article here.
Review by Alex Beam - In “Rockin’ the Kremlin,” music executive David Junk recounts the years he
spent working to bring new sounds to Russian ears. Read Alex's review here or listen to The
Washington Post's AI generated audio version below.
Last night we talked with Fred Bronson about his latest book, Rockin’ The Kremlin. This story is fascinating and you are about to hear it!
David is interviewed by three time Gracie Award winner, Shelley Sunstein Everybody has a story, but this man has lived the life
David Junk is interviewed by TJ Trout of KKOB News Radio Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
Let your balalaikas ring!
David Junk is interviewed by Paul Miller, Morning Show host for WPHM AM Radio Port Huron, Michigan.
This is quite a story!
David Junk is interviewed by Brian Thomas, for WKRC AM Radio Cincinnati, Ohio.
I've been looking forward to this all morning!
David Junk is interviewed by Shelley Irwin, for WGVU FM Radio Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
His story is not only fascinating, but it's timely...
David Junk is interviewed by Robert Miller, on his Follow Your Dream
Podcast.
He introduced western stars and their music into Russia.
David Junk is interviewed by James Beach, on his School For Startups
Radio
Podcast.
I'm very excited to introduce my guest today!