Artist and Repertoire (A&R) representatives count among the great, unseen heroes of the recording industry. During the early decades of the recording industry, A&R men (there were very few women) were responsible for many stages in the production of recorded music. Since the 1960s though, A&R has become increasingly synonymous with "talent scouting." A&R is one of the most coveted positions in the recording industry, but it may also be the most difficult. The ability to recognize which acts will be successful is critical to the survival of all record companies, but it is a rare talent. Those with "good ears" are likely to be promoted to a leadership position in the industry. Several notable record company executives, especially Sun's Sam Phillips and Atlantic's Ahmet Ertegun, established their professional reputations as A&R men. A few...