In the record industry boom of the early 1970s, revenue from album sales was the mother lode. But the most effective way to break a new artist or take an existing act to the next level was the hit single. A single that permeated the nation's airwaves and galvanized the culture was the royal road to the multi-platinum LP.

Jamie Cullum: "I've lived my short life as a record geek. I take quite a heavy interest in music. Lots of people are interested in music, but I'm the kind of guy who'd be digging through boxfuls of old records in secondhand stores and record fares and things like that."

All businesses, like bands, are made up of a collective of individuals. Though some may contribute in larger ways than others, no one person is responsible for the company's success. It's important to share accolades.

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival this week is celebrating its 41st year of roots music in the picture-perfect setting among the San Juan Mountain peaks in southwest Colorado. It's a shame if you haven't experienced it at least once.

Robert, I interviewed you for your last two albums and felt that Before Nightfall, at the time of its release, was a brilliant album. And I'm hearing a lot of similarities between that one and Heaven.

For me, the collaboration is sort of akin to working with a lyricist. There's no lyrics in the score, so you're basically working with the scenes as lyric and trying to find a way to emotionally support what's going on with that.