Meaning: This quote by Mickey Gilley, a musician, sheds light on the evolving dynamics between recording companies and artists in the music industry. It reflects the shift in power and control that record companies seek over artists and their work. The quote illustrates how record companies, in their pursuit of commercial success, now aim to exert ownership and control over various aspects of an artist's identity and revenue streams.

Historically, record companies have played a significant role in the music industry by providing financial support, distribution channels, and marketing expertise to artists. In return, they typically retained a share of the profits from an artist's music sales and performances. However, Gilley's quote suggests that the level of control and ownership sought by record companies has expanded in contemporary times.

The phrase "they want to own everything" alludes to the comprehensive nature of record companies' ambitions. In addition to seeking control over an artist's music, the quote implies that record companies now desire ownership of an artist's name, image, and brand. This represents a significant departure from the traditional model, where artists retained greater autonomy over their personal identities and commercial opportunities outside of music.

Furthermore, Gilley's statement "They want to own the rights to market that person's particular name" underscores the extent to which record companies seek to monetize every aspect of an artist's public persona. This suggests that record companies not only aim to control the production and distribution of an artist's music but also seek to capitalize on the artist's public image and reputation for their own financial gain.

The quote's concluding statement, "They want a piece of the action all the way through," encapsulates the pervasive nature of record companies' commercial interests. It conveys the notion that record companies seek to secure a share of an artist's earnings across various revenue streams, including music sales, merchandise, endorsements, and live performances. This implies a sustained and long-term financial stake in an artist's career, extending beyond the initial recording and release of music.

The evolving dynamics between record companies and artists, as highlighted in Gilley's quote, have been shaped by several factors. The digital revolution and the rise of online streaming platforms have transformed the way music is consumed, leading to shifts in revenue streams and business models within the industry. In response to these changes, record companies may be seeking to expand their control over artists' commercial opportunities as a means of securing their own financial sustainability.

Additionally, the increasing emphasis on branding and marketing in the music industry has led to a greater convergence of music and commercialism. Record companies, in pursuit of maximizing profits, may be leveraging their resources to capitalize on the marketability of artists as brands, thereby seeking greater ownership and control over artists' identities and earnings.

In conclusion, Mickey Gilley's quote serves as a poignant commentary on the evolving power dynamics and commercial interests within the music industry. It highlights the expanding scope of control and ownership sought by record companies over artists' identities and revenue streams, reflecting the changing landscape of the music business in the digital age. This quote prompts a critical examination of the balance of power and economic interests between record companies and artists, raising important questions about artistic autonomy, commercial exploitation, and the future of the music industry.