Big Changes At Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
On June 17th, All Access.com reported what became one of the biggest parts of recent major changes in today’s record inustry. Universal Motown Records Group has mergeed into sister label Universal Republic Records Group. This required Universal Republic’s staff to take on the task of working Motown’s major artists who have active projects, such as Lil’ Wayne, Kelly Rowland. and Nicki Minaj among others. The “Motown Records” brand will live on in name only as an imprint label for the classics, as a part of the Island Def Jam Music Group. Universal Republic and the Island Def Jam Music Group will continue to operate as seperate companies under the Universal Music Group, while both being overseen by Barry Weiss. Weiss was named head of the Island Def Jam Music Group and Universal Motown/Universal Republic in March, after Antionio “LA” Reid’s departure.
This is the latest piece to a puzzle of major changes that have been occuring in the music industry that started changing at the end of 2010. As we and probably many others are still figuring out the affects of these major changes, lets’s recap everything that has changed.
1. August 2010- American Idol & Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment Announces New Deal With Interscope Records
American Idol executive producer and founder of 19 Entertainment Simon Fuller ends his relationship with Sony Music Entertainment to announce a new partnership with Universal Music Group’s Interscope Records. American Idol winners and contestants were previously signed to Sony’s RCA/Jive Label Group. Season 10 winner, Scotty McCreery became the first to sign with Interscope, signing with 19 Entertainment/Mercury Nashville/Interscope Records.
2. December 2010-RCA/Jive Label Group head, Barry Weiss ends his career spanning relationship With Sony Music Entertainment To Go To Universal Music Group
We reported that the head of the RCA/Jive Label Group, Barry Weiss planned to move to Universal Music Group in 2011. Barry began his career in the music industry in 1981 under Jive Records’ founder, Clive Calder, and was promoted to become head of the RCA/Jive Label Group, after it was ultimately aquired by Sony Music Entertainment, and Clive Calder left the company.
Barry was instrumental in the development of the careers of many of Jive’s blockbuster stars. Some of these include KRS One, Too Short, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, R. Kelly, A Tribe Called Quest, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, *N Sync, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, T-Pain and others
3 March 2011
The New York Post Confirms Head of Universal Music Group, Doug Morris Steps Down To Run Sony Music Entertainment.
Chairman of Universal Music Group, Doug Morris left his position to become the chairman of Sony Music Entertainment. Doug first entered the music business in the 1960s as a song writer. He then founded his own record label, Big Tag Records. Big Tag was later aquired by Atlantic Records, and Doug worked his way up there. . Doug’s work with Universal Music began in 1995 with MCA and the creation of Universal Records.
4 Antonio “LA” Reid Annouced His Resignation At The Island Def Jam Music Group
Antonio “LA” Reid announced his resignation as the head of the Island Def Jam Music Group. He was part of making history with that company since 2004. During that time Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter served as President of Def Jam Records under him until 2007. While Reid was at Island Def Jam he was a part of signing many major acts. Some of these include, Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and many others.
5. Antonio “LA” Reid Joins Simon Cowell On “X Factor”
Ryan Seacrest first reported on his KIIS FM radio show that former Chairman of The Island Def Jam Music Group, Antonio “LA” Reid will join Simon Cowell on the American version of his ht show, X Factor.
6. Barry Weiss Heads Island Def Jam & Universal Motown-Republic
The LA Times reported that former Jive Records and Sony Music executive Barry Weiss heads up both the Universal Records’ Groups (Motown and Republic), as well as The Island Def Jam Music Group after Antonio “LA” Reid’s departure.
7. June 2011
Antonio “LA” Reid will head The New Epic Records Group
All Access.com & The Hollywood Reporter reported that former Island Def Jam Chairman, Antonio “LA Reid” will join Sony Music Entertainment as the new head of the newly formed Epic Label Group under Doug Morris.
8 July 2011-Doug Moris’ Enters Sony Music Entertainment
New Chairman of Sony Music Entertainment, Doug Morris’ open letter to his staff.
