L.A. Reid

Antonio Marquis "L.A." Reid, born on June 7, 1956, is a prominent figure in the American music industry, renowned for his multifaceted roles as a record executive, A&R representative, and record producer. His illustrious career includes serving as president and CEO of Arista Records from two thousand to two thousand four, followed by his tenure as chairman and CEO of the Island Def Jam Music Group from two thousand four to two thousand eleven, and Epic Records from two thousand eleven to two thousand seventeen.

Reid's journey in music began as a talented musician, where he played drums for the Ohio R&B bands Pure Essence in nineteen seventy-three and The Deele, alongside his future collaborator Babyface, in nineteen eighty-one. His extensive experience as a record producer, programmer, and instrumentalist has allowed him to work with a diverse array of recording artists, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

In nineteen eighty-nine, he co-founded LaFace Records with Babyface, further solidifying his impact on the music scene. Reid also established Hitco Music Publishing in nineteen ninety-six and later co-founded Hitco Entertainment in two thousand seventeen, which was sold to Concord in two thousand twenty-two. His influence extended to television as well, where he served as a judge on the first two seasons of the American version of The X Factor.

Throughout his career, Reid has received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, notably for his songwriting on Boyz II Men's iconic hit "End of the Road." His life and career are chronicled in his memoir, Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who's Next, published in two thousand sixteen, which became a New York Times bestseller.