Andre Harrell was one of the most influential music executives in the business. A music icon and pioneer, his impact is immeasurable and his legacy is forever cemented in the annals of the entertainment industry.
Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, although Harrell’s big break came as one-half of the hip-hop duo Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Genius Rap), he would achieve his greatest success as a music executive. It all began in 1983 when Harrell worked at Russell Simmons’ Rush Management and Def Jam Records. Harrell’s life changed forever three years later when he founded Uptown Records, which proved to have a pivotal role in the urban music landscape.
Uptown Records helped launch the careers of some of music’s heavy hitters like Mary J. Blige, Guy (featuring producer Teddy Riley), who pioneered the New Jack Swing era with Heavy D and the Boyz, Al B. Sure, Father MC and Jodeci. In 1992, Uptown partnered with MCA and formed Uptown Entertainment where a versatile Harrell, nicknamed “Mr. Champagne and Bubbles,” began producing films (“Strictly Business” and “Honey”), TV shows (“New York Undercover), and movie soundtracks.
Enter Sean “Puffy” Combs, Harrell’s onetime intern who eventually stepped into an A&R role at Uptown in the 90s before parting ways and forming Bad Boy Records, taking the Notorious B.I.G. with him.
In 1995, Harrell left the label to become CEO of Motown Records. After leaving Motown, Harrell reconciled with Combs, working as president of Bad Boy Records for many years, before becoming vice chairman of Combs’s multimedia company, Revolt TV Network in 2013.
A visionary, who dominated urban music, Harrell, known for his forward-thinking leadership, was a mentor to many. Celebrities and politicians alike sought out, and were the recipients of, his sage advice.
BET Networks recently greenlit “Uptown,” a three-part scripted miniseries based on Uptown Records’ rise.
Harrell died May 8 of heart failure at the age of 59. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Andre Harrell so others don’t forget. #livinglegendsfoundation30 #blackmusicmonth #culturecreator #rootedinblackmusic