The music industry lost a giant with the passing of Seymour Stein, who died at the age of 80 on March 24, 2021. Stein was a record executive who helped shape the music industry for over five decades. He was best known for signing Madonna to his label, Sire Records, in the early 1980s, launching her career and forever changing pop culture.
Who was Seymour Stein Who Signed Madonna?
Seymour was born on 18th of April 1942, in New York. His love for music began at a young age, and he became an avid collector of records. Stein’s passion for music eventually led him to a career in the music industry, where he worked as a record executive for over 50 years.
Stein’s Early Career
Stein began his music career in the late 1950s, working at Billboard magazine. He later moved on to work for various record labels, including King Records, Red Bird Records, and Mercury Records. Stein’s big break came in the mid-1970s when he joined Warner Bros as a Vice President. He was responsible for the success of many artists, including Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and k.d. lang.
The Birth of Sire Records
In 1966, Stein co-founded Sire Productions with Richard Gottehrer. Sire Productions was a music publishing company that eventually evolved into Sire Records. Sire Records was known for its eclectic roster of artists, including The Ramones, The Smiths, and Depeche Mode.
Stein’s ability to spot talent and his willingness to take risks on unconventional artists helped make Sire Records a major player in the music industry.
Madonna and Sire Records
Stein’s most significant contribution to the music industry was signing Madonna to Sire Records in 1982. At the time, Madonna was an unknown artist with a small following in the New York club scene. Stein saw her potential and signed her to a record deal.
Madonna’s first album, “Madonna,” was released in 1983 and was an instant success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Madonna went on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, and Stein’s role in launching her career cannot be overstated.
Legacy of Seymour Stein
Seymour Stein’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable. He was responsible for discovering and nurturing countless artists throughout his career, and his willingness to take risks on unconventional artists paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive music industry.
Stein’s legacy lives on through the artists he signed and the impact they continue to have on music and popular culture.
Seymour Stein was a record industry giant whose impact on the music industry will be felt for generations to come. He will always be remembered for his ability to spot talent, his willingness to take risks, and his role in launching the career of one of the most iconic artists of all time, Madonna. Rest in peace, Seymour Stein.
