Legendary Music Executive Andre Harrell Has Passed Away At 59
Andre Harrell, founder of Uptown Records, and one-half of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde died on May 8, 2020. He was 59.
The heartbreaking news was announced by DJ D-Nice during his Club Quarantine set on Instagram. Sources confirmed to AllHipHop News that Harrell died suddenly, but a cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Harrell is responsible for launching the careers of Mary J. Blige, Heavy D & The Boyz, Teddy Riley, Jodeci, and Diddy. He also served as the Vice-Chairman of Revolt, Diddy’s multi-platform music network.
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The Bronx native studied at Lehman College where he majored in communications and business management but dropped out after three years to work at a local radio station. Soon after meeting Russell Simmons, the creator of Def Jam Records, he went to go work for the music label, and quickly worked his way up to general manager.
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After meeting Dwight Myers, better known as rapper Heavy D, Harrell was eager to sign him to Def Jam Records, but couldn’t receive approval. He believed in Heavy D’s talent so strongly, that he founded Uptown Records in order to release the rapper’s first album. In 1987, Heady D’s freshman album, Living Large, went gold, but in 1989, with hit songs such as “Somebody for Me,” and “We Got Our Own Thing,” his Big Tyme record went certified platinum.
In 1995, Andre became the president and CEO of Motown Records. During his five-year tenure, he not only oversaw the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Queen Latifah, but also launched the careers of 98 Degrees and Mario Winans, and is credited for increasing the scale of executive compensation for black music executives throughout the industry.
Recently, BET Networks announced that they would be releasing Uptown Records in 2020 and were looking forward to partnering with Harrell to bring the project to life. Harrell was also excited about the series.
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Many celebrities, friends, and fans shared tributes on social media — including longtime friend and protégé Teddy Riley.
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Sending our deepest condolences to the Harrell family. Rest in peace, king. May your legacy continue to live on.
