Jerry Blair
Jerry Blair is a record executive who has been involved a number of top artists and labels for over two decades.
Mr. Blair has been involved with the music industry's top recording labels and artists who have defined popular culture and radio airwaves for over 25 years. During the height of the 80s, Jerry headed the west coast office of Chrysalis Records working with leading artists such as Huey Lewis, Pat Benatar, Billy Idol, Jethro Tull and Blondie. He went on to spend the next 11 years at Columbia Records Group, which remained the dominant recording label in the music industry throughout the 90s. While at Columbia, Jerry served as the Executive Vice President for the label and personally oversaw the career development of music superstars Mariah Carey, The Fugees, Destiny's Child and Jessica Simpson. He additionally rejuvenated Aerosmith's career by pairing the group up with Diane Warren. The result was, "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," Aerosmith's first single to top the charts at #1. He orchestrated the promotional and marketing campaigns of legendary artists Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel which resulted in bringing some of the greatest grossing record sales and concert tours in their careers. Mr. Blair was the catalyst of the Latin pop explosion by launching Ricky Martin's U.S. career. Starting with his show-stopping performance at the 1999 Grammys to "Livin' La Vida Loca" skyrocketing to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, Blair's foresight opened the door for numerous other Latin artists, including Shakira, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias to crossover into the English market. He was later hired to serve as the Executive Vice President at Arista Records. There he was instrumental in developing the careers of Usher, Outkast, Pink! and Dido. Pink's debut album, "Can't Take Me Home," produced three massive radio hits which went top 10 in the US, driving domestic sales of over two million and more than five million dollars worldwide. Mr. Blair went on to re-launch the career of Mariah Carey as her partner in Monarc Music. He secured a worldwide distribution deal with Universal Music for Carey which resulted in enabling her to re-capture her place among the top selling pop charts and concert tours and to maintain her current success. Continually respected industry wide as a leading multi-cultured music-promoter and lifestyle-marketer specialist, Blair has created another superstar with Mika, who he signed. As a result of his management, Mika received a Grammy nomination and in 2007 was the number one selling new artist selling more than six million units worldwide and he continues to enjoy his consistent position at the top of the charts as a multi-platinum artist around the world. Today, Blair heads Global Entertainment Management, Founded in 2009, GEM is a powerhouse multidisciplinary talent and management company based in New York City and Los Angeles. GEM's mission Is to provide outstanding professional management services and distinguished instruction to their clients throughout the music, entertainment and digital industries. The passion and professionalism behind GEM led the company to a joint venture with Primary Wave Music Publishing in 2010. In its five years, the company has tripled its roster of talent, which now includes a comprehensive partnership with Wyclef Jean, and the management of superstar producer/writer Aaron Pearce, and Top 40 pop artist Chris Wallace. GEM has continued its success in 2014, entering into a strategic partnership with ThinkSay Records, the #1 independent pop label home to Chris Wallace. Their most recent partnership is with Top Independent Rock label Fat Lady Music, home to emerging artists such as Devour The Day.
References
- ↑ Evans, Sean (4 September 2007). "Cash & Carey". DailyNews=. refevans2007. Retrieved 11 August 2009.