Musical News - Andre Harrell

Andre Harrell, famed music executive, founder of Uptown Records, record producer and songwriter, and mentor to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and many others, has passed away of heart disease on May 7, 2020 at the age of 59.

Harrell was born in The Bronx, New York. Early on, Harrell formed a rap duo with Alonzo Brown, performing as Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde. In 1981, they released “Genius Rap,” which was a major hit.

In 1983, Harrell became a vice president and then general manager of Def Jam Records, leaving several years later to form Uptown. For a time, he was CEO of Motown. Throughout his career, he signed several great artists, including Mary J. Blige, Heavy D & the Boyz, Jodeci, and Teddy Riley. He was credited with changing the sound of R&B.

From 1994 to 1998, Harrell created and produced the hit police drama series, “New York Undercover.”

Although his name may not be known to all, Mr. Harrell was a success in all arenas of music.

Andre O’Neal Harrell

(September 26, 1960 – May 7, 2020)
© 05/10/2020