NEW YORK, 9 AUGUST 2011 – Musician, songwriter and Grammy Award-winning producer Don Was has been named Chief Creative Officer of EMI’s Blue Note Records label, it was announced today.
Was, who has produced records for artists including Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Ziggy Marley, Lucinda Williams, Al Green and BB King, will work closely with EMI Music’s frontline A&R team including President of Capitol & Virgin Labels Group Dan McCarroll and President of Blue Note & Manhattan Ian Ralfini, to identify and develop creative talent for the legendary imprint. Was will also produce a number of records by Blue Note artists.
Was has previously worked on hit albums including Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick Of Time”, the Rolling Stones’ “Voodoo Lounge” and “Cosmic Thing” by the B-52’s. He was named Producer of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 1994. Was has also been a recording star in his own right, as a founding member of Was (Not Was). The producer is currently in the studio with John Mayer, working on the singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album.
Don Was said: “It’s a profound honor to be a part of this legendary company alongside such prodigious record men as Dan and Ian. We dedicate ourselves to furthering Blue Note’s artistic tradition of unbridled creativity, talent, intelligence and GROOVE!”
Dan McCarroll commented: “Don Was has been one of the most talented and in-demand producers for more than twenty years, and his involvement with Blue Note will ensure that we remain at the very top of our creative game. I can’t wait for him to get started and to bring his magic to the label.”
Ian Ralfini said: “Blue Note has such incredible history, and I’m very happy that we can welcome Don Was to the label to help us write the next chapter. This appointment demonstrates our strong commitment to building on Blue Note’s remarkable musical legacy.”
Blue Note Records was founded in 1939, and has since established itself as one of the most famous record labels in the world. Artists signed to Blue Note today include Norah Jones, Amos Lee, Jeff Bridges, Keren Ann, Robert Glasper, Bill Charlap, Joe Lovano, Priscilla Ahn and Jason Moran.
EMI Music is one of the world’s leading music companies, representing artists spanning all musical tastes and genres. Its record labels include Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Latin, Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Classics, EMI CMG, EMI Records, EMI Records Nashville, Manhattan, Parlophone, Virgin Classics and Virgin Records.
-ENDS-
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