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Nova 1035
When it comes to the legends of the music industry, few names carry as much weight as Jerry Greenberg. A true pioneer in the business, Greenberg holds the distinction of being the youngest president of a major record label when he took the helm at Atlantic Records in the 1970s. His impact on the music world is undeniable, having worked with some of the most influential artists of all time.
Greenberg’s career in music began as a teenage drummer, but his real talent lay in discovering and nurturing talent. After joining Atlantic Records in the late 1960s, he quickly rose through the ranks under the mentorship of Ahmet Ertegun, the label’s co-founder. By the time he became president in 1974, he had already played a crucial role in the careers of several music icons.
During his tenure at Atlantic, Greenberg worked with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Foreigner, Aretha Franklin, ABBA, Genesis, and the Bee Gees, among many others. He was instrumental in shaping the careers of these artists, ensuring their music reached audiences worldwide.
After his time at Atlantic, Greenberg continued to influence the industry. He worked closely with Michael Jackson as the head of MJJ Music, Jackson’s label, helping develop new artists under the King of Pop’s guidance. His extensive career also saw him collaborating with other major industry players and working in various executive roles across different record labels.
What set Jerry Greenberg apart from many other executives was his hands-on approach to leadership. He wasn’t the type of executive to sit in a boardroom all day—he believed in immersing himself in every aspect of the business. As he shared in a recent interview with Barret Edelstein, the host of Celeb Savant, Greenberg prided himself on being involved in everything from making the tea to making high-stakes decisions that shaped the company’s future.
This level of dedication made him not just a respected leader but also someone deeply connected to the artists and teams he worked with. His philosophy was simple: to lead effectively, you have to understand every part of the business, from the ground up.
In his fascinating conversation with Barret Edelstein, Greenberg shared stories from his legendary career, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry. From his experiences with rock and pop royalty to his leadership philosophy, the interview is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring industry professionals alike.
Check out the full interview…
