Wow! Great find doriangrey!! I believe that is our guy :) Interesting to see that Russ Regan and David Urso are involved too! I just read a little bit about them on the "Pass It On" trilogy project...
Russ Regan
Artist Consultant
Regan has played a major role in the careers of the biggest names in the music business, including Elton John, The Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Barry White, Olivia Newton-John, and the Alan Parsons Project-all of whom credit Regan as a major force behind their success.
He was recruited by Motown Records and became integral in establishing what we know today as the “Motown Sound.” The first record Regan promoted was “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes. He also worked with The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye.
In 1966, while serving a stint as General Manager of Loma Records, he came across a song called “That’s Life” which he gave to Frank Sinatra to record.
When a good friend needed a new name for a group called the Pendletons-who had a song called “Surfin”. Regan thought briefly before recommending the perfect name, The Beach Boys.
Regan moved on to Uni Records, a division of MCA Inc., where he proved himself once again; he heard a record called “Incense and Peppermints” by an unknown group called Strawberry Alarm Clock. It became his first million-selling record and went to number one on the charts.
Demo tapes of a completely unknown singer-songwriter came across his desk in 1970. Regan knew immediately that he was listening to music that spelled big potential in the industry. Naturally, he followed his instincts and signed the young artist. Regan began work to design a publicity and promotional campaign to launch the artist in the U.S. Today, the entire world knows that young artist as Sir Elton John.
20th Century Records appointed Russ Regan their president in 1972. It was there where he worked with Barry White, The DeFranco Family, Carl Douglas, Maureen McGovern, and the Alan Parsons Project. A short two years later, in 1974, Regan was named “Record Executive of The Year” by the Bill Gavin Report and the
National Association of Record Merchandisers.
In 1980, Regan became PolyGram Records’ General Manager of West Coast Operations. Regan successfully pioneered and revised the concept of bringing music and film together, as the music consultant on Flashdance.The movie spawned a soundtrack album that sold 14 million copies-an all time record for PolyGram soundtracks.
Regan was also Music Supervisor for Breakin’, A Chorus Line, and Karate Kid.
Returning to Motown in 1986 as president of the Creative Division, Regan most notably worked on Smokey Robinson’s successful comeback effort. Proving once again that Regan’s midas touch made Smokey Robinson’s album ‘One Heartbeat’ go platinum-the album featured two top 10 singles. Regan remained with Motown until
the company was sold in 1988.
Wow very impressive!!
AI
