An Evening with L.A. Reid, LA

@LiveTalksLA

Affair: An Evening with L.A. Reid

When: Monday, February 8, 2016 @ 6:30PM

Hot Spot: Ann and Jerry Moss Theatre, New Roads School, Los Angeles, CA

Deets: Over the last twenty-five years, legendary music producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid—the man behind artists such as Toni Braxton, Kanye West, Rihanna, TLC, Outkast, Mariah Carey, Pink, Justin Bieber, and Usher—has changed the music business forever. In addition to discovering some of the biggest pop stars on the planet, he has shaped some of the most memorable and unforgettable hits of the last two generations, creating an impressive legacy of talent discovery and hit records. After leaving high school to pursue a career in music, he found success with his R&B group, Deele. After the group disbanded, Reid and his ex-bandmate Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds co-founded LaFace Records with Arista Records. As the head of LaFace, Reid broke ground for African American pop artists and helped establish the now-famous music scene in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2004, he became the chairman and CEO of The Island Def Jam Group, and in 2011, Reid signed on as CEO and Chairman of Epic Records and as a judge on The X Factor.

At Epic, Reid has led the rebirth of one of the record industry’s most storied labels, whose history of world changing albums includes artists as varied as Sly Stone and Michael Jackson, Rage Against the Machine, Fiona Apple and Sade, to name a few.

Since taking over at Epic, Reid has continued to change the lives of music fans worldwide. He oversaw the release of XSCAPE, the first Michael Jackson studio album to hit #1 in over a decade, and has introduced the world to such new artists as Meghan Trainor, Travis Scott, A Great Big World, Future, KONGOS, Tink, and Fifth Harmony. In 2014, Trainor’s breakout song “All About That Bass” became one of the biggest-selling singles in pop history (at 7-times RIAA platinum and counting, over 15 million downloads and over 300 million streams worldwide, and a half-billion YouTube views). Trainor’s debut album, Title (released January 13, 2015) marked the biggest-selling debut for a female artist’s first full-length album in more than five years. 2015 also marked the year for new releases from Mariah Carey (“#1 To Infinity”); Ciara (“Jackie”); Future (“DS2” – which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s album chart) and Lamb of God (“VII: Sturm Und Drang”).

As Chairman of the former Island Def Jam Music Group from 2004 to 2011, he oversaw the revitalization of Mariah Carey’s career with The Emancipation of Mimi (the best-selling album of 2005 and triple Grammy winner); he helped Kanye West transform himself into a global superstar with Late Registration and Graduation; he nurtured multi-platinum releases from artists as diverse as JAY-Z, Bon Jovi, Ne-Yo, Nas, Young Jeezy, the Killers, Ludacris, and Fall Out Boy; and he had the distinction of introducing new artists who continue to define current popular music, from Rihanna and Rick Ross to Big Sean and Justin Bieber.

Prior to Island Def Jam, as President and CEO of Arista from 2000 to 2004, Reid discovered and introduced the world to multi-platinum artists including Pink and Avril Lavigne; oversaw OutKast’s masterpiece and best-selling record (and Album of the Year Grammy winner) Speakerboxxx/The Love Below; and executive produced the best-selling album of 2004, Usher’s Confessions.

Reid’s excellence in the music world is not limited to his work as an executive. Winner of 18 BMI Awards, he’s also a talent in his own right. With partner Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Reid produced and/or co-wrote an historic 33 #1 singles, and shared three Grammy Awards. In early 2011, Reid was selected to be one of the four judges on the U.S. version of The X Factor with Simon Cowell.

Outside of the entertainment industry, Reid has been presented with numerous acknowledgements, namely UNICEF’s Spirit of Compassion Award given to exceptional individuals that by example and deed demonstrate visionary and transformative leadership on behalf of children worldwide. Reid is also on the Leadership Council of The Robin Hood Foundation which invests hundreds of millions per year to fight poverty in NYC. In February 2013, at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy salute to music icons, Reid was honored with the Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award. In October 2014, Reid received the prestigious Harvard University Alumni Award for Excellence in Media and Entertainment.

Who You May Spot: L.A. Reid, Big Boy

Hint For The Average Socialite: Tickets are available for purchase.

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