L.A. Reid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Antonio "L.A." Reid (born June 7, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio), is an American record executive, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder of LaFace Records. He is responsible for signing and helping bring Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, Outkast, Dido, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, The Killers, and Fall Out Boy to multi-platinum album sales.
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[edit] Biography
Reid is one of four children of Emma Reid, a seamstress and interior decorator. His father was mostly absent. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.[1]
His first drum lessons were with his uncle, Albert Baldwin. Reid attended Hughes Center High School in Cincinnati where he studied music and played with many local musicians. He later received MBA training at Harvard Business School.[1]
At Hughes, Reid was a star drummer who cut his teeth playing with bands in "Merry-Go-Round", an annual talent show held in the school auditorium. He also played in the marching band. He says his music teacher, Terry Brown (now deceased), who had his own group outside of school, taught him how to be a professional.[1]
[edit] Career
Reid and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, both members of the 1980s R&B band The Deele, founded LaFace in 1989, and issued their product through Arista Records. In 2000, LaFace was merged into Arista Records with Reid being promoted to president and CEO of Arista Records, signing his first unknown artist to Arista, Avril Lavigne. Following his stint at Arista, he was appointed as Chairman of The Island Def Jam Music Group in 2004. He is also currently Chairman/CEO of Hitco Music Publishing.
[edit] Personal
Reid was married to former R&B singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid. He is now married to Erica Holton and resides in New York City. They have two children together, Arianna and Addison. He has 5 total children, including Aaron Reid, who starred in MTV's My Super Sweet 16 and is currently studying to be an actor. Antonio Jr. is an A&R talent scout for Epic Records, a division of Sony/BMG. Ashley is a professional photographer and graduate of the School Of Visual Arts in New York City. Erica is a dedicated philanthropist. She is also a board member with The Children's Museum of Harlem.
