Step Johnson, one of urban music's most prominent
executives, has been named President of Urban Music at Interscope
Geffen A&M (IGA). The industry veteran has been with Interscope since
1992, most recently co-heading its urban music staff. Recent successes
for Johnson such as 50 Cent and the G-Unit family of artists, Eminem,
Mary J. Blige, The Game, Avant, and Keyshia Cole have joined earlier
promotion triumphs he has enjoyed at the label, including Dr. Dre,
Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Teddy Riley's BLACKstreet.
Said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, a unit of Universal Music Group, the global music leader: "Step Johnson has been an enormous part of Interscope's success from the beginning. His hard work has helped make IGA the top urban music label in the business. An achievement like that comes not only from incredible artists but also the dedication of a talented executive like Step."
Johnson commented: "Urban music has become a huge part of Interscope Geffen A&M. That's because of the leadership of Jimmy Iovine and the team he has built at IGA. I'm proud to be part of a company that always looks to the future."
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Fla., Johnson graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a B.A. in marketing in the early '70s. His first music business job was in regional promotion for ABC Records in New Orleans. In 1981, he moved to A&M in Los Angeles as Sr. VP of Urban Promotion. In the mid-'80s he was appointed Sr. VP and General Manager of Urban Music at Capitol Records, where he remained until Interscope came calling.
Said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, a unit of Universal Music Group, the global music leader: "Step Johnson has been an enormous part of Interscope's success from the beginning. His hard work has helped make IGA the top urban music label in the business. An achievement like that comes not only from incredible artists but also the dedication of a talented executive like Step."
Johnson commented: "Urban music has become a huge part of Interscope Geffen A&M. That's because of the leadership of Jimmy Iovine and the team he has built at IGA. I'm proud to be part of a company that always looks to the future."
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Fla., Johnson graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a B.A. in marketing in the early '70s. His first music business job was in regional promotion for ABC Records in New Orleans. In 1981, he moved to A&M in Los Angeles as Sr. VP of Urban Promotion. In the mid-'80s he was appointed Sr. VP and General Manager of Urban Music at Capitol Records, where he remained until Interscope came calling.
© 2006 Business Wire
