That's the Black Fact: Introducing Sylvia Rhone
Sylvia Rhone
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing Sylvia Rhone, music executive, record producer, and former chairman and CEO of Epic Records!
Sylvia Rhone 1952 -
Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Harlem, NY, Ms. Rhone can be called the Godmother of Black Music. But one of her biggest career highlights is the establishment of Sugar Hill in 1979 with her husband Joe Robinson and others.
Well before starting the label, Ms. Rhone had a career as an artist herself. She began her music career as a secretary for Buddha Records in 1974. She was promoted several times in the six years she was with the label. In 1980 she got a break in management as she was appointed the Regional Promotions Manager for Special Markets, and she was eventually promoted to director of National black music marketing for Atlantic Records.
Sylvia has produced records for artists like Ike & Tina Turner, and many others. She’s also known for the song “Pillow Talk” which incidentally was written for Al Green, who turned it down at the time due his religious beliefs, citing that the song was too risque.
Since 2014, she has been Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records where she has nurtured rap artists like 21 Savage, Bobby Shmurda, and Future. She’s been a trailblazer her entire career.
Ms. Rhone’s resume is far too established for a three paragraph article, so we encourage you to take a look at the vast and lengthy contributions she’s added to the music industry with her voice and leadership!
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Meet Ervin Green, contributing writer to 247 Live Culture!