by Kweli Wright
Sure, there are some great black women music artists, but what’s even more impressive are the women behind the scenes. The deal takers and contract makers, the women who “make it happen.” Some of them you know and some you’ll get to know right here, but they all have one thing in common, they are the women behind the music.
Angelique Miles, Music Publishing Executive
Music publishing is obviously Angelique Miles’ calling. A graduate of Hampton University, Miles negotiated and signed songwriters, producers and artists while she held positions as the Vice President, Creative at EMI Music Publishing, Vice President, A&R at Universal Music Group, and Vice President, Creative at Warner Chappell Music. Miles is currently President at Imani Music Publishing, launched in September 2010.
Catherine Brewton – BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations
Catherine Brewton, who directs all writer/publisher relations activities for BMI’s Urban Music Department in Atlanta, (which includes signing new writers to the company, creating showcases, and developing songwriting programs), was honored in 2009 by The Black Women in Entertainment Law Foundation for her contribution to the music industry, as well as her civic endeavors. Musicians attending the event in support of Ms. Brewton included Cee-Lo, Dallas Austin, Anthony Hamilton, and Yung Joc. In 2007, the Living Legends Foundation honored Brewton for her talent and significant contributions to the recording industry.
Nicole George – Vice President, ASCAP, Rhythm & Soul
Nicole George is responsible for the daily operational management of ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Membership department on a worldwide basis. Her job is to outreach to some of the Society’s most prominent and successful members through executives in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. Outreach efforts include the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, music showcases, educational panels, and attendance at many music conferences and industry events. George’s department’s success has resulted in a dominant market share in the Rhythm and Soul genre.
Carolyn Williams – Senior Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA/Sony
In 2009, Carolyn Williams was named Senior Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA Music. Williams previously held the title of Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA Music Group. Williams joined the company in 2001 as Director of Marketing, J Records, rising to her current position. In her SVP role, Williams is responsible for overseeing the label’s urban marketing division, with a focus on both superstar artists and developing acts. She creates and implements marketing efforts for artists including Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx, as well as Mario, Fantasia, Monica and Jazmine Sullivan, among others.
Lisa Ellis – Music and entertainment executive
Lisa Ellis is an established music and entertainment executive, business woman, and writer. Lisa joined Fireman Capital Partners in December 2008, where she is part of an investment firm that focuses on film, entertainment and other related investments. In addition to working closely on evaluating and managing FCP’s investments, Lisa plays a leadership role in shaping the strategic vision of the firm and building out its platforms. Previously, Ms. Ellis held the position as Executive Vice President, Sony Music Label Group from June 2006 until January 2009, and prior to that she was President and General Manager of Sony Urban Music.
Sylvia Rhone – EVP of Universal Motown Records
As the president of Motown Records, Rhone oversees the careers of Lil’ Wayne, Nelly, India.Arie, Marques Houston, Ja Rule and music legend Stevie Wonder. Before taking on her current post, she made history as the highest ranking black woman in the record business, as chief of The Elektra Entertainment Group, where she molded the careers of EnVogue, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat and Busta Rhymes.
Motisola Zulu – New York entertainment attorney
Motisola Zulu an entertainment law partner at The Davis Firm and is responsible for structuring, negotiating and drafting agreements for her clients. With a stellar list of industry heavyweights that include Polow Da Don, Swizz Beatz and Lil Jon, Zulu has used her expertise to strengthen and protect their careers. Prior to her working with the Davis Firm, Zulu was a sole practitioner and founder of the entertainment law firm of M. Zulu, P.C. which catered primarily to the music industry. Zulu attended Spelman college where she earned her BA in Political Science then acquired her J.D. from Howard Law School. Zulu is a member of National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), a founding member of Black Women in Entertainment Industry, a mentor for Year-Up NYC and speaks on several panels discussing the entertainment industry.
Mona Scott-Young – Music industry mogul
Scott-Young is a multi-media power broker and has been the driving force behind many successful entertainers. As the former President and co-founder of Violator Management, she steered the careers of artists such as Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J and Fantasia, to name a few. Scott-Young has been honored numerous times with awards from The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music Entertainment, Ad Age, and the National Congress and Convention of Haitian Americans. After 18 years in partnership, Scott-Young created Monami Entertainment, a multifaceted entertainment company that includes a talent management division, a film and television entity, an animation house and a digital platform.
Cathy Hughes – Founder, Radio One
As the founder of Radio One, Inc., Hughes is one of the most powerful women in black radio, owning and operating 69 radio stations in 22 cities. She began her radio career in 1973 as general sales manager at Howard University’s station (WHUR), where she created the “Quiet Storm” format. Seven years later, she purchased her first radio station. Now, she’s an owner and a television personality of TV One.
Margeaux Watson – Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Universal Motown Records
Watson is responsible for developing and implementing media strategies for Universal Motown’s diverse roster of artists, which includes Lil Wayne, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Akon, Kid Cudi, Blue October, Shiny Toy Guns, Asher Roth, Forever The Sickest Kids and Q-Tip, among many others. Watson adds a fresh perspective to the Universal Motown team as she draws from her professional experience as a print, online, and television journalist. Most recently, she served as a staff writer and blogger for Entertainment Weekly, and previously, served as Senior Editor at Vibe magazine and music writer for Time Out New York.
Phylicia Fant, VP Media Relations Universal Motown
Fant is responsible for developing and implementing media strategies for Universal Motown’s diverse roster of artists. Previously, Fant was Senior Director of Media Relations for Universal Motown Records. During her tenure at the company, she has coordinated and implemented media strategies for a remarkably versatile mix of artists, including Kelly Rowland, Melanie Fiona, Asher Roth, Ryan Leslie, Q-Tip, JoJo, Lindsay Lohan, and Swizz Beatz.
Sandra Brown, entertainment attorney
Sandra Brown, second from right
Sandra Brown is primary legal transactional counsel for various entertainers, entertainment companies and joint ventures. Prior to entering private practice, she spent five years as the Associate Director of Business Affairs of the record label owned by music producer Jermaine Dupri, So So Def Recordings, Inc., and its affiliated management company, Artistic Control Management, Inc. Brown was recently among the women lauded at ASCAP’s second annual “Women Behind The Music” series to honor some of the music industry’s most successful women.
Jennifer Drake, ASCAP
Backed with a diverse background in music, Drake is one of the newest members of ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul team. In 2006, she started as an event planner for Terrell Owens, and in 2007 she began began running Aphilliates Music Group with DJ Drama. At ASCAP, she works under Nicole George, VP of Rhythm & Soul, where they work to protect the rights of its members.
