Mo Ostin, Legendary Music Executive at Warner Records, Dies at 95
It has been reported that Mo Ostin, a legendary music executive known for his work at Warner Records, has died at the age of 95. Ostin was most known for his work at companies like Verve, Reprise Records, Warner Bros. Records, and DreamWorks.
Ostin was instrumental in the growth of Reprise Records, which was formed in 1960 by Frank Sinatra, which he ran and eventually merged with Warner Bros. in 1963. Ostin was known for signing legendary acts like The Kinks and Jimi Hendrix, the latter of which he signed after seeing him perform in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival. For 32 years, Ostin worked at Warner/Reprise, and was a crucial component in Warner’s acquisition of Elektra by Warner Communications, in addition to the formations of WEA Corporation and WEA International. Ostin also served as the chairman of the Recording Industry Association of America for a two year term.
After leaving Warner Bros. in 1994, he went off to head the music division at DreamWorks, the film and entertainment company founded by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. In 2003, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Paul Simon, Neil Young, and Lorne Michaels.
In a press release announcing his passing, Tom Corson, Co-Chairman & COO, Warner Records & Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records, stated the following:
"Legendary music executive Mo Ostin passed away peacefully in his sleep last night at the age of 95. Mo was one of the greatest record men of all time, and a prime architect of the modern music business. For Mo, it was always first and foremost about helping artists realize their vision. One of the pivotal figures in the evolution of Warner Music Group, in the 1960s Mo ushered Warner/Reprise Records into a golden era of revolutionary, culture-shifting artistry. Over his next three decades at the label, he remained a tireless champion of creative freedom, both for the talent he nurtured and the people who worked for him. Mo lived an extraordinary life doing what he loved, and he will be deeply missed throughout the industry he helped create, and by the countless artists and colleagues whom he inspired to be their best selves. On behalf of everyone at Warner, we want to thank Mo for everything he did, and for his inspiring belief in our bright future. Our condolences go out to his family at this difficult time."
Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Recorded Music, also stated the following:
"In an era when creative entrepreneurs are revered, we celebrate Mo Ostin as a pioneer who wrote the rulebook for others to follow. Warner Music Group and Warner Records wouldn't exist without his passion, vision, and intelligence. He not only helped build one of the world's greatest music companies, but he inspired a culture driven by bravery and ingenuity. Mo saw artists for who they really were and gave them the space and support to fully realize their originality. Our condolences to Michael and the whole Ostin family. Mo was a legend, and he will be deeply missed."
Our thoughts are with Ostin’s family and friends at this time.
