Joel Klaiman

Last updated
Joel Klaiman
Alma mater Syracuse University
OccupationMusic industry executive
Years active1994-present
Employer(s)ASCEND4M
Tunespotter
TitleCEO
Board member ofTJ Martell Foundation
Awards
  • Billboard Power 100 (2015-2018)
  • Variety Hitmakers 20 (2017-2020)

Joel Klaiman is an American music industry executive. He is the founder and CEO of ASCEND4M entertainment agency, and the CEO of Tunespotter. [1] Klaiman is a former president of Hitco Entertainment; [2] [3] previously, he was a senior executive at Columbia Records, Epic Records and Universal Republic Records. Over the course of his career, he has worked with artists including Adele, Beyoncé, John Legend, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. [4] [5] [6] He is credited with designing the promotional campaigns that resulted in the crossover success of singles by artists such as Swift, Pharrell, and Daft Punk. [4] [7] [8]

Contents

Early life and education

Klaiman was born in Sharon, Massachusetts. He attended Lawrence Academy and Syracuse University. [9]

Career

1994–2006: Frank DiLeo Management, Elektra Entertainment, Epic Records

Following graduation, Klaiman moved to New York City, where he worked for Frank DiLeo Management. He was hired as senior director of national alternative promotion for Elektra Entertainment Group in 1994, shifting his focus from management to radio promotion. At Elektra, Klaiman had mainstream success with alternative records by artists including Bjork, The Cure, Moby, Metallica, Tracy Chapman and Ween. [10]

In 1999, Klaiman was appointed senior vice president of promotion at Epic Records. There, he had #1 records with Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Shakira, among others. He was promoted to executive vice president of promotion in 2004. [7]

2006–present: Republic Records, Columbia Records, Hitco

Klaiman's role expanded from promotion to include artist development in 2006, when he was appointed senior vice president of promotion and artist development for Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2009. At Republic, Klaiman worked with artists early in their careers, helping to break Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Swift. He began working with her in 2008, and was noted for the success of her crossover single, "Love Story, which Rolling Stone described as a "pop smash", writing that it "lived a double life: The original version targeted a country audience with acoustic instrumentation while the mix for mainstream pop listeners accentuated electric guitars." [11] He continued to work with Swift through the release of Speak Now and Red , which together went on to sell more than 12 million albums worldwide. [11] [12]

In December 2012, Klaiman was named executive vice president and general manager of Columbia Records, where he oversaw the label's marketing, digital, promotion, licensing and branding . [13] Columbia was the #1 overall label in 2014, based in part on the success of the two top-selling singles of the year: John Legend's "All of Me" and Pharrell's "Happy.". [14] [15] [16] [17] Columbia released Adele's 25 in association with XL Recordings in 2015; the lead track from the album, "Hello," was the first ever single to sell more than a million singles digitally in 7 days. The album set sales records with 3.3 million units sold during its initial release week. [18] [19]

In 2018, Klaiman was named president of Hitco Entertainment, [2] where he has worked with artists including Lopez, Big Boi, and Saint Jhn; Variety reported that Saint Jhn's single "Roses" was "all but inescapable" during the summer it was released, "dominating the upper echelons of U.S. radio and streaming charts." [20]

In August 2023, Klaiman launched Ascend4m, a music and entertainment marketing and consulting agency with talent management, of which he is the CEO. [1]

Recognition

Klaiman was named to the Variety Hitmaker 20 in 2017 and 2020. He appeared on the Billboard list of the 100 most powerful executives in the music industry in 2015, 2016 2017, and 2018. [13] [18] [21] [22] He is a member of the Clio Music Jury, a voting member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a member of the board of directors for the T.J. Martell Foundation. [23] [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clive Davis</span> American music executive (born 1932)

Clive Jay Davis is an American record producer, A&R executive, record executive, and lawyer. He has won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a non-performer, in 2000.

The Billboard 200 is a record chart ranking the 200 most popular music albums and EPs in the United States. It is published weekly by Billboard magazine and is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists. Often, a recording act will be remembered by its "number ones", those of their albums that outperformed all others during at least one week. The chart grew from a weekly top 10 list in 1956 to become a top 200 list in May 1967, and acquired its current name in March 1992. Its previous names include the Billboard Top LPs (1961–1972), Billboard Top LPs & Tape (1972–1984), Billboard Top 200 Albums (1984–1985) and Billboard Top Pop Albums (1985–1992).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharrell Williams</span> American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer (born 1973)

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, sometimes known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. Alongside close colleague Chad Hugo, he formed the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes in the early 1990s, with whom he has produced songs for various recording artists. In 1999, he became lead vocalist of the band N.E.R.D., which he formed with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley. Williams has been widely referred to as one of the most influential and successful music producers of the 21st century, having had a significant impact on the sound of modern popular music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republic Records</span> Record label, division of Universal Music Group

Republic Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). Based in New York City, it was founded by Avery Lipman and Monte Lipman as an independent label in 1995, and was acquired by UMG in 2000. Republic was initially an imprint of the Universal/Motown Records Group, and was renamed Universal Republic Records after a reorganization in 2006 before going back to its original name in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L.A. Reid</span> American record executive (born 1956)

Antonio Marquis "L.A." Reid is an American record executive, A&R representative, and record producer. He is the founder and served as co-chairman of Hitco Entertainment. He also previously served as the chairman and CEO of Epic Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group, as well as the president and CEO of Arista Records.

The Digital Songs or Digital Song Sales chart ranks the best-selling digital songs in the United States, as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published by Billboard magazine. Although it originally started tracking song sales the week of October 30, 2004, it officially debuted in the issue dated January 22, 2005, and merged all versions of a song sold from digital music distributors. Its data was incorporated in the Hot 100 three weeks later. Since October 2004, digital sales have been incorporated into many of Billboard's music singles charts. The decision was based on the dramatic increase of the digital market while commercial single sales in a physical format were becoming negligible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record executive. He rose to prominence as one-half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which was mainly active from 1994 to 2010, alongside his older brother No Malice. As Clipse, the two released three studio albums upon signing to Pharrell's Star Trak Entertainment; they became best known for their 2002 debut single "Grindin'".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make You Feel My Love</span> 1997 song by Bob Dylan

"Make You Feel My Love", also known as "To Make You Feel My Love", is a song written by Bob Dylan for his album Time Out of Mind, released in September 1997. It was first released commercially in August 1997 by Billy Joel for his compilation album Greatest Hits Volume III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Tedder</span> American singer

Ryan Benjamin Tedder is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the frontman and vocalist for the pop rock band OneRepublic, as well as his work as a songwriter and producer for various artists since the mid-2000s, including U2, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, MØ, One Direction, Sugababes, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Adele, Logic, Paul McCartney, Blackpink, Twice, Bastille, Lil Nas X, and Anitta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adele</span> English singer-songwriter (born 1988)

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, known mononymously as Adele, is an English singer-songwriter. She is known for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and songwriting. Adele has received numerous accolades including 16 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlie Walk</span> American music executive and entrepreneur

Charlie Walk is an American music executive and entrepreneur. He was the president of Republic Records from 2016–2018, and the president of Epic Records from 2005–2008. In 2018, he appeared as a judge on the Fox reality series The Four: Battle for Stardom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parkwood Entertainment</span> American entertainment and management company

Parkwood Entertainment is an American management, production, entertainment company and record label founded by American singer Beyoncé in 2010. The company began as a production unit for films and videos in 2008. It has offices located in New York City and Los Angeles. Its involvements include products for music production, motion pictures and television specials related to Beyoncé. The company's first release was the film Cadillac Records (2008).

Ron Perry is an American music executive. Since January 2018, Perry serves as the Chairman & CEO of Columbia Records. Columbia Records is home to Adele, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Daft Punk, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, AC/DC, Harry Styles, Pharrell, John Mayer, Tyler, the Creator and many of the world's most iconic artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy (Pharrell Williams song)</span> 2013 single by Pharrell Williams

"Happy" is a song written, produced, and performed by American musician Pharrell Williams, released as the only single from the soundtrack album for the film Despicable Me 2 (2013). The song was first released on November 21, 2013, alongside a long-form music video. The song was reissued on December 16, 2013, by Back Lot Music under exclusive license to Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music. The song also served as the lead single from Williams's second studio album, Girl (2014).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Corson</span> American record executive

Tom Corson is an American record executive. He is the co-chairman and chief operating officer of Warner Records, a position he has held since January 2018. He was previously the president and chief operating officer of RCA Records.

<i>1989</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Taylor Swift

1989 is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2014, by Big Machine Records. Inspired by 1980s synth-pop, Swift conceived 1989 to recalibrate her artistry to pop after critics disputed her status as a country musician when she released her fourth studio album, the cross-genre Red (2012), to country radio. She titled 1989 after her birth year to signify a symbolic artistic rebirth and enlisted Max Martin, who produced Red's electronic-influenced pop tracks, as co-executive producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hello (Adele song)</span> 2015 single by Adele

"Hello" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele, released on 23 October 2015 by XL Recordings as the lead single from her third studio album, 25 (2015). Written by Adele and its producer, Greg Kurstin, "Hello" is a piano ballad with soul influences, and lyrics that discuss themes of nostalgia and regret. Upon release, the song garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers comparing it favourably to Adele's previous works and praised its lyrics, production and Adele's vocal performance. It was recorded in Metropolis Studios, London.

Neil Levine is an American music industry executive.He is best known as the founder of the hip-hop label Penalty Recordings, and is currently the CEO of its successor company, Penalty Entertainment. Levine helped to launch the careers of artists such as Capone-N-Noreaga, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, and Tha Eastsidaz.

References

  1. 1 2 Schneider, Marc (1 September 2023). "Executive Turntable: Former Asylum Co-President Joins Hitmaker; Joel Klaiman Launches ASCEND4M". Billboard. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Former Columbia GM Joel Klaiman Named President of Hitco Entertainment". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-10-03.
  3. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (October 27, 2016). "Columbia's Joel Klaiman Looks Ahead to Sony's Future". Billboard. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  4. 1 2 Christman, Ed (November 12, 2012). "Joel Klaiman Named Columbia Records Executive VP/General Manager". Billboard. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  5. ↑ Schoenberger, John (February 9, 2007). "Order: Your Future is What You Make of It" (PDF). American Radio History. Radio and Records. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  6. ↑ Morris, Chris (December 11, 2012). "Joel Klaiman joins Columbia as GM". Variety. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Klaiman: One more step in Epic Career". Hits. August 23, 2004. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  8. ↑ Bonan, Christian (February 14, 2014). "Pharrell Wanted to Release His New Album Right Away". XXL. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  9. ↑ "Syracuse Alumni Journal". Syracuse University Magazine. Syracuse University. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  10. ↑ Deane, Fred (September 30, 2011). "Joel Klaiman, Universal Republic, EVP of Promotion & Artist Development". FMQB. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  11. 1 2 Harris, Keith (September 9, 2014). "Trace Taylor Swift's Country-to-Pop Transformation in 5 Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  12. ↑ "Up in the Airplay". Hits Daily Double. Daily Double. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  13. 1 2 Billboard Staff (February 5, 2015). "Joel Klaiman: Power 100". Billboard. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  14. ↑ Mitchell, Gail (June 10, 2014). "Anatomy of a Hit". Billboard. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  15. ↑ Gall, Phil (February 19, 2014). "Strategy For Pharrell's 'G I R L' Album Banks on Oscars, Red Bull Ad and Europe (Exclusive)". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  16. ↑ Lavinthal, Dennis (as I Be Bad) (December 17, 2014). "I.B. BAD ON THE YEAR IN THE MUSIC BIZ". Hits. Retrieved 12 November 2015. The Irish artist benefited from an intricately calibrated long-term campaign orchestrated by EVP/GM Joel Klaiman, a major breakout executive who rose to further prominence this year in an expanded role
  17. ↑ Trust, Gary (April 24, 2014). "Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' & More: The 20 Biggest Crossover Hits". Billboard. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  18. 1 2 Billboard Staff (February 12, 2016). "Power 100 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  19. ↑ Tsiocals, Anastasia (January 7, 2016). "2015 In Album Sales: Adele, Adele, Adele". NPR. NPR. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  20. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (2022-08-11). "L.A. Reid's HitCo, Label Home to Jennifer Lopez and Saint Jhn, Sold to Concord (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2022-09-19.
  21. ↑ "Billboard Power 100 2017". February 9, 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  22. ↑ "No. 82: Joel Klaiman | Power 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-10-03.
  23. ↑ "At the TJ Martell Foundation's 35th Annual Awards Gala in NYC". FMQB. FMQB. Archived from the original on 23 February 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  24. ↑ "Joel Klaiman: Music Jury". Clio Music Awards. Clio Music Awards. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.