Mark DiDia[1] is an American music executive[2] and artist advocate[1] with over 40 years of experience in the music industry. His early interest in music was influenced by his exposure to The Beatles, as well as attending a screening of A Hard Day's Night at a New Jersey drive-in theater in 1965. Growing up as the son of an electrician, DiDia developed a strong interest in radio, which eventually led him to launch his high school's radio station with his father's help. This experience played a significant role in shaping his career path.
DiDia hails from Edison, New Jersey. In 1976, he joined WTSR at The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College), where he served as program director for three years. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the station's operations to a 24-hour format.
Career
DiDia began his career in radio as music director and afternoon DJ at WMGM in Atlantic City. This role led to a position as Music Director and on-air talent at WYSP in Philadelphia.[3] At WYSP, DiDia created the popular METALSHOP show, which aired on Saturday nights and contributed to the early exposure of several notable artists, including Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Bon Jovi.
Following his success at WYSP, DiDia was selected by Infinity Broadcasting to help launch WXRK, a new station in New York City,formerly WKTU, rebranded as K-Rock.[4] The station debuted during the weekend of the 1985 Live Aid concert, with DiDia serving as its first on-air host as well as Music Director. During his time at K-Rock,[5] he introduced audiences to new artists, including the Beastie Boys, and began his long-standing professional relationship with producer Rick Rubin.[6]
DiDia at WYSP with Ozzy Osbourne
From 1985 to 1988, DiDia served as Music Director at K-ROCK[7] before transitioning into the record industry. He joined Geffen Records at the invitation of David Geffen, serving as Head of Rock Promotion. While at Geffen, he worked with artists such as Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses,[8]Whitesnake, and Tesla, under the mentorship of co-founder Eddie Rosenblatt.
DiDia with Bon Jovi at WYSP
Later, DiDia joined Def American (which became American Recordings) as General Manager. There, he helped launch or support the careers of The Black Crowes, Danzig, Andrew Dice Clay, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and Johnny Cash. His leadership contributed to the label's prominence among independent record companies in the early 1990s.
Throughout his career, DiDia has held leadership roles at major music companies including Disney's Hollywood Records and Capitol Records,[9] where he contributed to the success of artists like Radiohead and Coldplay.[10][11] Coldplay's former manager,[10] Dave Holmes, has credited DiDia for his early support of the band at Capitol.[12] In 2007, DiDia rejoined Rick Rubin[13][14] at Columbia Records,[15] where he played a key role in signing and promoting Adele's debut album 19.[16]
DiDia (top left) with Johnny Cash, Rick Rubin and Lou Robin
In recent years, DiDia was instrumental in the reunion of The Black Crowes. In 2021, the band launched a 30th anniversary tour for Shake Your Money Maker[22], which saw sold-out performances around the world. In 2024, under DiDia's guidance, the band released Happiness Bastards, their first studio album in nearly 15 years. The album received critical acclaim and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.[23]
In April 2025, DiDia executive produced the 25th anniversary reissue of "Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes live at the Greek" 6LP box set.
With decades of experience in artist development, marketing, and tour promotion, DiDia has significantly influenced the careers of numerous artists and continues to play a vital role in the music industry.
From left to right: George Drakoulias, Johnny Cash, Rick Rubin, Mark DiDia, Lou RobinDiDia backstage with Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes)DiDia with David Lee RothDiDia, backstage at The Black Crowes 2024 tour with Steven Tyler and Jimmy Page
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