Ron Fair

Last updated
Ron Fair
Birth nameRonald Fair
Born Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • music executive
  • A&R
  • music arranger
  • conductor
  • audio engineer
Years active1970–present [1]
Labels
Spouse(s)
​
(m. 2001)​

Ronald Fair is an American record producer, record executive, musical arranger, recording engineer and conductor. A traditional record producer since 1970, Fair is often credited with orchestral instrumentation in his productions of numerous hit songs.

Contents

Fair discovered and mentored recording artists and including Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Carlton, Keyshia Cole, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, and the Pussycat Dolls. [2] [3] He has held positions including chairman of Geffen Records, president of A&M Records, and chief creative officer (CCO) of Virgin Records. [4]

Career

Early career

Fair was born in Los Angeles, California, United States to a Jewish family. [5] [6] Fair's childhood played an important role in his eventual career direction, saying in an interview with HitQuarters, "My grandfather was a broadcaster who had built a remote facility for the purpose of producing a daily radio broadcast. Ever since I was two years old I was around microphones and consoles." [7] During his childhood Fair was actively encouraged to pursue this career path, receiving various music tuition and being encouraged to take on the job training in multi-track recording. [7] By the time he was 17 years old he was, in his words, "Very skilled with microphone technique and able to make a pretty convincing sounding recording." [7] Fair's first job in the music industry was a short stint in the mailroom of Far Out Productions, in September 1979. Far Out Productions was the production company headed by Jerry Goldstein and Steve Gold, and produced albums by, most notably, War and Tanya Tucker.

Fair taught recording production at the University of Sound Arts [8] in Hollywood while at the same time developing a reputation as a motion picture musical soundtrack coordinator, with the multi-platinum successes of Pretty Woman and Reality Bites . [9] In addition, during the early 1980s Fair worked as a recording engineer on such projects as the Slayer album Hell Awaits . [10]

A&R career

During his career, Fair has produced various hit singles on the pop and R&B charts, including "Lady Marmalade" (Christina, Pink, Mýa, Lil' Kim), "Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige), "One" (Mary J. Blige & U2), "Big Yellow Taxi" (Counting Crows), "A Thousand Miles" (Vanessa Carlton), and "Where Is the Love?" (Black Eyed Peas). He was also the executive producer of "Beautiful" (Christina Aguilera), "Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie), "Let's Get It Started" (Black Eyed Peas), among others. He is credited with executive production on recordings that have won several Grammy Awards, including those of Christina Aguilera, The Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah. [2] [3] [11] [12] [13] [14]

In 2009, Fair engineered Lady Gaga's single "Speechless," from her album The Fame Monster . [15] That same year, he also collaborated with Indian film composer A.R. Rahman to produce an English version of "Jai Ho", the hit song from the 2009 film Slumdog Millionaire . [16]

Fair held the position of chairman at Geffen Records until joining Virgin Records. [2] Prior to running Geffen Records, Fair was President of A&M Records for five years, and held senior A&R positions at RCA Records, Chrysalis Records, EMI Records, and Island Records-London. [3]

In 2013, Fair was named the chief creative officer and Executive Vice President of Virgin Records. At this position, he was in charge of a major corporate restructure. [17] [18] After a year with the label, he left in October 2014. [19]

Fair was a celebrity judge on the Canadian television talent program Cover Me Canada. [20]

In 2015, Fair served as executive producer for TLC's self-titled fifth and final studio album. [21]

Personal life

Ron Fair married singer-songwriter Stefanie Ridel, a member of the teen girl group Wild Orchid, on September 4, 2001. [22] They have four children together. Fair enjoys gardening and has notably climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. [3]

Discography

Notable Productions [23]

Filmography

Film and television

YearFilm [23] RoleNotes
2004 Star Search: The Next GenerationHimselfTV series
2005UK Music Hall of Fame: Biggest Selling Artists of the 21st CenturyHimselfTV documentary
2007 Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll JudgeTV series
2007The Pussycat Dolls: Live from Manchester Evening News ArenaExecutive ProducerVideo
2008 Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Judge and Executive Producer(6 episodes)TV series
2008 E! True Hollywood Story HimselfTV series documentary Ep: Pussycat Dolls
2008 Fox Reality Really Awards HimselfTV series documentary
2010 American Idol HimselfTV series - Episode: "Idol Gives Back/Top Seven Results"
2011Inside: El DeBargeExecutive ProducerTV movie
2011Living in La La Land [2] JudgeTV series
2011 Cover Me Canada [2] JudgeTV series

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Eyed Peas</span> American hip hop group

Black Eyed Peas is an American musical group consisting of rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo. The group's lineup during the height of their popularity in the 2000s featured Fergie, who replaced Kim Hill in 2002. Originally an alternative hip hop group, they subsequently refashioned themselves as a more marketable pop-rap act. Although the group was founded in Los Angeles in 1995, it was not until the release of their third album Elephunk in 2003 that they achieved high record sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rodney Jerkins</span> American record producer, rapper, and songwriter

Rodney Roy Jerkins, also known by his stage name Darkchild, is an American record producer, rapper, and songwriter. He has collaborated with a broad range of popular artists.

<i>Elephunk</i> 2003 studio album by the Black Eyed Peas

Elephunk is the third studio album by American group the Black Eyed Peas. It was released on June 24, 2003, by A&M Records, Interscope Records and will.i.am Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyshia Cole</span> American singer (born 1981)

Keyshia Myeshia Cole is an American singer, songwriter, television personality and actress. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she began her career as a backing vocalist for MC Hammer before signing with A&M Records to release her debut studio album, The Way It Is (2005). It received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 20 single "Love," and earned two nominations at the 2006 Soul Train Music Awards. Established by the album's success, Cole filmed a reality television series for BET documenting her career, family and personal life titled Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is; the show ran for three seasons, and became one of the most-watched programs in the network's history.

<i>PCD</i> (album) 2005 studio album by the Pussycat Dolls

PCD is the debut studio album by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls, released on September 12, 2005, by A&M Records. In 1995, the Pussycat Dolls were created as a burlesque troupe by choreographer Robin Antin. After attracting media attention, Antin struck a joint venture with Interscope Records to develop the Pussycat Dolls into a brand, with Jimmy Iovine assigning the project to Ron Fair. As one of the executive producers Fair produced the majority of the album and collaborated with producers like Kwamé, Polow da Don and Rich Harrison. The music style of PCD was described as pop/R&B and urban dance-pop. Lyrically the album incorporates sexual innuendo and explores the themes of feminism and romance. It features guest vocals from rappers Busta Rhymes, Timbaland and will.i.am.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beep (The Pussycat Dolls song)</span> 2006 single by the Pussycat Dolls

"Beep" is a song recorded by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls for their debut studio album PCD (2005). It features will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas, who composed the song with additional writing from Kara DioGuardi and Jeff Lynne, and additional production from Ron Fair. The song contains a sample of "Evil Woman" by Electric Light Orchestra. It was released as the third single from PCD on February 6, 2006, by A&M Records and Interscope Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buttons (The Pussycat Dolls song)</span> 2006 single by the Pussycat Dolls

"Buttons" is a song recorded by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls from their debut studio album PCD (2005). It was written by Sean Garrett, Jamal Jones, Jason Perry and group member Nicole Scherzinger, and produced by the former two alongside Ron Fair. It is a hip hop-influenced pop and R&B track featuring synthesizers and a Middle Eastern rhythm, with the group pleading a reluctant man to help them undress whilst adopting a submissive stance. A remix version featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg was released as the album's fourth single on April 11, 2006, by A&M Records and Interscope Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never (Keyshia Cole song)</span> 2004 single by Keyshia Cole featuring Eve

"Never" is the debut solo single by American singer Keyshia Cole. Co-written by Cole and rapper Eve, it was produced by Errol "E-Poppi" McCalla, Jr. and Ron Fair. The uptempo track samples from the 1981 hit "Never Too Much" by American singer Luther Vandross. Due to the inclusion of the sample, Vandross is also credited as a songwriter. "Never" was first featured on the soundtrack to Kevin Rodney Sullivan's comedy film Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) and was later also included on Cole's debut album The Way It Is (2005).

Jamal Fincher Jones, known professionally as Polow da Don, is an American record producer and rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He began his career as a recording artist in the late 1990s, leaving college to pursue a career with the short-lived hip hop group Jim Crow. They signed with Epic Records in 1999 and released two albums—Crow's Nest (1999) and Right Quick (2001)—before being dropped from the label.

The Slumber Party Girls were an American teen pop girl group formed in 2006. Their debut album, Dance Revolution, was released on October 3, 2006. During the 2006–2007 television season, SPG hosted the KOL Secret Slumber Party every weekend on CBS. They also featured on the show, Dance Revolution, where they served as the show's house band; the program was hosted by Radio KOL's DJ Rick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interscope Geffen A&M Records</span> American umbrella label owned by Universal Music Group

Interscope Geffen A&M Records (IGA) is an American umbrella label owned by Universal Music Group. It currently consists of record labels Interscope Records and Geffen Records.

iHeartRadio Wango Tango, commonly referred to as simply Wango Tango, is an annual day-long concert produced by local Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM. The concert series has been staged at various venues around southern California including Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, Staples Center in Los Angeles and at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.

Tiana Chanel Brown is an American dancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PCD World Tour</span> 2006–07 concert tour by the Pussycat Dolls

The PCD World Tour was the first concert tour by American girl group, The Pussycat Dolls, launched in promotion of their debut album, PCD (2005). During the tour, the group also toured North America with Christina Aguilera and The Black Eyed Peas. The group caused controversy during their show at the Sunway Lagoon theme park, breaking Malaysian decency laws.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Stand Up!</span> 2008 single by Artists Stand Up to Cancer

"Just Stand Up!" is a song performed by an all-star female charity supergroup of pop, R&B, rock, and country artists during the telethon "Stand Up to Cancer". The group was purposely billed as Artists Stand Up to Cancer to the public. The song reached number 7 in Italy, number 10 in Canada, and number 11 in the US and Ireland.

Fashion Rocks is an annual international charity fundraiser event, which features fashions by the world's top designers presented as live performances by popular music acts.

The 2006 Soul Train Music Awards were held on March 18, 2006 at the Pasadena Conference Center in Pasadena, California and was hosted by Vivica Fox and Tyrese. The show marked the 20th Anniversary of the Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Harris (record producer)</span> American record producer from Illinois

Keith Harris is an American record producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Anthony Kilhoffer is an American hip hop record producer, songwriter, and engineer, best known for his collaborations with Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Keyshia Cole and John Legend.

References

  1. ↑ Ron Fair Bio NARIP. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Karen Bliss (13 September 2011). "REx-Geffen Chairman Ron Fair on Judging 'Cover Me Canada' TV Show". Billboard.biz. Billboard. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "117th AES CONVENTION BIOGRAPHY OF RON FAIR". Audio Engineering Society. 2004. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  4. ↑ "Interview with Ron Fair on his Thousand Mile Journey through Pop".
  5. ↑ Shane Bailey. "Ron Fair". Bmusic.com.au. Archived from the original on 2010-08-04. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  6. ↑ Berrin, Danielle (January 25, 2013). "Music exec Ron Fair talks industry, Israel and his Yiddish Theatre heritage". Jewish Journal.
  7. 1 2 3 "Interview With Ron Fair". HitQuarters. 19 Jun 2006. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
  8. ↑ "Sleaze Roxx". Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  9. ↑ RON FAIR Archived 2010-08-04 at the Wayback Machine , Doug Minnick, Bmusic.com.au, undated.
  10. ↑ Hell Awaits, Chapters.Indigo.ca Archived 2012-03-19 at the Wayback Machine , (retrieved September 13, 2011)
  11. ↑ "ACCLAIMED PRODUCER, MUSICIAN AND LABEL EXECUTIVE RON FAIR PROMOTED TO CHAIRMAN OF GEFFEN RECORDS". Universal Music Group. 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  12. ↑ Dale Kawashima. "Special Interview with Jim Vellutato, Vice President of A&R at Sony/ATV Music Publishing". SongWriter Universe. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  13. ↑ "Black Eyed Peas, The* – Let's Get It Started". Discogs.com. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  14. ↑ "Grammy Awards for Ron Fair". 2023.
  15. ↑ Hiatt, Brian (2009-10-21). "Inside The Monster Ball: Lady Gaga Reveals Plans for Ambitious New Tour". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on October 24, 2009.
  16. ↑ Smith, Ethan (February 27, 2009). "'Slumdog' Remix: The Oscar-winning song 'Jai Ho' is reworked with help from a Pussycat Doll". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  17. ↑ Aswad, Jem (24 January 2013). "Ron Fair Named Chief Creative Officer, EVP of Virgin Records". news. hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
  18. ↑ "RON FAIR NAMED CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER/EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, VIRGIN RECORDS". Universalmusic.com. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
  19. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (21 October 2014). "Ron Fair Exits Virgin Records". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
  20. ↑ Cover Me Canada, cbc.ca, (retrieved November 8, 2011)
  21. ↑ "Veteran Producer Ron Fair to Exec-Produce TLC's New Album". Billboard. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  22. ↑ "The Most Up to Date Information on Wild Orchard". Wildorchid.8m.com. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  23. 1 2 "Ron Fair". IMDb. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
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.