Larry Rosen (producer)
| Larry Rosen | |
|---|---|
| Born |
May 25, 1940 The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 9, 2015 (aged 75) Park Ridge, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) |
|
Larry Rosen (May 25, 1940 – October 9, 2015) was an American entrepreneur, producer, musician, and recording engineer.
Rosen was born in The Bronx, New York and was raised in Dumont, New Jersey. He began his musical career as a drummer with the Newport Youth Band, meeting eventual partner Dave Grusin while working with singer Andy Williams and attending the Manhattan School of Music. In 1972, Grusin and Rosen produced vocalist Jon Lucien for RCA Records; Grusin/Rosen Productions would evolve from freelance production team to performer-centric jazz label over the next few years, discovering- and developing homegrown talent like Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Earl Klugh, and Noel Pointer along the way.
In 1978, Grusin/Rosen Productions signed a long-term development deal with Arista Records president Clive Davis. It was a prolific collaboration, with albums from Dave Valentin, Angela Bofill, Bernard Wright, and Tom Browne—whose hit single "Funkin' For Jamaica" reached number one on Billboard's R&B and Jazz charts—forming the basis of a breakout catalog.
Arista/GRP outperformed commercial expectations and redefined the boutique American jazz label. Rosen used the opportunity to advance the state of the art, engineering- and co-producing the Dave Grusin album Mountain Dance—the first- digitally recorded non-classical album—in 1979.
Their obligations to Davis fulfilled, Grusin and Rosen established GRP Records, Inc., in 1982 as the Arista contract expired. Under their dual proprietorship, Rosen's personal enthusiasm for digital recording was translated into a corporate mission. Their pioneering "all digital" approach—releasing their entire catalog on Compact Disc—helped launch the format in the United States.
GRP Records was recognized as Billboard magazine's #1 Contemporary Jazz label for five consecutive years while its artists were nominated for over 80 Grammy Awards, winning 33. GRP's artist roster grew to include many notable artists including Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Diana Krall, Patti Austin, Dr. John, Diane Schuur, Dave Grusin, Gary Burton, B.B. King, Arturo Sandoval, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, and Kevin Eubanks. By 1990, Rosen and Grusin sold GRP Records to the Universal Music Group with Rosen remaining as President & CEO of the label. As part of the larger merged company, Rosen launched the CD reissue series drawing on the Impulse!, Chess, and American Decca back catalog, and helped shape Universal's international business development. GRP was recognized on October 17, 1992 by Billboard magazine with an extensive feature commemorating its 10th Anniversary.
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