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Biography

A consummate music industry executive, Antonio "L. A." Reid mentored rising stars and turned them into among the biggest-selling artists of all time. As the co-founder of LaFace Records, Reid brought urban music into the mainstream by signing an impressive roster of R&B artists such as Toni Braxton, Usher, and TLC. Reid worked his magic once again as the head of Arista Records by introducing the world to the hit-making talents of Avril …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Music, Other

Born

Antonio Reid on June 7, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Career Milestones

2011

Joined Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger as a judge on the U.S. version of "The X Factor" (Fox)

2011

Became the head of the newly formed Epic Label Group

2004

Served as the Chairman and CEO of The Island Def Jam Music Group

2000

Succeeded his mentor, Clive Davis, as President and CEO of Arista Records

2000

Sold his remaining stake in LaFace Records to parent company BMG

1996

Formed the Hitco Publishing Group as a joint venture with Windswept Music

1989

Founded LaFace Records with Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds through a joint venture with Arista Records

Later joined the R&B band The Deele with Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds; produced their 1988 hit "Two Occasions"

Began his musical career as a member of a Cincinnati funk rock group called Pure Essence