Madonna has paid tribute to Seymour Stein – the legendary music government chargeable for launching her profession together with many different influential acts – following the Sire Information co-founder’s demise.
Stein handed away at his house in Los Angeles on Sunday (April 2), after a battle with most cancers. He was 80 years previous. In a prolonged, emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Madonna mirrored on how Stein altered the path of her life by signing her to Sire in 1982.
“Seymour Stein has left us! I have to catch my breath. He was one of the crucial influential males in my life,” she wrote. “He modified and formed my world.” Madonna went on to recount the story of how she and Stein met, explaining how, within the early Nineteen Eighties, DJ Mark Kamins performed a demo of her music ‘All people’ one evening on the now-closed New York nightclub Danceteria.
“The membership was packed. An A&R man from Sire data was there – Michael Rosenblatt,” she wrote. “He heard the music and requested me if he might carry me to satisfy his boss Seymour Stein. I couldn’t get the phrases ‘Hell Sure’ out of my mouth quick sufficient!”
On the time, Stein was in hospital for a coronary heart ailment, however that didn’t cease the assembly from happening. “Once I met him he was laying in a hospital mattress sporting his boxer shorts and a spouse beater! He had a cannula up his nostril and a saline drip in his arm,” Madonna recounted.
“He was grinning just like the Cheshire Cat. I used to be carrying my large boombox able to play my cassette for him instantly! He smiled and laughed when he noticed me and requested me if I used to be associated to the Virgin Mary. I knew we might hit it off. I performed him the music just a few instances. He signed me to his report label that day!! This second modified the course of my life endlessly. And was the start of my journey as a musical artist.
“Not solely did Seymour hear me however he noticed me and my potential! For this I can be eternally grateful! I’m weeping as I write this down. Phrases can’t describe how I felt at this second after years of grinding and being broke and getting each door slammed in my face.
“Anybody who knew Seymour knew about his ardour for music and his impeccable style. He had an ear like no different! He was intense – wickedly humorous – somewhat bit loopy and deeply intuitive. Dearest Seymour you’ll by no means be forgotten!! Thank You! Thanks Thanks! Shine on!!!”
Stein co-founded Sire Information in 1966 alongside producer Richard Gottehrer. Beginning out by introducing underground British bands to the US market, the label turned a power to be reckoned with within the US’ new wave and punk scenes by the mid-Seventies. Stein signed the Ramones and Speaking Heads to Sire in 1975 and 1976 respectively.
Over time, artists who launched albums on Sire included the Pretenders, My Bloody Valentine, The Replacements, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Ice-T, Ministry and plenty of others.
Sire signed a serious label distribution take care of Warner Bros. Information in 1977, and was acquired by Warner Bros. the next 12 months. Along with being president of Sire, Stein went on to develop into vice chairman of Warner Bros. Information. He retained each positions till he introduced his retirement from the trade in 2018.
Alongside Atlantic Information’ Ahmet Ertegun, Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner and others, Stein was a member of the staff that helped set up the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame within the Nineteen Eighties. Stein himself was inducted into the Corridor of Fame in 2005 within the lifetime achievement class. In 2016, Stein was honoured with the Richard Hitmaker Award within the Songwriters Corridor of Fame.
