Music trade legend Seymour Stein touched tens of millions of lives, from the followers of the bands he signed within the Seventies and 80s at Sire Information — The Ramones, The Smith, Speaking Heads, Depeche Mode — to probably the most iconic pop stars in music historical past: Madonna.
“Seymour Stein Has Left Us! I must catch my breath. He Was probably the most influential Males in my Life!! He modified and Formed my world,” Madonna wrote in an Instagram put up on Monday (April 3) that includes a display screen shot from her 1992 “Deeper and Deeper” video, through which Stein had a cameo. The quintessential report man and Rock and Roll Corridor of Famer who was additionally a vp at Warner Bros. Information — and who started his profession within the trade as a teenage intern at Billboard — died on Sunday in Los Angeles at age 80 from most cancers.
Stein signed a then-unknown Madonna to Sire Information in 1982, introducing the world to a singer who would grow to be probably the most iconic pop, and popular culture, figures in trendy historical past. In her put up, the singer gave the origin story of their relationship, explaining that she “stalked” New York DJ Mark Kamin for a yr on the membership Danceteria within the early Nineteen Eighties till he lastly agreed to play her demo of “Everyone” on a Saturday night time.
“The Membership was packed. An A&R man from SIRE information was there — Michael Rosenblatt.
He heard the music and requested me if he may carry me to satisfy his boss Seymour Stein,” Madonna wrote. “I Couldn’t get the phrases ‘Hell Sure’! out of my mouth quick sufficient!” Sadly, she continued, Stein was hospitalized on the time with a coronary heart ailment, however the indomitable singer/dancer was undeterred, holding their first assembly from his hospital mattress with the music man who was sporting nothing however boxer shorts and a spouse beater tank prime.
“He had a cannula up his nostril and a saline Drip in his arm! He was grinning just like the Cheshire Cat,” she recalled. “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!! Hahahhahahaa. I knew we’d hit it off. I performed him the track just a few instances. He signed me to his report label that day!!”
It was a second that, after all, modified her life without end, launching her journey as a musical artist and popular culture juggernaut. However, she wrote, Stein did one thing much more essential. “Not solely did Seymour hear me however he Noticed me and my Potential! For this I can be eternally grateful!,” she mentioned. “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!”
As anybody who knew Stein would attest, Madonna confirmed that Seymour was “intense,” in addition to “wickedly humorous, somewhat bit loopy and deeply intuitive.” She ended the put up that includes a sequence of snaps of the pair from all through the years with a homage to the person with the golden ear who believed in music, and musicians, with an unrelenting ardour and fervor.
“Dearest Seymour you’ll by no means be forgotten!! Thank You! Thanks Thanks!,” she wrote. “Shine on!!!”
Take a look at Madonna’s tribute right here and the Stein cameo in”Deeper and Deeper” video (on the 1:45 mark) beneath.
