Seymour Stein, an entrepreneur and music administrator, died on April 2 at the age of 80. According to a representative, Stein had been fighting illness for a long period, which ultimately led to his demise. Jerry Harrison, a popular guitarist, paid homage to Stein on Facebook by posting a black-and-white photograph. Harrison was characterized by him as a “truly original and a remarkable record man.
” Harrison went on to say: “For decades, his taste was spot on, and few can match his track record.” He also had the foresight and conviction to let musicians make their own decisions: Talking Heads directed each record, created all of our early covers, and directed our films. We were fortunate to have such a powerful partner who believed in us and trusted his instincts.”
Another performer, Steve Stevens, shared a photo of Stein with the caption, “US record guy who believed in punk and new wave artists” and contracted them to his record company, Sire. Stevens stated that Stein was instrumental in getting the bands recognized during the 1980s. Chris Stein, Blondie’s co-founder, and bassist, also conveyed his sorrow, writing:
“I last saw Seymour Stein at a Blondie show at the Greek in Los Angeles in 2019, posing with Rodney.” Seymour always understood it and saw it. RIP, Seymour, and my heartfelt condolences to @mandessa and his family.”
Seymour Stein was best known as Sire’s co-founder.
Seymour Stein, who was born on April 18, 1942, worked for King Records for a year before joining Billboard in 1958. In 1966, he joined Red Bird Records, and the following year, he founded Sire Productions with record producer Richard Gottehrer, which led to the creation of Sire Records.
London Records was engaged in the dissemination of the record label’s early recordings, and they played an essential part in the presentation of various acts to the market. Polydor Records, Famous Music, and ABC Records subsequently managed their marketing. Sire Records published several collection albums and is best known for releasing the song Couldn’t Get It Right by Climax Blues Band. The song was released in 1977 and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sire Records rose to prominence in the 1970s, ultimately collaborating with Warner Bros. Records in 1977. They became effective with more artists in the United States and Canada, and while Elektra Records joined them for marketing in 1994, Seymour Stein became president of the latter. The Tragically Hip inked a contract with the business in 1998, and Rani Hancock arrived as CEO in July 2017. Stein left the business in July of 2018. Stein is survived by his daughter, Mandy Stein, three grandkids, and sister Ann Wiederkehr.
