History of Andre Harrell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2024

Andre Harrell was a prominent figure in the music industry, particularly in hip hop and R&B. Starting as a rapper himself, he later founded Uptown Records, a label that played a crucial role in shaping the sounds of the late 1980s and 1990s. Uptown Records was home to major artists such as Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, and notably, launched the careers of both The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy. Harrell's influence extended to his role as CEO of Motown Records, further solidifying his legacy in music history.

September 26, 1960: Birth of Andre Harrell

Andre O'Neal Harrell was born on September 26, 1960.

1978: Graduation from Charles Evans Hughes High School

Andre Harrell graduated from Charles Evans Hughes High School in 1978.

1980: Formation of Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde

Andre Harrell and Alonzo Brown formed the hip-hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde in 1980.

1980: Early Performances and Recordings

Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde started performing as part of the Harlem World Crew and recorded with Tayster and Rojac Records in 1980.

1980: Enrollment at Lehman College

Harrell transferred to Lehman College in 1980, pursuing communications and business management with aspirations of becoming a newscaster.

1981: "Genius Rap" Release and Alonzo Brown's Solo Career

Alonzo Brown, under the name Lonnie Love, joined Profile Records and released "Young Ladies" in 1981. That same year, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde released "Genius Rap," one of the first hip-hop tracks to sample Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love."

1982: Release of "The Challenge"

Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde released the track "The Challenge" in 1982.

1983: Meeting Russell Simmons and Joining Def Jam Recordings

Andre Harrell met Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, and started working there in 1983. Within two years, he became vice-president and general manager.

1983: Departure from Lehman College and Start at WINS Radio

Harrell left Lehman College in 1983 to work full-time selling airtime at WINS radio in New York City, while continuing to perform on weekends.

1983: Release of "Gettin' Money"

The duo released their single "Gettin' Money" in 1983.

1984: Release of "Fast Life" b/w "AM/PM"

Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, produced by Kurtis Blow, released "Fast Life" b/w "AM/PM" in 1984.

1985: Release of Debut Album: "Champagne of Rap"

In 1985, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde released their only album, "Champagne of Rap."

1986: Disbandment of Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde and Founding of Uptown Records

After the disbandment of Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, Andre Harrell founded Uptown Records in 1986.

1986: Founding of Uptown Records

In 1986, Andre Harrell left Def Jam Recordings after receiving an offer from MCA Records. He then established his own label, Uptown Records.

1986: Release of "Yellow Panties" and "Transformation" b/w "Scratch on Galaxy"

The duo released the singles "Yellow Panties" in 1985 and "Transformation" b/w "Scratch on Galaxy" in 1986.

1988: Discovery of Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige's impromptu recording of "Caught Up in the Rapture" in 1988 caught the attention of Jeff Redd, who brought her to Andre Harrell's attention.

1988: Label Deal with MCA Music Entertainment Group

Uptown Records, under the leadership of Andre Harrell, secured a label deal with MCA Music Entertainment Group in 1988.

1989: Mary J. Blige Signs with Uptown Records

Andre Harrell signed Mary J. Blige to Uptown Records in 1989, making her the label's youngest and first female solo artist.

1990: Discovery of Sean "Puffy" Combs

Andre Harrell is credited with discovering and giving Sean "Puffy" Combs his start in the music industry in 1990.

1992: Multimedia Deal with MCA

Following numerous successful releases, Andre Harrell secured a multimedia agreement with MCA in 1992, which included film and television productions.