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.
Andre O'Neal Harrell was born on September 26, 1960.
Andre Harrell graduated from Charles Evans Hughes High School in 1978.
Andre Harrell and Alonzo Brown formed the hip-hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde in 1980.
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde started performing as part of the Harlem World Crew and recorded with Tayster and Rojac Records in 1980.
Harrell transferred to Lehman College in 1980, pursuing communications and business management with aspirations of becoming a newscaster.
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."
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde released the track "The Challenge" in 1982.
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.
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.
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, produced by Kurtis Blow, released "Fast Life" b/w "AM/PM" in 1984.
In 1985, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde released their only album, "Champagne of Rap."
After the disbandment of Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, Andre Harrell founded Uptown Records in 1986.
In 1986, Andre Harrell left Def Jam Recordings after receiving an offer from MCA Records. He then established his own label, Uptown Records.
The duo released the singles "Yellow Panties" in 1985 and "Transformation" b/w "Scratch on Galaxy" in 1986.
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.
Uptown Records, under the leadership of Andre Harrell, secured a label deal with MCA Music Entertainment Group in 1988.
Andre Harrell signed Mary J. Blige to Uptown Records in 1989, making her the label's youngest and first female solo artist.
Andre Harrell is credited with discovering and giving Sean "Puffy" Combs his start in the music industry in 1990.
Following numerous successful releases, Andre Harrell secured a multimedia agreement with MCA in 1992, which included film and television productions.
Andre Harrell and Wendy Credle welcomed their son, Gianni Credle-Harrell, in 1994.
The FOX police drama series "New York Undercover," developed by Andre Harrell's Uptown Enterprises, premiered in 1994 and ran until 1998.
Andre Harrell was appointed CEO of Motown Records in 1995.
After leaving Motown Records in 1997, Andre Harrell established Harrell Records, which was distributed by Atlantic Records.
Andre Harrell's time as CEO of Motown Records ended in 1997.
The FOX police drama series "New York Undercover" ended in 1998.
Andre Harrell passed away on May 7, 2020.
In May 2020, Andre Harrell passed away due to heart failure after battling medical issues.
Andre Harrell was posthumously awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Lehman College on September 14, 2023.
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