Jerry Blair
Deane Media Solutions is deeply saddened to report the passing of legendary and beloved music executive Jerry Blair following a courageous month-long battle with COVID-19. His life was cut short at age 60 as Jerry passed peacefully with his family by his side.
Jim Burruss, Columbia Records SVP Promotions Operations worked along side of Jerry for over three decades, “To have known Jerry is to have loved him. We started in the record business together, first as college reps, then as Regionals and Nationals, and I learned quickly that his passion for music and life was infectious. Jerry was a force…a definite man of conviction! He was also an amazing friend, colleague, and partner. He will be missed, especially by his family, whom he adored, and he will always be remembered.”
Glassnote Records President/Founder Daniel Glass expresses, “My heart is broken and goes out to Karen, Suzette, Josh and Jerry’s loved ones. We have been in touch recently and it felt as if we were back in our Chrysalis days breaking records together. Jerry will always be remembered as a giant in promotion but he was so much more. He had the biggest heart and his ingenuity of getting things done was unparalleled. We had fun in everything we did. This is a major loss for the music industry. There are generations to come which will hopefully learn about Jerry, his style, his boundless energy and his many successes. He leaves a huge legacy and I will miss him every day.”
Veteran music exec and founder of Goldn Retriever Entertainment Joe Riccitelli remarks, “Jerry’s passing is a really tough one to accept. He and I started together in the industry as Boston local promotion reps in 1988. At the time, and in that market, we had an incredible camaraderie, as the Boston market always bred that type of friendship. As we both made National promotion together in the early 90’s, I always found Jerry to be my biggest competitor. I was always striving to beat him for an add or a chart position and this only made our friendship even stronger. He would always bust my balls because I was tooooo focused on the petty stuff. The business was so much more than about adds. I remember (his son) Josh being born as he was a dad ahead of me having our twins in 1997. We didn’t see each other as much over the years, but I always LOVED when I would run into him as he always had that sharp wit and backhanded compliment. There were times we actually fantasized about working together. I respected him so much. The world is an emptier place without Jerry. It is just so maddening and frustrating that he had to perish in this fashion. Something that arguably was preventable. God Bless you Jerry. ”
DMS CEO Fred Deane reflects, “This is a very sad moment for many of us in the industry whose lives were touched by a very special person. When I think of Jerry, it puts a wide smile on my face. His persona was bigger than life at times, but what really held Jerry together was his humble and caring attitude. Sincerity played a big role throughout his life and career, and it’s best to remember Jerry for many of the commendable qualities he possessed and the way he interfaced with and treated the people around him.”
Jerry was an animated, energetic and passionate character who influenced numerous music and radio executives throughout his long career. He truly was an original, and the admirable dedication and commitment to the staffs he led and the artists he served was constantly on display.
Jerry was a major factor in the success of artists such as, Mariah Carey, Will Smith, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and many others. He was ahead of the curve on the Latino explosion leading the charge to break Ricky Martin, Shakira, J Lo and Marc Anthony into crossover Pop stars.
Jerry entered the record business as a College Rep for CBS Records in the early 80s before joining Chrysalis Records in the late 80s as the label’s Director of West Coast Ops. But it was during his time spent as SVP/Promotion and eventually EVP/Promotion at Columbia Records (1988-1997) that would pave the way to his rise as one of the most accomplished music execs in the business.
Jerry would then join Arista Records for a short period in 2000. Then onto the Fuerte Group from 2003-09. He then launched Global Entertainment Management/Perspectiva Music in 2009. He was also VP/Strategic Partnerships for Goldleaf Limited LLC.
Jerry is survived by his wife Karen, his two children Joshua (26) and Suzette (9), and his sister Michelle. Services are pending.
