Jerry Moss, who alongside Herb Alpert, co-founded A&M Records, has passed away at the age of 88 in his residence in Bel Air, California. According to the Associated Press, Moss, a prominent figure in the music industry, played a pivotal role in the establishment of A&M Records. The record label gained recognition for producing albums by numerous renowned artists, including Carole King, the Carpenters, Cat Stevens, Janet Jackson, Soundgarden, and Herb Alpert himself. Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert’s significant contributions led to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Born in New York City in 1935, Moss pursued an English major at Brooklyn College. He served a brief period in the Army and engaged in promotional work before relocating to Los Angeles in 1960. It was there that he crossed paths with Herb Alpert, a trumpet player and songwriter. Collaboratively, they invested $100 each in a record label named Carnival, which was soon rebranded as A&M to reflect their initials. Their operations commenced from a makeshift office situated in Alpert’s garage.
Initial artists associated with the label included Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Burt Bacharach, Sergio Mendes, the Carpenters, and the Sandpipers. Following the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, A&M Records began signing rock acts like Joe Cocker, Procol Harum, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. One of their most notable successes was the release of the live album “Frampton Comes Alive!” which achieved sales exceeding six million copies. The label’s early triumphs facilitated a transition from Alpert’s garage to the Charlie Chaplin Studios on 1416 North La Brea Avenue in Hollywood, serving as the label’s headquarters from 1966 until 1999.
In 1989, they sold the label to Polygram for $500 million, a move that saw the inclusion of country, R&B, and British New Wave artists. Moss and Alpert’s association with the label continued until 1993, during which they signed Sheryl Crow. A legal dispute arose with Polygram due to contract violations, ultimately resolved outside of court for $200 million.
Subsequently, from 1994 to 2000, Moss and Alpert steered Almo Sounds, an enterprise envisioned as a smaller-scale version of A&M. This venture saw the signing of acts such as Garbage, Gillian Welch, and Ozomatli before the label was acquired by Universal Music Group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Music Industry Legacy
Who is Jerry Moss and what was his role in the music industry?
Jerry Moss was a prominent figure in the music industry and the co-founder of A&M Records. He played a pivotal role in shaping the label’s success and its association with iconic artists.
What is A&M Records known for?
A&M Records, co-founded by Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert, is renowned for producing albums by legendary artists like Carole King, the Carpenters, Cat Stevens, Janet Jackson, and more. The label had a significant impact on the music industry.
What is the significance of Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 highlights their immense contributions to the music industry. Their work with A&M Records and their role in nurturing talent led to this prestigious recognition.
How did Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert start A&M Records?
Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert initially invested $100 each in a record label called Carnival, which was later renamed A&M after their initials. They began their operations from a makeshift office in Alpert’s garage.
What are some notable achievements of A&M Records?
A&M Records’ achievements include producing successful albums like “Frampton Comes Alive!” and launching the careers of artists like Sheryl Crow. The label’s diverse roster of artists contributed to its lasting impact on the music industry.
What led to the sale of A&M Records to Polygram?
In 1989, Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert sold A&M Records to Polygram for $500 million. This strategic move allowed the label to expand its range to include country, R&B, and British New Wave artists.
What was the outcome of the legal dispute between Moss, Alpert, and Polygram?
Following their departure from A&M Records, Moss and Alpert engaged in a legal dispute with Polygram over contract violations. The case was eventually settled out of court for $200 million.
What was the significance of Almo Sounds, the label formed by Moss and Alpert?
Almo Sounds, established from 1994 to 2000, was envisioned as a boutique version of A&M Records. It featured acts like Garbage, Gillian Welch, and Ozomatli before being acquired by Universal Music Group.
How did Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert leave their mark on the music industry?
Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert’s legacy in the music industry is marked by their founding of A&M Records, nurturing diverse talents, producing hit records, and earning their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
5 comments
a&m recs, big deal, carole king, police, frampton! jerry moss did big thngs!
jerry moss, a&m records boss, wut a legacy! so many big names coz of them, pure talent, man.
a&m, moss & herb alpert, big shots in rock hall fame, sold for big $$, true icons.
wait, jerry moss, he’s the a&m guy right? heard bout him, legends with herb alpert, made killer hits.
jerry moss, co-founder a&m records, man this dude rocked the music scene! those records, carpenters, janet jackson – classics!