Famed record executive Seymour Stein has died. He was 80, and died following a battle with cancer, his daughter Mandy told The New York Times.
Active in the music industry since the '50s, Stein founded Sire Records in 1966 (initially as Sire Productions). At one point a successful indie label, it became a subsidiary of Warner in the late '70s. The label worked with pioneering punk and new wave bands like the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Cure, the Smiths, Depeche Mode and many more. Famously, he signed Madonna in the early '80s, and Sire released her first six albums.
Stein was so renowned as a record exec that Belle and Sebastian released a song called "Seymour Stein," about being courted by a label.
On Instagram, Madonna shared a tribute to Stein, writing, "He Was one of the most influential Men in my Life!! He changed and Shaped my world."
Stein also served as VP of Warner Bros. Records, and helped to co-found the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Stein is survived by his two daughters.
Active in the music industry since the '50s, Stein founded Sire Records in 1966 (initially as Sire Productions). At one point a successful indie label, it became a subsidiary of Warner in the late '70s. The label worked with pioneering punk and new wave bands like the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Cure, the Smiths, Depeche Mode and many more. Famously, he signed Madonna in the early '80s, and Sire released her first six albums.
Stein was so renowned as a record exec that Belle and Sebastian released a song called "Seymour Stein," about being courted by a label.
On Instagram, Madonna shared a tribute to Stein, writing, "He Was one of the most influential Men in my Life!! He changed and Shaped my world."
Stein also served as VP of Warner Bros. Records, and helped to co-found the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Stein is survived by his two daughters.
