LA Reid

L.A. Reid, born on June 7, 1956, is a Grammy Award-winning music producer, songwriter, and record executive from the United States. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Jacqueline Reid and Ezra Reid, and raised in Cincinnati and Atlanta.

LA Reid's passion for music began at an early age, and he formed his first band, called Pure Essence, as a teenager. However, his interest in music was put on hold while he attended Cincinnati's Walnut Hills High School, where he was an excellent student and a star on the football team.

After graduating from high school in 1971, Reid enrolled at Kent State University in Ohio but dropped out after a year to pursue a career in music. He joined the R&B group The Deele in the 1980s and achieved his first commercial success as a songwriter and producer, with hit songs like “Body Talk” and “Two Occasions.”

In 1989 Reid married his first wife, Perri "Pebbles" Reid, and they had two children before their divorce in 1996. In 2000, he married his long-time partner, Erica Holton. They have two children together.

Reid's big break came when he co-founded LaFace Records in 1989, with legendary producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The label became one of the most successful in the music industry and produced some of the biggest pop and R&B hits of the 1990s, with artists like Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, and Usher.

Reid's music-industry knowledge and connections helped launch the careers of many of today's most popular artists, including Justin Bieber and Rihanna. He also played a pivotal role in the success of Boyz II Men, Pink, and Mariah Carey.

In 2011, Reid became the CEO of Epic Records, where he continued to discover and develop new talents and secure his status as one of the most influential music producers of his generation.

Reid is known for his keen ear for music and his ability to spot talented artists. His dedication to his craft and his passion for finding new talent continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

Despite his success, Reid has faced many challenges throughout his career, including personal setbacks, financial struggles, and professional rivalries. However, his unwavering determination and strong work ethic have helped him overcome these obstacles and emerge as one of the most respected figures in the music industry.

In summary, LA Reid is a celebrated American music producer, songwriter, and record executive whose skills and knowledge have helped launch the careers of some of today's most successful musicians. With his passion for music and his commitment to his craft, he has become a household name in the industry, and his contributions will continue to shape the future of popular music for years to come.