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FYI

Chris Taylor Joins Influential Club Of Global Music Czars

The Toronto native has turned unknowns into millionaires, built an impressive management and recording imprint, consulted the stars and now runs a global music empire that spans management, publishing, event production and master recordings.

Chris Taylor Joins Influential Club Of Global Music Czars

By David Farrell

Over the years, musician, music entrepreneur and lawyer Chris Taylor has helped more than a few artists become millionaires and, along the way, created an empire that seems to forever expand.


His client list is confidential but Drake and music IP firm ole are two known notables affiliated with his legal practice. He recently sold his label imprint, Last Gang Records, one that includes Emily Haines, Death From Above 1979, Arkells, Stars and Crystal Castles on its roster–and simultaneously became Global President of eOne Music that has footprints in master recordings, distribution, licensing, music, event production, publishing and management.

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This week, the Toronto native joined an elite group of entertainment czars in Variety magazine’s annual list of International Music Leaders. Taylor is the lone Canadian in the list, while others in the august group include Beggars Banquet co-founder/Chair Martin Mills, IFPI CEO Frances Moore, Live Nations Concert President John Reid, UTA global chief Neil Warnock, and Kobalt Music founder/CEO Willard Ahdritz.

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From left: GIVĒON, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Simon Gebrelul photographed by Diwang Valdez on December 20, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Styling by Yashua Simmons. Barbering by Moe Harb. Hair Braiding for Gilgeous-Alexander by Alysha Bonadie. Grooming by Teresa Luz. On-Site Production by Laela Zadeh.

From left: GIVĒON, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Simon Gebrelul photographed by Diwang Valdez on December 20, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Styling by Yashua Simmons. Barbering by Moe Harb. Hair Braiding for Gilgeous-Alexander by Alysha Bonadie. Grooming by Teresa Luz. On-Site Production by Laela Zadeh.

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The arena — home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning 2025 NBA champions — typically holds 18,000 roaring fans, but today, you could hear a pin drop. Yet even in silence, the Thunder’s accomplishments speak loudly. Division title banners hang proudly from the rafters. Scan past those banners and across the empty arena, and three words in bold orange and blue come into focus: Committed. Community. Together.

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