advertisement
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.

advertisement

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.

advertisement
Billy Steinberg
billysteinberg.com

Billy Steinberg

FYI

Obituaries: Hit Songwriter Billy Steinberg, Streetheart Guitarist John Hannah, Festival Booker Randi Fratkin

This week we also acknowledge the passing of salsa pioneer Willie Colón.

John Hannah, a Scottish-Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter best known as a member of Streetheart, died at his residence in Ayr, Scotland, on Feb. 20, at age 73. He had been in hospital with complications of COPD.

On their website, Streetheart reported the news and noted that "John joined Streetheart in the fall of 1978 and was with the band until the early spring of 1981. John’s contribution to the Streetheart legacy during that time was most profound. Along with being an accomplished guitarist and singer, he was also a creative force, contributing to many of the classic Streetheart songs that remain as fan favourites today. 'Hollywood,' Trouble, and 'Drugstore Dancer' all feature John’s songwriting and playing skills and it is John who played the iconic guitar solo on Streetheart’s classic remake of The Rolling Stones’ 'Under My Thumb' in 1979."

keep readingShow less
advertisement