Lee Magid

Lee Magid (6 April 1926 New York City – 31 March 2007 Malibu, California) was a Rhythm and blues producer and manager who worked with artists such as Clara Ward, Al Hibbler,Sam Fletcher and Della Reese.[1]

Overview

According to Steve Kurutz of "Allmusic," old time record hustler Lee Magid held a position in nearly every facet of the industry at one time or another. As a producer he recorded some of the best gospel acts in the business.[2]

Early career

Joining the staff of National Records at 19, though young, Magid had previously been a song plugger for a singer named Ralph Young who recorded under the moniker Rudy York. At National Magid's enthusiasm and tenacity (he was one of a select handful who could break black acts on white radio) caught the eye of label owner Al Green.

As a Producer

Green made Magid an A&R man and, over the next few years, Magid's duties gradually included producing acts as well. Working with Joe Turner, Charlie Ventura and the Ward Singers, Magid was able to turn out hit material, but felt creatively constricted by Green's tight pockets.

After two years he accepted a position at Herman Lubinsky's Savoy label (ironically, Lubinsky was another notorious cheapskate). At Savoy Magid continued to produce, along with the aid of a young engineer named Tom Dowd, as well as promote records, write songs and scout for talent. With Magid's help, as well as others such as Ralph Bass, the label turned into an R&B powerhouse in the late '40s with Johnny Otis and Little Esther.

As a Manager

In 1953 Magid signed singer Al Hibbler, becoming his de facto manager in the process and securing a record deal with Decca. Soon after Magid met Della Reese and helped to guide the young singer's career as well. With managerial duties looming, over the next several years Magid occasionally produced, but found little time for the kinds of duties he had performed at National and Savoy. He became a manager full-time, booking dates for Lou Rawls, Earl Grant and Sam Fletcher, among others. During the eighties and nineties he was the manager of, among others, gospel superstar Tramaine Hawkins and jazz crossover electric violinist Marius Kahan.

References

General references

Source Citation:

  • Who's Who in America, 53rd edition, 1999, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (1998) OCLC 40048997 ISBN 083790191X ISBN 9780837901916
  • Who's Who in America, 54th edition, 2000, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (1999) OCLC 42920692
  • Who's Who in America, 56th edition, 2002, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (2001) OCLC 48556900 ISBN 0837969581 ISBN 9780837969589 ISBN 083796959X ISBN 9780837969596 ISBN 083796962X ISBN 9780837969626 ISBN 0837969638 ISBN 9780837969633
  • Who's Who in America, 57th edition, 2003, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (2002) OCLC 50265635 ISBN 0837969662 ISBN 9780837969664
  • Who's Who in Entertainment, Second edition, 1992–1993, Marquis Who's Who, Wilmette, IL (1992) OCLC 469878631 ISBN 0837918510 ISBN 9780837918518
  • Who's Who in Entertainment, Third edition, 1998–1999, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (1997) OCLC 38740408 ISBN 083791857X ISBN 9780837918570
  • Who's Who in the World, 16th edition, 1999, Marquis Who's Who, New Providence, NJ (1999) OCLC 464529090 ISBN 0837911222 ISBN 9780837911229

Inline citations

  1. ↑ ASCAP Biographical Dictionary, Fourth edition, compiled for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers by Jaques Cattell Press, R.R. Bowker (1980) OCLC 7065938 ISBN 0835212831 ISBN 9780835212830
  2. ↑ Steve Kurutz, Lee Magid (biography), allmusic, AMG Artist ID P 100898
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