Jerry Moss, A&M Records Co-Founder, Dies at the age of 88
Music Industry Icon Jerry Moss, the Co-Founder of A&M Records, Dies at 88
Jerry Moss, the co-founder of A&M Records, a music industry legend, has passed away at the age of 88. Moss, along with his partner Herb Alpert, created a legacy that transcended the boundaries of the music world. He was not just a businessman but a visionary who transformed a modest Los Angeles garage venture into one of the most successful independent record labels in the industry.
Moss and Alpert’s journey to success was nothing short of remarkable. They started A&M Records in the early 1960s with a shared passion for music and an unwavering determination to make their mark. Little did they know that their partnership would lead to a catalog of hits that would resonate with generations to come.
Their commitment to artists and their unique approach to the music business set them apart. A&M Records became a haven for creative freedom, where artists were encouraged to express themselves authentically. This ethos resulted in iconic albums like Herb Alpert’s “Whipped Cream & Other Delights,” Carole King’s “Tapestry,” and Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive!” These albums not only defined eras but continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
The roster of artists at A&M Records reads like a who’s who of music history. From the soulful sounds of the Carpenters to the poetic melodies of Cat Stevens, from the pop sensation Janet Jackson to the rock legends Soundgarden, and from the soulful Joe Cocker to the folk-inspired Suzanne Vega, A&M Records was home to a diverse array of musical talents.
One cannot overlook the impact of the label’s singles, each a testament to Moss and Alpert’s knack for spotting musical gems. Herb Alpert’s “A Taste of Honey,” the Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Peter Frampton’s “Show Me the Way,” and “Every Breath You Take” by the Police are just a few examples of the timeless hits that A&M Records delivered to the world.
Jerry Moss once reflected on the label’s success, saying, “Every once in a while a record would come through us, and Herbie would look at me and say, ‘What did we do to deserve this, that this amazing thing is going to come out on our label?'” Their humility and appreciation for the music they helped bring to the world were central to their enduring legacy.
In January, Jerry Moss made one of his final public appearances when he was honored with a tribute concert at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles. The event brought together artists like Peter Frampton, Amy Grant, and Dionne Warwick, who, although not an A&M artist, had a close connection with Moss from the early days of her career. While Moss didn’t take the stage that night, the outpouring of praise from his peers spoke volumes.
Singer Rita Coolidge, reflecting on Moss’s partnership with Herb Alpert, noted, “Herb was the artist, and Jerry had the vision. It just changed the face of the record industry.” A&M Records made an indelible mark on the music world, and it was the label where everyone aspired to be.
Jerry Moss leaves behind his second wife, Tina Morse, and three children. His impact on the music industry and the artists he supported will continue to resonate for generations to come. In his own words, “We wanted people to be happy. You can’t force people to do a certain kind of music. They make their best music when they are doing what they want to do, not what we want them to do.”
As we bid farewell to a music industry icon, we remember Jerry Moss as a visionary, a champion of artists, and a driving force behind the songs that have shaped our lives. His twinkle-eyed approach to every moment and his passion for music will be dearly missed. Jerry Moss was a true giant of the music world, and his legacy will forever play on in the melodies and memories he helped create.
