Benny Medina

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Benny Medina (born January 24, 1958) is the CEO of The Medina Company. He has worked in the music business as a producer, talent manager and record executive. His clients currently include Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony though he has been involved in the careers of a variety of recording artists and performers throughout his career.

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[edit] Career

Medina started his career with the group Apollo, who released their self titled debut on Gordy/Motown in 1979. Medina was the lead singer, other members included Kerry Gordy (keyboards), Cliff Liles (bass), Lenny Greene (drums) and Larry Robinson (guitar). Medina co-wrote three of the seven tracks, including “Astro Disco,” for which they are best known. The album was produced by Ray Singleton, former wife of Motown founder Berry Gordy.

At age 24, Medina became the head of A&R for Motown, working as a protégé to Berry Gordy. Under Gordy, Medina wrote and produced for legendary Motown acts such as the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, billy Preston, Rick James and Teena Marie.

Medina then moved on to Warner Bros. Records, where executive Mo Ostin tasked him to build and cultivate the careers of the company’s urban artists as VP/GM of the Urban Music Division. While at Warner Bros., Medina collaborated with artists such as Ray Charles, Babyface, Price and Chaka Khan as well as Madonna, Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac. He also wrote and produced for Naughty by Nature, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante and Monie Love.

After leaving Warner Bros., Medina and longtime friend Jeff Pollack formed Medina/Pollack Entertainment, which grew into a full service management and production company. They masterminded a variety of projects, including "Booty Call","Above the Rim", and "Maid in Manhattan". Benny and Jeff Pollack created the American television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The sitcom was based on Benny's life and is best known to help launch the career of Will Smith. This series was #1 on American television for years and play internationally to date. In December 2008 Handprint Entertainment closed its doors.

In 2000, at the height of the Internet boom, the duo launched Thirsty.com, a youth-oriented website that failed.

Early 2009 Benny Medina formed another company called The Medina Company.

[edit] Management Clients

Medina managed Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and aided in the launch of the Sean John apparel and fragrance empire. During that period he met Jennifer Lopez, at the time a respected dancer, and managed her career in the music and film industry. Together Lopez and Medina created an apparel and fragrance line, "Glow by J.Lo". Although they parted ways in 2003, Medina was rehired in late 2008. He later managed the career of supermodel Tyra Banks co-creating the Emmy-winning "Tyra Banks Show". He has also managed singer Mariah Carey and helped her with her comeback in 2005 with The Emancipation of Mimi. He was let go by Carey in September 2008. Medina was also dismissed by actress/recording artist Brandy (fired him in 2004), R&B singer and Usher (who fired him in 2008). In late 2008 Medina reconnected with Jennifer Lopez as her manager. He currently represents both Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Benny was ranked #42 in Out Magazines' 50 most powerful people in 2008.

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