Benny Medina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benny Medina (born January 24, 1958) is a producer, talent manager and record executive who has been involved in the careers of a variety of recording artists and performers.
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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 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. 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.
After leaving Warner Bros., Medina and longtime friend Jeff Pollack formed Medina/Pollack Entertainment. They masterminded a variety of projects, including "Booty Call" and "Above the Rim." Benny and Jeff Pollack created the programme Prince of Bel Air This was programme based on Benny's life. This helped to relaunch the career of Will Smith The programme was number 1 on US tv for several years
In 2000, at the height of the Internet boom, the duo launched Thirsty.com, a youth-oriented website that failed.
[edit] Management Clients
Medina managed Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and aided in the launch of the Sean John apparel and fragrance empire. He also served as the manager of Jennifer Lopez, although she fired him in 2003. He later managed the career of supermodel Tyra Banks, who fired him in 2007. 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) There are also rumours that he will be working again with Jennifer Lopez in 2008. Medina’s stable of talent currently includes former reality show personality Nicole Richie. Medina also managed the career of America's Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford, (who fired him in 2006). Benny was ranked #42 in Out Magazines' 50 most powerful people in 2008.
