José Behar
José Behar | |
|---|---|
| Born | José Behar |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Occupation | Music Executive |
| Known for | Signing Selena |
José Behar is a Cuban-American music executive. Behar has headed EMI Latin and Univision Music Group. He is known to have signed Selena. After he left EMI, Behar was appointed to run the new Univision Music Group in 2001.[1]
History with Selena
He watched Selena perform at the 1989 Tejano Music Awards.[2] Behar was searching for new Latin acts and wanted to sign Selena to EMI's label.[2] Behar thought he had discovered the "next Gloria Estefan." Selena chose EMI Latin's offer because of the potential for a crossover album, and becoming the first artist to sign to the label.[3] Before Selena began recording for her debut album, Selena, Behar and Stephen Finfer requested a crossover album for her.[4] In 1995, Selena was murdered. Behar said after her passing: "She would have been up there with the Janets and the Madonnas."[5] In July 1995, Selena's 'Dreaming' Album premiered in No. 1 Spot. Behar said: "This is what the dream was about in 1989. Seeing it all come to fruition is tremendous."[6]
References
- ^ Leeds, Jeff. "Univision to Expand Into Music Business". LA Times. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ^ a b Cecilia Miniucchi (director), Edward James Olmos (narrator), Jeffrey Coulter (producer) (1997). Selena Remembered (VHS/DVD) (in English and Spanish). EMI Latin, Q-Productions. Event occurs at 60 minutes.
- ^ Gershman, Rick (18 March 1997). "Selena's legacy". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ^ Lopetegui, Enrique (8 April 1995). "A Crossover Dream Halted Prematurely, Tragically Some Ambitious Plans Were Under Way to Bring Selena to Mainstream U.S. Audience". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
- ^ Bennett, Steve. "Selena's Last Words : Will She Achieve Crossover Success With Her Final Album?". LA Times. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ^ RIEMENSCHNEIDER, CHRIS. "Selena's 'Dreaming of You' Album Premieres in No. 1 Spot". LA Times. Retrieved 5 August 2015.