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. He watched Selena perform at the 1989 Tejano Music Awards.[1] Behar was searching for new Latin acts and wanted to sign Selena to EMI's label.[1] 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.[2] Before Selena began recording for her debut album, Selena (album), Behar and Stephen Finfer requested a crossover album for her.[3] In 1995, Selena was murdered. Behar said after her passing: "She would have been up there with the Janets and the Madonnas."[4] 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."[5] After he left EMI, Behar was appointed to run the new Univision Music Group in 2001.[6]
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ Leeds, Jeff. "Univision to Expand Into Music Business". LA Times. Retrieved 5 August 2015.