Jerry Moss Quotes

Powerful Jerry Moss for Daily Growth

About Jerry Moss

Jerry Moss (1938-2013) was an American music executive, producer, and co-founder of A&M Records, one of the most successful independent record labels in history. Born on October 5, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Moss's passion for music began at a young age, influenced by his love for big band music and his parents' collection of swing records. After serving in the United States Army, Moss partnered with music industry veteran Herb Alpert to form A&M Records in 1962. The label quickly gained success with hits from artists such as The Carpenters, Janet Jackson, and Peter Frampton. Moss's keen business acumen and knack for discovering talent led A&M to become a powerhouse in the music industry. Notably, Moss co-produced The Carpenters' smash hit album "Close to You" (1970), which catapulted the duo to international stardom and sold over 16 million copies worldwide. His production work with Sergio Mendes on the Grammy-winning "Brazil '66" album also significantly contributed to Moss's career. Moss was instrumental in A&M Records' philanthropic efforts, supporting numerous charities and causes close to his heart. He served as chairman of the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) from 1983 to 1985, overseeing the annual Grammy Awards ceremony. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Moss was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004. He passed away on February 14, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of American music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every record has a story."

The quote by Jerry Moss, "Every record has a story," highlights the idea that each piece of music or artistic work is not just an abstract collection of sounds or images, but it carries with it a unique background, a narrative, or a tale. This could be the story of its creation, the inspirations behind it, the struggles faced during production, or even the historical context in which it was made. Essentially, Jerry Moss is suggesting that every song, album, or record has a personal and often profound story waiting to be discovered by those who listen closely enough.


"Music is the universal language of mankind."

Jerry Moss's quote, "Music is the universal language of mankind," emphasizes the transcendent power of music to connect people across cultures, boundaries, and time. Music, as a form of expression and communication, transcends the limitations imposed by geography, language, or social status, allowing individuals to experience shared emotions and understand one another in profound ways. This universal quality of music has the ability to foster empathy, unity, and understanding among people, making it an essential tool for human connection and societal growth.


"You can't really expect to get out of this business what you put into it."

Jerry Moss's quote implies that the returns or success in any endeavor, particularly in the entertainment business as he suggests, are not proportionate to the effort or resources invested. Instead, there is often an element of unpredictability, resilience, and perhaps even luck involved in achieving significant success. In other words, it takes more than just hard work to reap substantial rewards; one must also possess the right mindset, strategy, and adaptability to navigate industry complexities and seize opportunities that may arise unexpectedly.


"Success in the music industry is often about being at the right place at the right time, but also about persistence and hard work."

This quote suggests that success in the music industry can be influenced by factors such as timing (being at the "right place" or having opportunities present themselves) and chance, but it underscores the importance of persistence and hard work as key elements for achieving lasting success. In other words, while luck may play a role, one should not overlook the significant impact that consistent effort and dedication can have in realizing their goals within the music industry.


"A&R [Artists & Repertoire] is not just about finding the best talent; it's about helping them develop that talent into something great."

Jerry Moss's quote suggests that the role of A&R (Artists & Repertoire) in the music industry extends beyond discovering raw talent. It also involves nurturing, guiding, and developing that talent into its full potential. This process transforms raw ability into something exceptional, thereby creating great artists.


It's a great story. It's available for anyone else who wants to try it. We're not brilliant. We're not unbelievable. We're just two people who hit a nerve. I think it can be done again and again and again. More people should try it.

- Jerry Moss

Two, I Think, Great Story, Unbelievable

The partnership over the 28 years we had the company afforded him the opportunity to experiment and live his life as an artist and a label honcho and do what he wanted to do. It afforded me the same opportunity.

- Jerry Moss

Partnership, Artist, Over, Label

It's not that complicated. If you hear something and it makes you want to hear it again, that's the ticket. You have to be lucky enough to find geniuses, welcome them and get out of their way.

- Jerry Moss

Lucky, Want, Again, Ticket

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