L.A. Reid Quotes

Powerful L.A. Reid for Daily Growth

About L.A. Reid

**L.A. Reid** (1956-Present), born on August 7, 1956, in Covington, Georgia, is an influential figure in the music industry known for his significant contributions as a record producer, songwriter, and executive. Growing up in a musical family, Reid developed an early interest in music. He learned to play the drums by the age of four and started his professional career as a drummer in bands during high school. After moving to New York City, he joined the band The Deele, which signed with Michael Jackson's MJJ Music label. In 1989, Reid co-founded LaFace Records with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Under LaFace, they discovered and nurtured the careers of artists such as Toni Braxton, OutKast, and Usher, leading to unprecedented success. In 1998, the duo sold their label to Arista Records. In 2004, Reid became the chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group, a position he held until 2011. During his tenure, he signed Rihanna, Kanye West, and Jay-Z among others. In 2012, he joined Epic Records as the chairman and CEO. Quotes reflecting Reid's philosophies include: "Music is a business, but it's also an art," and "I think you can always improve on something. I don't believe in perfect." These quotes underscore his approach to music, blending artistic creativity with business acumen. Reid's impact on the music industry has been substantial, influencing numerous artists and reshaping the landscape of R&B and hip-hop music. He continues to work in the industry, showcasing his dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

This quote by L.A. Reid emphasizes the importance of human relationships in life. It suggests that amidst life's challenges and changes, cherishing our connections with others is of utmost significance. These relationships serve as a source of support, understanding, growth, and joy, making them essential for a fulfilling life experience. The implication is that we should prioritize nurturing these bonds over material possessions or temporary pleasures.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer."

This quote underscores the power that individuals have in shaping their own destinies. It suggests that every significant achievement or transformation starts with an idea, a vision, or a dream held by an individual. The dreamer is not just someone who passively imagines; they are the catalysts for change, the pioneers who take the first step towards realizing their goals and transforming them into reality. In essence, the quote serves as a reminder that each of us holds within ourselves the potential to dream big and make those dreams come true.

"I have a strong passion for music and developing talent. That's what drives me."

L.A. Reid, in this quote, expresses a deep emotional connection (passion) towards music and discovering new talents. This passion is the primary force that motivates him, inspiring his actions and decisions within the music industry. Essentially, he's saying that an intense love for music and nurturing talent is what fuels his professional journey.

"Success isn't always about being the best, it's about being better than you used to be."

This quote emphasizes the importance of personal growth and improvement rather than absolute perfection or outperforming others. It suggests that success can be achieved by consistently striving to better oneself, rather than focusing solely on being the best in comparison to others. It encourages an internal focus on progress and development, which can ultimately lead to a fulfilling and successful life.

"You can't fake artistry. You either got it or you ain't."

This quote by L.A. Reid emphasizes that true artistic talent cannot be imitated or duplicated; it is inherent or lacking. In other words, genuine skill, creativity, and authentic expression in the realm of artistry are qualities that one either naturally possesses or does not. It's a reminder that while external factors like hard work and dedication play crucial roles in artistic development, they cannot create raw talent where it doesn't exist.

I'm personally looking for artists that are along the lines of today's pop stars. Whether it be a Rihanna or a Justin Bieber or a Kanye West or a Beyonce or a Lady Gaga, I'm looking for talent that's like that, that's what I love.

- L.A. Reid

Love, Gaga, Lady Gaga, Pop Stars

I'm one of those foolish people who believe the glory days of the record industry aren't behind us. They're actually ahead of us.

- L.A. Reid

Behind, Ahead, Industry, Foolish

Popular music has always been rooted in the blues, whether it's Adele or Led Zeppelin or Sam Cooke. It's just the beat that changes.

- L.A. Reid

Always, Been, Sam Cooke, Led Zeppelin

We don't sign an artist to fill a void, ever. I'll never find a Taylor Swift. You can't find a new Madonna, you cannot find a Prince, a Bob Marley, a John Lennon. You won't find another Kanye West. We simply deal with people as they walk in, and we say we either love them or we don't.

- L.A. Reid

Love, Artist, Deal, Lennon

I live for opening doors for the young generation of creators. If we do nothing else with our success, let's open up some doors.

- L.A. Reid

Generation, Young, Some, Open

I think of myself as a producer who tries to bring the best out of everyone, whether that be an artist, songwriter or a publicist.

- L.A. Reid

Think, I Think, Tries, Songwriter

I'm not a good Samaritan, I'm a businessman... The goal is to read and react. If we sign an artist that has potential for a shelf life way out in the distance, then we'll stay. But if not, then we won't.

- L.A. Reid

Goal, Distance, Read, Shelf

Listen, we're still selling stardom. That doesn't go away because MTV decides they can't play videos or they want to program themselves more as a traditional T.V. station. Vevo and YouTube are like MTV online, and on demand.

- L.A. Reid

Play, YouTube, Away, Stardom

You always have to know when to bow out. You bow out while you are on top.

- L.A. Reid

Top, Know, Always, Bow

World events can shape culture. Music is either a soundtrack for or a narration of changing times. And who knows how that's going to go?

- L.A. Reid

Going, Shape, Soundtrack, Events

The deepest and most sincere feeling I get is when I meet an artist and they have that steel in their eyes and they have that fire and that passion and all they want is to be a star and to hear themselves on the radio.

- L.A. Reid

Steel, Artist, Star, Sincere

I was a James Brown junkie as a kid.

- L.A. Reid

Kid, James, James Brown, Brown

The kids I talk to are convinced their generation will make the best music. And the greatest artists have yet to be discovered. I walk around with that thought every day.

- L.A. Reid

Generation, Will, Discovered, Walk

I am a record executive and I shall be right there in your face with my records.

- L.A. Reid

I Am, Face, Records, Executive

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