Benny Medina

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.

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 (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."

In 2000, at the height of the Internet boom, the duo launched Thirsty.com, a youth-oriented website that failed.

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. Medina was also dismissed by actress/recording artist Brandy (fired him in 2004), R&B singer Usher (who fired him in 2008) and Mariah Carey (fired Medina also in September 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.

References

* http://www.black-collegian.com/issues/2ndsem07/will_smith.htm

* http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1093638,00.html

* http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2007/02/doppelganger_an.html

* http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jzfixqy5ld6e~T1

* http://www.jonathanlynn.com/films/fighting_temptations/fighting_temptations.htm

* http://board.thenext2shine.com/ftopic57-0-0-asc-.php

External links

*imdb name|name=Benny Medina|id=0575656