An industry built on black talent still lacks black executives

In an industry dependent on black performers, the expected appointment of "Gee" Roberson and Antonio "L.A." Reid to executive roles at major labels is unlikely to be viewed as much progress...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Johnnie L. Roberts
The Wrap

In a music industry long dependent on black performers, the expected appointment of two African-Americans to top executive roles at the major labels is unlikely to be viewed as much progress.

The appointments will follow back-to-back exits by the industry’s most visible black executives. They’re also occurring in tandem with a decline in black music itself. Most likely, they will only spotlight the continuing disconnect between African Americans’ meager power in the industry’s management hierarchy and their sweeping artistic influence.

By month’s end, “Gee” Roberson (left) will be announced as chairman of Geffen Records, according to two persons close to the matter.

Click here for the rest of the story

SHARE THIS ARTICLE