Nobody does boss moves like Sylvia Rhone.
At 67, the Philadelphia-born music industry trailblazer has been promoted to Chairman and CEO of Epic Records, a hit making machine that has blessed us with the likes of Future, DJ Khaled, 21 Savage and French Montana over the past few years. Rhone has even breathed new life into Mariah Carey’s career with the diva’s latest chart-topping opus Caution.
“I am excited to continue my amazing journey at Epic Records supported by Rob Stringer’s vision and leadership,” Rhone–who has been president at the Epic since 2014–said in a statement. “Everything we do is a testament to our incredible artists who set the bar of the entire Epic culture, inspiring our dedicated executive team every day and enriching the legacy of this great label.”
A division of Sony Music Entertainment, Epic is the longtime home of music by Michael Jackson and has boasted acts such as Sade, Luther Vandross, Ciara and Macy Gray throughout the years.
According to Tuesday’s announcement, Rhone will lead the overall creative direction and management of Epic.
A graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Rhone previously served as President of Universal Motown Records, where she steered projects by Stevie Wonder, Eyrkah Badu, Nelly and artists on the Cash Money Records roster.
In 1994, the Harlem-reared Black music champion made history as the first African American woman to be named Chairman of a major record company with her appointment at Elektra Entertainment Group where she shaped the careers of Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Yolanda Adams and delivered successful projects from Keith Sweat, Silk and LSG.
Prior to Elektra, Rhone held various senior roles at East/West Records and Atlantic Records, where she was instrumental in the careers of Brandy, Gerald Levert, MC Lyte and EnVogue.
Beginning her career at Buddah Records in 1974, she is included annually in entertainment executive power rankings from Billboard, Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter.
Rhone was also the first woman to receive the Music Business’ Association Presidential Award for Sustained Achievement. She received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music earlier this month in recognition of her career achievements as a leading female music executive, who has reached the status of label head multiple times, and for her influence on the music industry through her leadership.