Seymour Stein, music exec who discovered Madonna, dies aged 80
ok.co.ukSeymour Stein, the founder of Sire Records, who helped launch the career of pop icon Madonna, has died at the age of 80, his family have announced.
Along with launching the careers of a number of hugely successful artists, Seymour helped found the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and was himself inducted into the Rock Hall in 2005.
He passed away of cancer on 2 April in Los Angeles. His daughter, filmmaker Mandy Stein confirmed the tragic news, and later released a statement, which read: "I am beyond grateful for every minute our family spent with him, and that the music he brought to the world impacted so many people's lives in a positive way." Messages of condolence soon poured in on social media, with one fan writing: "Thank you for all the music - you are truly an icon and made the world a better place." "Safe travels Seymour, your exceptional taste and vision were the greatest inspiration.
Sending love to your friends and family" added another, while a third wrote: "Seymour Stein ushered so much pleasure into this music fan’s life." And music journalist Maggie Serota shared: "I got to interview Seymour Stein back in the low times days and it was totally surreal sitting in his office amid all his giant framed pictures of himself with David Byrne and Joey Ramone, listening to his show biz stories.
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