(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Arthur M. Mann, co-founder of the multi-national independent label, Rykodisc
and resident of parent company, Ryko Group, announced his resignation effective March 31, relinquishing his additional duties as worldwide
president of Rykomusic, Ryko International, and worldwide head of business
affairs.
Started in 1983 by Mann and co-founders Don Rose, Rob Simonds and Doug Lexa,
Rykodisc was the first CD/digital-only label in the United States. Rykodisc pioneered
the use of CD technology, re-mastering and re-releasing catalogues and
classic recordings by David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Jimi
Hendrix, Mickey Hart and Frank Zappa, among many others. Content and
packaging were approached from the music fans perspective, garnering the
label a loyal and enthusiastic consumer and artist following.
For over 20 years, Mann was one of the principals who played a pivotal role
in developing the architecture of the company and assuming multiple
operational positions. Fiercely independent, Mann developed a global
distribution network, utilizing only other independent companies, enabling
the simultaneous release of its repertoire in no less than 50 countries. As
president of the music publishing division, Rykomusic, Mann has helped build
one of the most respected, multi-national boutique publishing companies,
representing over 10,000 copyrights.
Mann got his start in the entertainment industry in the late 1970¹s, working
with a diverse group of artists and companies as either entertainment legal
counsel, consultant, executive producer, music publisher, or manager. Some
of those represented include CBS/Fox (programming consultant), NFL Films
(consultant/attorney) Bon Jovi (executive producer), Schoolly D (executive
producer/publisher), Rachelle Ferrell (executive producer/publisher),
Request Television (programming consultant), and the legendary Power Station
recording studios (manager of the in-house production company).
The Ryko Group is currently headed by chairman Sam Holdsworth. The group of
companies includes the award winning Rykodisc label division (including
labels: Hannibal, Restless, Emperor Norton, and Tradition), Ryko
International, Ryko Distribution (winner of the NARM award for best
medium-sized distributor, five of the last six years), and Rykomusic. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
