LAS VEGAS (CelebrityAccess) — Retired music executive Harry Anger, who held senior roles at numerous major record labels, died on May 20th, following a long battle with leukemia. He was 84.
Born on March 3, 1933, the son of vaudevillians Harry and Mary Anger, who performed as Anger and Fair, Anger graduated from Villanova University, where he received a commission in the naval reserve officer's training corps and did a stint in the U.S. Navy as an officer.
Following his military service, Anger moved into the music business, accepting a job at RCA Recrds. He went on to Arista Records, primarily in the marketing area and later became Executive Vice President at Polygram and Chief Operating Officer at Motown Records.
Highly successful, respected and liked within the industry, Harry worked with artists, songwriters and producers and contributed significantly to the careers of major and legendary artists including KISS, Boyz II Men, Eric Clapton, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp and many others.
Apart from his work in the music industry, Anger was an accomplished private pilot and an avid auto racing fan. As well, he volunteered to coach Las Vegas high school and American Legion baseball teams, some of which he took to championships. He was also known for his quick wit and engaging sense of humor.
Harry was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. There will be a celebration of his life on July 15th.
Harry Anger is survived by his wife of 36 years, Peggy; their sons James and John: sons Mark (and Sarah), Scott (and Robin), and Chris (and Denise) and daughters Stacey Leadem (and Joe) and Kelly Cavanaugh by a previous marriage; nine grandchildren; and his sister Gae Baron.
The Harry Anger Memorial Fund for leukemia and cancer research has been created in his honor at the T.J. Martell Foundation, a music industry charity. Donations may be made to the T.J. Martell Foundation at www.tjmartell.org or by mail to T.J. Martell Foundation, 1114 17th Avenue South, Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37212.
