Andre Harrell

Andre Harrell (b. September 26 1960 in Harlem, New York) is an American entrepreneur and founder of the now defunct record label, Uptown Records. Harrell also served as CEO of Motown Records. He was also half of the hip hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.

Andre Harrell, is credited as the man who first gave an 18 year old Sean "Diddy" Combs his first job in the music Business. Combs was hired as one of Harrell's non-paid interns.. Andre Harrell is the creator of the modern day R&B movement. Harrell, was the first to give R&B artists a "hiphop makeover" with baggy clothing, and street talk.. This was apparent in his most successful acts: Jodecy, K-Ci&JoJo, and Mary J Blige. Harrell signed Blige to his UPTOWN label, when she was only 16 years of age.. He saw her sing at a local mall, and immediately signed her to a contract. In 1998, UPTOWN was purchased completely by RCA Music, and its roster was folded into the Parent company.. Harrell, was later hired by MOTOWN Records in 2000 as CEO but was terminated 16 months later.. While at MOTOWN one of the most successful acts he signed was an unknown male POP group : "98 Degrees." Harrell is one of Russell Simmons' closest lifelong friends..

Popular acts Andre Harrell successfully signed: Mary J Blige, Heavy D, Guy, Al B Sure, Jodeci, 98 Degrees, Robin Thicke.