The music industry took a collective pause on Saturday to mourn the loss of Uptown Records founder and iconic music executive, Andre Harrell. New broke late Friday night that Harrell had passed away at the age of 59, although his specific cause of death is still unknown. DJ D-Nice was the first to break the news during one of his Club Quarantine sessions on Instagram live. Harrell's cousin, singer O'Neal McKnight, later confirmed his passing.
Among his many accomplishments, Harrell has been credited for discovering a young Sean "Diddy" Combs and launching his career. He also served as the President and CEO of Motown Records as well as the Vice president and General Manager of Def Jam at different points in his career. At the time of his death, Harrell was the Vice Chairman of REVOLT TV & Media.
Plenty of artists and fellow executives in the music industry came forward to pay their respects to Harrell over social media.
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Rest in peace, Andre Harrell. We send our love and condolences to his loved ones at this time.
