Bruce Lundvall facts for kids

Bruce Lundvall (born September 13, 1935 – died May 19, 2015) was an important American music executive. He was best known for leading the Blue Note Label Group. This group included famous labels like Blue Note (jazz), Angel Records (classical), and Manhattan Records (pop). Bruce Lundvall helped many artists become famous during his long career.

Bruce Lundvall's Career in Music

Bruce Lundvall was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He worked in the music business for 50 years. He helped sign many well-known artists. Some of these artists include Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones.

Lundvall started his music journey at Columbia Records. He worked there for 21 years. In 1976, he became the President of CBS Records in the United States. In 1974, he approved Bruce Springsteen's famous album Born to Run. He decided to support it after hearing the title song.

In 1979, Bruce Lundvall helped organize a music festival. It was called Havana Jam and took place in Havana, Cuba. Many American and Cuban artists performed there. Some of the artists included Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joel, and Weather Report. Their performances were recorded for albums and a documentary.

In 1982, Lundvall joined Elektra Records. He became the President of Elektra Records. He also led their new jazz label, Elektra/Musician Jazz.

Two years later, in 1984, EMI offered him a new challenge. They wanted him to create a new pop music label called Manhattan. They also wanted him to bring back the old Blue Note jazz label. Lundvall took on this exciting task. He led Blue Note for 25 years. He is famous for signing an unknown singer named Norah Jones. Her first album, Come Away With Me, sold millions of copies around the world.

Bruce Lundvall stepped down as President of Blue Note in 2010. In 2012, he became the Chairman Emeritus. This means he was still an important advisor.

Lundvall lived in Wyckoff, New Jersey. He passed away on May 19, 2015. He had been battling Parkinson's disease for a long time. He was survived by his wife, Kay, and his three sons, Eric, Tor, and Kurt. He also had two granddaughters, Rayna and Kerstin.

Awards and Recognition

Bruce Lundvall received many awards for his work in music. Here are some of them:

• 1996 — Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America
• 1998 — Down Beat Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2004 — MIDEM Personality of the Year Award
• 2012 — UCLA Gershwin Award

Images for kids

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  Bruce Lundvall (right) with Willie Nelson and Brian Camelio.