Michael Mauldin (record executive) facts for kids

Michael Thomas Mauldin, born on October 30, 1953, is an American businessman. He works in the music and entertainment industry. He used to be a top leader at Columbia Records, a big music company. He is also the father of Jermaine Dupri, who started the So So Def Recordings label. In 2018, he started the Black American Music Association. This group helps people who work in Black American music. He also leads this association. In 2019, he founded his own company, Mauldin Brand AC/VC.

Early Life and Beginnings

Growing Up in North Carolina

Michael Mauldin was born and grew up in Murphy, North Carolina. When he was 20 years old, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. This move was a big step in starting his career in music.

Michael Mauldin's Career in Music

Starting in the Music Business

Michael Mauldin began his career in 1976. He started as a roadie for a popular band called "Brick." A roadie helps set up equipment and manages things for a band on tour. This early experience taught him a lot about the music world.

Touring and Management

After working as a roadie, Michael Mauldin became very successful in managing tours. He helped many famous music groups and artists. These included bands like Cameo, The S.O.S. Band, and Sister Sledge. He also worked with artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Anita Baker, and Luther Vandross. He even helped with the original "New York City Fresh Fest" concert series.

Helping So So Def Recordings

In 1993, Michael Mauldin played a key role in helping his son, Jermaine Dupri. Jermaine was 19 years old at the time. Michael helped him start his own music label called So So Def Recordings. Michael was very important in helping Jermaine and the artists on his label become famous worldwide.

Producing Hit Albums

Michael Mauldin worked as an executive producer for many successful albums. This means he helped oversee the creation of these albums. Some of the albums he worked on include:

• JE Heartbreak II by Jagged Edge
• Timeless by Kenny Lattimore
• Beware of Dog by Bow Wow
• Jump by Kris Kross
• Off the Hook by Xscape

Leading Columbia Records

As President of Columbia Records, Michael Mauldin helped guide the early careers of many big stars. He helped shape the names of groups like Destiny's Child. He also helped Alicia Keys become a household name. He oversaw many albums that sold millions of copies. These albums were from artists like Maxwell, Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Nas. He also worked on soundtracks for movies like Men In Black.

Recent Projects and Ventures

In 2020, Michael Mauldin was an executive producer for Amplified. This was a digital show about Black American Music. It focused on its history, how to keep it alive, and new ideas. He also manages the two-time Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development. This involves working with the group's members, SPEECH and HEADLINER.

Michael Mauldin is also the Managing Director for 2475 AtVille Entertainment. He owns Air Control Music publishing. He is also the founder of Scream Nation. This is a concert tour that started in 2013. It is famous for its "Scream Tour" events.