Seymour Stein, the Sire Records producer who discovered Madonna, dies at 80

Music
03 Apr 23

Seymour Stein - photo credit: Tobyn Ross

In addition to discovering Madonna, he signed acts like the Talking Heads, the Ramones, and more, including the Northern Irish band the Undertones, over his decades long career as a music producer.

Co-founder of Sire Records and a previous vice president of Warner Bros. Records, the late Seymour Stein was instrumental to the music industry in the 70s and 80s onwards.

Stein slowly rose through the ranks of the music scene, going from a high school intern at King Records to becoming a clerk for Billboard in 1958. He co-founded Sire Records in 1966 with Richard Gottehrer, which would go on to become a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Records.

From there, he's credited with discovering ground-breaking New Wave artists like the Talking Heads, the Ramones, the Pretenders, and the woman who would become the stunning Queen of Pop, Madonna.

According to Variety, the record producer died from cancer on Sunday April 2nd in Los Angeles.

Seymour Stein, you will be greatly missed. You were always so gracious and supportive of the @RamonesOfficial, and to Johnny and @lindaramone. The Johnny Ramone Army sends its love to Mandy Stein and all of Seymour’s family at this sad time. Legends never die. 💕💕💕 pic.twitter.com/atPq34XozH

— Johnny Ramone (@johnnyramone) April 3, 2023

Also known for bringing acts like the Cure, the Smiths, Depeche Mode, and the Northern Irish band the Undertones to the States, he helped establish the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he was eventually inducted into under the lifetime-achievement category in 2005.

Stein also was honoured with the Richmond Hitmaker Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which is given to artists with a substantial number of hit songs over their careers.

In 2018, he published his autobiography Siren Song: My Life in Music. The narrative recounts his journey from the late fifties on into the action of the music industry.

Seymour Stein remains fondly remembered for his dedication, his eccentricity, and for his legendary musical legacy by musicians and fans alike.

RIP Seymour Stein. Classic old school record company guy. He tried to sign me in the early 80’s but we didn’t like the deal. Still, he was a Man who didn’t hold grudges and occasionally advised us throughout the years. I always liked him. Now spinning vinyl in musical heaven❤️ pic.twitter.com/COC1CkwQdL

— Simply Red (@SimplyRedHQ) April 3, 2023