Died On This Date (August 14, 2011) Tom Tilton / Former Capitol Records Executive
themusicsover Tom Tilton
December 1, 1935 – August 14, 2011
Tom Tilton was a long time sales executive for Capitol Records and later, its distribution arm which was renamed Cema Distribution during the late ’80s. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Tilton went to work for Capitol as a young man, and ultimately found himself running the Cema sales branch in Dallas, Texas where he was loved and respected by his staff and colleagues throughout the entire company. During his tenure with Capitol-EMI Music, Tilton played a key role in the successes of such artists as varied as the Beatles, Duran Duran, Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Garth Brooks, Iron Maiden, and the Beach Boys. Tilton left the music industry during the mid ’90s, but stayed in the Dallas area where he farmed and raised horses and cattle for the rest of his working life. Tom Tilton was 75 when he passed away peacefully on August 14, 2011.
Thanks to Alexis Kelley for the assist.
Jay Dee Springbett was perhaps best known as a judge on Australian Idol, the country’s version of the immensely popular televised talent show, American Idol. The Australian program began in July of 2003, with Springbett coming on to replace the controversial Kyle Sandilands in 2009. As a judge, Springbett quickly became known as the “nice guy.” Born in the UK, Springbett spent six years as a respected A&R rep for Sony Music where he was directly involved with the careers of Guy Sebastian, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, and Human Nature, to name a few. Jay Dee Springbett was 36 when he was found dead in his apartment on June 30, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released, but authorities did not suspect foul play.
Steve Popovich was a long-time music industry powerhouse who, over a career that spanned some 50 years wore many hats. He started in the Columbia Records warehouse in 1962, and quickly moved into radio promotion, sales, TV promotion and even inventory control. In those early years, he helped promote the likes of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Simon & Garfunkel, and Paul Revere & The Raiders. In 1972, he became Columbia’s Vice President of Promotion – appointed by Clive Davis. At just 26, he was the youngest VP there ever. In 1974, he moved over to Epic Records where he helped launch the careers of Boston, Cheap Trick, and Ted Nugent, to name just a few. In 1977, Popovich founded Cleveland International Records where he would release Meat Loaf’s landmark album Bat Out Of Hell, which went on to sell upwards of 40 million copies during an era when most new releases sold at best, 5000 copies. He later went on to work as Sr Vice President at Polygram Nashville where he was responsible for numerous other successes. In recent years, Popovich found himself embroiled in a legal battle with Sony Music over royalties and failure to put the Cleveland International logo on millions of CDs. Steve Popovich died of an apparent heart attack on June 8, 2011. He was 69.
Norio Ohga is best remembered as the president of Sony from 1982 to 1995. He also happened to be a professionally trained opera singer and musician. After writing a letter to the electronics giant to complain about the inferior sound quality of their cassettes, Ohga was offered a job. He rose through the ranks until he ultimately served as president and CEO. Under his watch, he helped develop the compact disc which went on to revolutionize the music industry and made Sony into the huge entertainment company it is today. Also while president, Ohga oversaw the purchase of Sony Pictures and the creation of CBS/Sony Records, now Sony Music. Norio Ohga was 81 when he passed away on April 23, 2011.