Died On This Date (September 28, 2008) Walter Lee / Longtime Capitol Records Promo Man
themusicsover Walter Lee
September 29, 1942 – September 28, 2008
Walter Lee, began his career in music as lead guitarist for the Boston-area rock ‘n roll combo, the Uniques, a band who had some local success after releasing two singles. He was eventually hired by Capitol Records and moved to Detroit where he is credited for bringing Bob Seger to the label. After a handful albums failed to get Seger noticed outside of the Midwest, Capitol was ready to give up on the artist until Lee persuaded the higher-ups to put out an album that captured Seger in his element, live on stage. That album was Live Bullet, and it launched Seger into the stratosphere. The ’80s found Lee running Capitol’s radio promotion department in Hollywood. His leadership as Vice President and GM at the label contributed to the success of Duran Duran, the Motels, Missing Persons, Iron Maiden, Steve Miller and many more. After leaving Capitol, Lee lead the promotion team at Morgan Creek Records. In recent years, he was a partner at Pro Sports Music, a firm that promoted music through sporting events. Walter Lee died of colon cancer on September 28, 2008.