- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Stephen Ferrera, senior vice president of A&R at Columbia Records, died on Monday, Jan. 27, in New York. The cause of death was lung cancer, according to a statement by the Sony Music label.
A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School, where he studied percussion, his career as a record executive was preceded by years spent as an accomplished musician, songwriter and producer.
VIDEO: 5 Music Executives Talk About the Changes in Their Industry
Ferrera’s work in A&R began at Chrysalis Group UK’s The Echo Label. He then went on to hold senior A&R positions at RCA Music Group, where he was a key player in bringing in the American Idol franchise, Island Def Jam, and Columbia, where he spent the last years of his career.
Among his credits are multi-platinum successes by Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ne-Yo, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi.
“Steve fully embraced life and loved spending time with his family, enjoyed good food and all things Italian, and truly respected and appreciated the people he worked with,” read Columbia’s statement. “He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and had the opportunity to make music with him.”
STORY: Bruce Springsteen Honors Pete Seeger at South Africa Concert
Ferrera is survived by his wife, Camilla, his 14-year-old daughter, Grace, and his 10-year-old son, Guy.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Lung Cancer Research Department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th St., New York, NY 10065 or at mskcc.org.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 3, at 4:00 p.m. at the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York City.
Related Stories
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day