Jerry Moss, the co-founder of A&M Records alongside Herb Alpert, passed away at the age of 88. Moss, who played a pivotal role in releasing top-selling albums by iconic artists such as The Carpenters, The Police, and Alpert himself, died peacefully at his home in Bel Air from natural causes. His wife, Tina Moss, described him as a force of nature who lived life to the fullest.
Moss was recognized for his contributions to the music industry and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. In 1966, he won the record of the year at the Grammys for co-producing “A Taste of Honey,” which he shared with Alpert. Moss received four other Grammy nominations throughout his career and was honored with the Grammy Trustees Award in 1997 for his significant contributions to the field of recording.
Born as Jerome Sheldon Moss, he grew up in the Bronx and later graduated from Brooklyn College. Moss moved to the West Coast where he established A&M Records, which became one of the most successful independent record labels. Under his leadership, the company released numerous best-selling albums and songs by renowned artists such as Peter Frampton, Sting, Squeeze, Simple Minds, Supertramp, Rick Wakeman, Joe Cocker, Bryan Adams, Soundgarden, Styx, and Janet Jackson.
Aside from his successful career in the music industry, Moss was also dedicated to philanthropy. Together with his wife Tina and the Moss Foundation, he made a generous gift of $25 million to The Music Center in Los Angeles. He also established scholarship programs at UCLA in the fields of art and music and created an endowment for its medical school.
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Jerry Moss is survived by his wife Tina, their four children – Ron, Jennifer, Harrison, and Daniela – as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services to honor his life and achievements will be held in Los Angeles this weekend at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary.
Jerry Moss leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the music industry, not only for founding A&M Records but also for his instrumental role in shaping the careers of countless artists. His contributions will not be forgotten, and his impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come.
In remembrance of Jerry Moss, his family, friends, and colleagues celebrate his passion, dedication, and immense talent. His achievements serve as an inspiration for those who aspire to excel in the music industry, and his philanthropy serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community. As the world bids farewell to this legendary figure, his memory will forever live on through the timeless music he helped create and the lives he touched along the way.
