Trailblazers Archives
    Sheroes Archives
    Rocks Archives

Maurice Harley
Midwest Regional R&B Promotion Manager, J Records

 

Born in Chicago - raised in Muncie, IN... Maurice Harley, though a Nordstrom shoe salesman, believed that one day he would be in the music business. The music bug bit him early as a young mobile DJ back in Muncie and it traveled with him when he moved to Chicago at age 18.

 

An opportunity to find out more about this intriguing industry materialized for Maurice when John Cooper, a WEA (Warner/Elektra/Asylum) Representative, stopped by the Nordstrom store where he worked. Mr. Cooper found shoes he liked, but the store did not have his size. He then left his business card with Maurice so that someone would call when the shoes he wanted came in. Upon seeing that Mr. Cooper worked for WEA, Maurice's face lit up and he remarked, "I've been waiting to meet you all my life!" The two struck a friendship, which led to Maurice being invited to numerous listening parities and industry networking events. At one of these events, Maurice met Dwight Bibs, the man he credits as the first to show an interest in him, his talents and his desire to be in the music industry.

 

Through industry contacts, Maurice eventually met his wife Andrea, who was a promotion representative for Atlantic Records. She explained to him how music promotion worked and exactly what it entailed - Maurice knew he was now at the beginning of reaching his life's goal!

 

Maintaining his contacts, continuing to develop relationships, Maurice Harley's dedication and persistence landed him a gig at Death Row Records in 1996. Here he played an instrumental role in the careers of Snoop Doggy Dog, Nate Dog, Danny Boy, The Dog Pound and others. Late in 1997 he left Death Row to join the promotions team at Def Jam Recordings as Midwest Regional Marketing Manager. Through Def Jam, Maurice continued to sharpen his skills and develop his leadership potential. In 1999 he saw the fruits of his labor, as he was named National Director of Promotions at Tommy Boy Records and relocated to New York City!

 

Through a successful run at Tommy Boy, amid corporate restructure and industry changes, Maurice returned to Chicago where he resides today. Currently the Midwest Regional Promotions Manager for Priority Records, the recipient of numerous industry awards, a loving father and husband - NABFEME Brown Sugar... Maurice Harley is an inspiration whose career reflects what determination, tenacity and character can produce.

 

Work it, Mo Harley, work it ... we love you!


About Us | Features | Membership | Programs & Services | Events | Contact