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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!
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