Howie Klein: A Music Industry Titan
Howie Klein is no longer with us. The veteran record executive, radio DJ, and fierce political activist passed away at 77 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His sister broke the news on social media. Klein’s impact on the music world is undeniable, especially during the golden years of the Warner Music family in the ’80s and early ’90s.
Unforgettable Career at Sire and Reprise
He was a driving force at Sire Records during its heyday—a label that boasted iconic artists such as Madonna, the Smiths, and Depeche Mode. Klein later ascended to president of Reprise Records, holding that position from 1989 to 2001. Talk about a legacy. Before all that, he co-founded 415 Records in San Francisco, which played a vital role in the punk and alternative music scenes.
Roots and Early Days
Born in Brooklyn in 1948, Klein got his start at Stony Brook University on Long Island. He didn’t just write about music; he brought legends to perform. The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin—his booking list reads like a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit.
From DJ to Industry Leader
After a few years traveling abroad, Klein landed in San Francisco in 1976, where he became a beloved DJ at KSAN-FM. He supported the city’s emerging punk scene, interviewing acts like the Sex Pistols and Devo. His expertise was unmistakable, and his passion for music was contagious. In 1978, he helped launch 415 Records, releasing groundbreaking work from bands like Translator and Romeo Void.
Champion of Free Speech
Klein joined Sire Records in 1987, just as the label was becoming the epicenter of alternative music. He played a crucial role in revitalizing Lou Reed’s career by facilitating the release of the album “New York.” It was a full-circle moment for Klein, who had seen Reed perform with the Velvet Underground years earlier.
Two years in, he became president of Reprise, working with heavyweights like Green Day, Neil Young, and Alanis Morissette. During this time, he stood firm against censorship, fighting back against right-wing efforts led by groups like the Parents Music Resource Center. Klein was a vocal advocate for free speech and a leader in initiatives like Rock the Vote, earning multiple Spirit of Liberty Awards from People for the American Way.
Later Years and Legacy
After the merger of Time Warner and AOL in 2001, he took a buyout and left his role at Reprise. Ironically, the very day after his exit, his successor sparked a controversy by rejecting Wilco’s album “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” igniting a bidding war that would ultimately see the album released through a different division of Warner.
In his later years, Klein continued to make an impact through his political blog, DownWithTyranny!, and by collaborating with organizations like the Blue America PAC. His voice will be missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the music and activism communities.
To understand the full scope of Howie Klein’s influence, explore the rich history he helped create at music history and beyond.