L.A. Reid

Antonio Marquis 'L.A.' Reid, born on June 7, 1956, is an American record executive, A&R representative, and record producer. He gained fame as the co-chairman of Hitco Entertainment and previously held prominent positions, including chairman and CEO of Epic Records, The Island Def Jam Music Group, and president and CEO of Arista Records. Before his success in the music industry, Reid began his career as a musician, playing drums for Ohio R&B bands Pure Essence and The Deele, the latter being formed with his future business partner Babyface. Throughout his career, he has also worked as a record producer, programmer, and instrumentalist for various artists. Reid appeared as a judge on the first two seasons of the U.S. version of The X Factor and has made significant contributions to the music world.