L.A. Reid Quotes
Born: June 7, 1956
Antonio “L.A.” Reid is a visionary music executive and producer whose career embodies resilience and razor-sharp focus. Rising from the streets of Cincinnati to shape the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop, Reid co-founded LaFace Records, discovering icons like TLC, Usher, and OutKast. His philosophy—that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks—drives his legacy. Reid’s quotes resonate because they blend hard-won wisdom with unflinching ambition, urging creatives to channel adversity into artistry. Whether navigating industry shifts or personal challenges, his words remind us that success demands clarity, grit, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision.
L.A. Reid Quotes (13)
"World events can shape culture. Music is either a soundtrack for or a narration of changing times. And who knows how that's going to go?"
— L. A. Reid"I live for opening doors for the young generation of creators. If we do nothing else with our success, let's open up some doors."
— L. A. Reid"You always have to know when to bow out. You bow out while you are on top."
— L. A. Reid"Listen, we're still selling stardom. That doesn't go away because MTV decides they can't play videos or they want to program themselves more as a traditional T.V. station. Vevo and YouTube are like MTV online, and on demand."
— L. A. Reid"I am a record executive and I shall be right there in your face with my records."
— L. A. Reid"I think of myself as a producer who tries to bring the best out of everyone, whether that be an artist, songwriter or a publicist."
— L. A. Reid"I was a James Brown junkie as a kid."
— L. A. Reid"I'm one of those foolish people who believe the glory days of the record industry aren't behind us. They're actually ahead of us."
— L. A. Reid"The kids I talk to are convinced their generation will make the best music. And the greatest artists have yet to be discovered. I walk around with that thought every day."
— L. A. Reid"I'm personally looking for artists that are along the lines of today's pop stars. Whether it be a Rihanna or a Justin Bieber or a Kanye West or a Beyonce or a Lady Gaga, I'm looking for talent that's like that, that's what I love."
— L. A. Reid"Popular music has always been rooted in the blues, whether it's Adele or Led Zeppelin or Sam Cooke. It's just the beat that changes."
— L. A. Reid"I'm not a good Samaritan, I'm a businessman... The goal is to read and react. If we sign an artist that has potential for a shelf life way out in the distance, then we'll stay. But if not, then we won't."
— L. A. Reid"The deepest and most sincere feeling I get is when I meet an artist and they have that steel in their eyes and they have that fire and that passion and all they want is to be a star and to hear themselves on the radio."
— L. A. Reid