STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Andre Harrell In His Own Words: Inspirational Quotes From A Music Legend

We are celebrating the heavenly birthday of the iconic Uptown Records founder.

Today would have been the 63rd birthday of Andre Harrell, Uptown Records founder and music industry legend. In May 2020, Harrell passed away at 59 years old. 

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Andre Harrell was an inspiration and mentor to many. Founding Uptown Records in 1986, the music icon worked with Guy and producer-performer Teddy Riley, Al B. Sure, Jodeci, Heavy D and the Boyz and Father MC. Harrell also signed a then teenage Mary J. Blige. Perhaps his most notable achievement was his eye for talent when he hired an enterprising young intern named Sean “Puffy” Combs who he quickly promoted to an A&R role. This role led Diddy to discover and sign the Notorious B.I.G.  

Andre Harrell always had pearls of wisdom to share on the impact of Black culture and his rise to the top. In honor of his heavenly birthday, see some of his most powerful quotes below:

  1. On His Father

    A Tribute to Entertainment Legend Andre Harrell on BET.
    A Tribute to Entertainment Legend Andre Harrell on BET.

    "My dad worked hard at the produce market in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, but he didn’t love it so he was unhappy. That experience made me move towards something I really wanted to do, because otherwise I would feel trapped like him."  (Reuters 2018)

  2. On His Protégé, Diddy

    Diddy with late Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell. (Photo by Catherine McGann/Getty Images)

    Photo by Catherine McGann/Getty Images

    Diddy with late Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell.

    "We were representing like an urban chic, which we called ‘ghetto fabulous,’ and he [Diddy] loved it. He loved it so much he would be walking around in the office with no shirt on, Timberland boots and jewelry… He was art imitating life." - (theGrio, 2016)

  3. On His Label Uptown Records

    Andre Harrell

    Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Moet

    Andre Harrell: September 26 - The big-time music exec is now 55.(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Moet)

     "I'm an inner-city kid who knows the reality of being poor. I'm looking for escapism. Fun music. Good-time music. So, Uptown." (Vanity Fair, 1993)

  4. advertisement
  5. On Black America

    Andre Harrell
    Andre Harrell: September 26 - The former Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde member and Motown Records CEO is 52. (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

    "My goal is to bring real Black America — just as it is, not watered down — to people everywhere through music, through films, through everything we do." (The New York Times, 1992)

  6. On Culture

    "I tend to lean toward things that are culturally significant in our universe at that time." (Wall Street Journal, 2014)

  7. On Lessons To His Son

    Andre Harrell

    Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

    Andre Harrell: September 26 - The music executive turns 54.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

    "I try to tell him that youth is for doing it, and doing it right now. So figure out what you love, and then get to work. Then, when you are my age, you can sit back and call the shots." -  (Reuters, 2018)

  8. advertisement

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.