UPDATE: Sylvia Rhone Announces Joint Venture With Epic Records

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Epic Records has inked an exclusive joint venture with renowned music industry executive Sylvia Rhone to form Vested in Culture (VIC), it was announced today by Doug Morris, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, L.A. Reid, Chairman & CEO of Epic Records, and Rhone.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130130/NY51065 )

As Chairman of VIC, Rhone will report to Reid and oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York-based label.

Stated Morris, "Sylvia is one the most talented and gifted creative executives in the industry. She is a proven success who time-and-again has displayed a special understanding of how to inspire great artistry and develop hits. We are excited to be working with her on this new venture, and we are proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family."  

"It gives me great pleasure to work alongside the most successful female record executive of all time," remarked Reid. "She has taste, style, vision and she has my complete support."

"The partnership between Vested in Culture and Epic Records marks an exciting new chapter in my career," stated Rhone. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Doug Morris and L.A. Reid, and couldn't ask to work with better music men than them. I look forward to building a great label and being a part of their continued success."

Up first from VIC will be the hotly awaited debut of rising Latin pop star Kat Dahlia, followed by a new album from critically-acclaimed, indie pop duo Quadron and the highly anticipated debut album of R&B singer-songwriter Deon Young. VIC's diverse roster of young, fresh and new artists also includes pop singer-songwriter-musician Sebastian Mikael and Los Angeles rappers Casey Veggies and Cashius Green.

Rhone was most recently President of Universal Motown Records, overseeing a roster of breakthrough, best-selling artists, including Lil Wayne and the YMCMB roster of gold, platinum and multi-platinum artists, Kid Cudi, Akon, Erykah Badu, Nelly, Melanie Fiona and the legendary Stevie Wonder. Previously, she served as Chairman/CEO of the Elektra Entertainment Group (EEG), where she was responsible for the breakout success of Missy Elliott, Metallica, Busta Rhymes, Natalie Merchant, En Vogue, Staind, Tracy Chapman, Jason Mraz, Yolanda Adams, Third Eye Blind, Gerald Levert, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Fabolous, among many others.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Nashville, Beach Street Records, Bystorm Entertainment, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Kemosabe Records, Legacy Recordings, MASTERWORKS, Polo Grounds, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records, Reunion Records, Roc Nation, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music and Volcano. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

SOURCE Epic Records Vested in Culture