Sylvia Rhone at 74: From Buddah Records Secretary to Industry Trailblazer

Sylvia Rhone has spent over 50 years in the music business. In 2014, she became president of Epic Records, then chair and CEO in 2019. She was the first Black woman to lead a major label imprint and to hold both CEO and chair titles at a top record company. Born in Philadelphia on March 11, 1952, and raised in Harlem, Rhone credits early experiences at the Apollo Theatre for shaping her passion. She first joined Buddah Records as a secretary in 1974 and rose through roles at Atlantic, Elektra, and Universal. She led Atlantic’s Black music division, managed top artists, and chaired Atco/EastWest. Rhone later headed Motown and founded the Epic imprint Vested in Culture. She has received industry honors and sits on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board. Today, Rhone’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Her career remains a blueprint for breaking barriers in entertainment.

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