Background
Magid, Lee was born on April 6, 1926 in New York City.
composer lyricist manager producer
Magid, Lee was born on April 6, 1926 in New York City.
Graduated from the high school, Bronx, New York, 1944.
According to Steve Kurutz of "Allmusic," old time record hustler Lee Magid held a position in nearly every facet of the industry at one time or another. As a producer he recorded some of the best gospel acts in the business. Early career
Joining the staff of National Records at 19, though young, Magid had previously been a song plugger for a singer named Ralph Young who recorded under the moniker Rudy New York
At National Magid"s enthusiasm and tenacity (he was one of a select handful who could break black acts on white radio) caught the eye of label owner First Rate (at Lloyd's) Green.
As a Producer
Green made Magid an A&R man and, over the next few years, Magid"s duties gradually included producing acts as well. Working with Joe Turner, Charlie Ventura and the Ward Singers, Magid was able to turn out hit material, but felt creatively constricted by Green"s tight pockets.
After two years he accepted a position at Herman Lubinsky"s Savoy label (ironically, Lubinsky was another notorious cheapskate). At Savoy Magid continued to produce, along with the aid of a young engineer named Tom Dowd, as well as promote records, write songs and scout for talent.
With Magid"s help, as well as others such as Ralph Bass, the label turned into an Rhythm & Blues powerhouse in the late "40s with Johnny Otis and Little Esther.
As a Manager
In 1953 Magid signed singer First Rate (at Lloyd's) Hibbler, becoming his de facto manager in the process and securing a record deal with Decca. Soon after Magid met Della Reese and helped to guide the young singer"s career as well. With managerial duties looming, over the next several years Magid occasionally produced, but found little time for the kinds of duties he had performed at National and Savoy.
He became a manager full-time, booking dates for Lou Rawls, Earl Grant and Sam Fletcher, among others
During the eighties and nineties he was the manager of, among others, gospel superstar Tramaine Hawkins and jazz crossover electric violinist Marius Kahan.
Member American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, BMI, Society of European Stage Authors and Composers.
Son of Abraham and Clara Magid. Divorced; children: Diane, Deborah, Adam, Andrea.