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Key moments and achievements from Howie Klein's life.
Howie was born
· Los Angeles, California, United States
Founded Organization
In 1978, Klein co-founded 415 Records in San Francisco with Chris Knab and Butch Bridges, creating an independent label that became a key incubator for punk and new wave acts including Romeo Void, Translator, Wire Train, and the Nuns. The label was at the forefront of San Francisco's vibrant late-1970s punk scene and established Klein as a visionary in alternative music.
Founded Organization
In 1978, Klein co-founded 415 Records in San Francisco with Chris Knab and Butch Bridges, creating an independent label that became a key incubator for punk and new wave acts including Romeo Void, Translator, Wire Train, and the Nuns. The label was at the forefront of San Francisco's vibrant late-1970s punk scene and established Klein as a visionary in alternative music.
Career Achievement
In 1987, Klein joined Sire Records in Los Angeles, then at the peak of its reign as a mecca of alternative music. He played a key role in bringing Lou Reed to the label and helping launch his legendary "New York" album, which revitalized the singer-songwriter's career and was widely regarded as his late masterpiece.
Career Achievement
In 1987, Klein joined Sire Records in Los Angeles, then at the peak of its reign as a mecca of alternative music. He played a key role in bringing Lou Reed to the label and helping launch his legendary "New York" album, which revitalized the singer-songwriter's career and was widely regarded as his late masterpiece.
Career Achievement
After just two years at Sire, Klein was elevated to president of Reprise Records, the Warner label founded by Frank Sinatra. During his tenure, he oversaw a remarkably eclectic roster that included Green Day, Alanis Morissette, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Wilco, Fleetwood Mac, and Enya, earning deep loyalty from artists with his hands-on, artist-friendly leadership style.
Career Achievement
After just two years at Sire, Klein was elevated to president of Reprise Records, the Warner label founded by Frank Sinatra. During his tenure, he oversaw a remarkably eclectic roster that included Green Day, Alanis Morissette, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Wilco, Fleetwood Mac, and Enya, earning deep loyalty from artists with his hands-on, artist-friendly leadership style.
Advocacy
Throughout his music career and beyond, Klein distinguished himself as a stalwart opponent of censorship and a dedicated advocate of free speech in the music industry. His activism against content restrictions on artistic expression earned him respect across the entertainment industry and positioned him as one of the most outspoken defenders of artists' rights.
Advocacy
Throughout his music career and beyond, Klein distinguished himself as a stalwart opponent of censorship and a dedicated advocate of free speech in the music industry. His activism against content restrictions on artistic expression earned him respect across the entertainment industry and positioned him as one of the most outspoken defenders of artists' rights.
Career Milestone
After leaving Reprise Records, Klein channeled his activist energy into politics, serving on the board of People for the American Way and launching the influential liberal blog DownWithTyranny!. The blog became a significant voice in progressive political commentary, demonstrating Klein's ability to champion causes with the same passion he had brought to championing artists.
Career Milestone
After leaving Reprise Records, Klein channeled his activist energy into politics, serving on the board of People for the American Way and launching the influential liberal blog DownWithTyranny!. The blog became a significant voice in progressive political commentary, demonstrating Klein's ability to champion causes with the same passion he had brought to championing artists.
Howie Klein passed away
